I need some low-end GFX tips

[Emultra]

Well, it seems my CPU and/or mobo burnt down (XP1600+).
But this is the Video forum, right?

Well, I have an old GF2Pro 64MB DDR. I thought about getting a completely new set of hardware, but I can't muster the funds to do that now. Instead of going some halfway, dead-end path I've been thinking about buying some cheap stuff to play pre-current games with until I can get a fully powered rig.

Do you think getting a new 1600+ (that's the max mobo allowed) is worth it at this point? I'm going to play games from 2003 and before that. Of course, if the mobo is trashed the situation is different.

I've only got 256MB's of PC266 DDR RAM, so I thought I'd get another 128 or 256.

On top of that, swapping my GF2 Pro for a GF3 Ti 500 or something would be nice.
I'm not looking for a significant upgrade, just to get my computer up and running again with a bit of a tune-up while I'm at it.
Or would a GF4 Ti be better?

Current hardware: AthlonXP 1600+ (probably trashed), MSI motherboard (possibly trashed), 256MB PC266 DDR RAM, GF2 Pro 64MB DDR, chassi w/ 350W etc.

Prices should be kept as low as possible.

 

[Fern]

Whats' your budget?

I'd go to the the Ti4200 at least. Pick up a used or refurb.

Rather than keep the 1600+, I'd look for an inexpensive AMD cpu/mobo combo to get up to at least 2000mhz. But then you'd need a stick of ram.

But it all depends on your budget.

Fern

 

[Rage187]

Frys usually has a Sempron/Mobo combo for like $120.

 

[Emultra]

I can't tell the exact budget, but for CPU, GFX and RAM together, I'd say probably $150-170 is about what I could take. I'm going to have to look that up. I might be able to go up to $200, but you see, where I live everything - including foreign imports - gets taxed by 25%. The dollar is currently comparatively at a low course, so that helps to ease it off a bit, but still.

Due to, as you said, the RAM thing I'd rather not get a new mobo. I might have to, but if that's the case I'll get back to that.

How much for a good GF4 Ti? Which brand and such? RAM brand? And from where should I get my CPU and what to pay for it?

Anyway, thanks for your replies.

 

[Emultra]

Also, will a 1600+ be a bottleneck for the GF4?
Do I need only 384 or should I get the "full" 512 RAM?

 

[Fern]

I priced a rig for someone recently. IIRC:

MSI KT3 Ultra plus an AMD 2000+ was about $70-80

I was wrong about your ram. It's pc2100, so you'd just want another stick of 256MB to go along with what you already have. I'd guess $40 (pc 2700 would work too if cheaper)

Used Ti4200 seem to go for $40 - 50.

Sounds like you're not in the US, finding someone to ship to you c/b a problem.

 

[Emultra]

That doesn't sound too bad. Though, speaking about selling stuff, I guess you don't get a dime for my mobo and GFX nowadays, huh?

If that mobo plus CPU you listed are so cheap, then a CPU only must be really affordable. But maybe a combo is better after all...the only thing being that it still cannot run newer games and cheaper products may still be adequate for the time being. But such an upgrade would nevertheless be nice.

I live in Sweden, the land of taxXxes. I guess if I could only decide on whatever things I should buy, I could try to find someone who ships overseas (if at all possible) or I could try to find the same models over here. Many places don't keep up very well with market pricing, I saw a GF2 for about maybe $650 online a while ago...

I think I'm moving the right direction anyway. Thanks for your help.

 

[Emultra]

Anyone?

 

[Emultra]

Out of The GF4 Ti's, which one is the most priceworthy, 4200, 4400 or 4600?

 

[Fern]

Originally posted by: Emultra
Out of The GF4 Ti's, which one is the most priceworthy, 4200, 4400 or 4600?

Look at some older benchies to see the difference in performance between the three. And then check out their prices to see whats best.

Prolly going to be the Ti4200, I think many more of them were sold.

 

[Emultra]

Okay, what's the best place to do that?

 

[Emultra]

Okay, what's the best place to do that?

 

[Marsumane]

www.tomshardware.com
-search for "vga" and look at the charts. He has like 4 different charts so u may have to go back to the vga charts part 2 or 3 or something in there. But to simplify this, the ti4200 is the best bang for ur buck card at your price point.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

As I've said in many a thread:

"Ti4200"

Used from the FS/T forum should be just around $60. Overclock it if you're feeling ballsy and don't care about voided warranty.

- M4H

 

[Emultra]

That seems like the choice for me, then. Thanks.

But there's no warranty on used cards, right?

 

[Emultra]

Which Detonator to use with GF4 Ti cards?

 

[Fern]

Originally posted by: Emultra
Which Detonator to use with GF4 Ti cards?

If I ran win XP. I could tell you. But I used a different OS when I was using the Ti 4200. I liked the older drivers, before they started tweaking for the FX line of vid cards.

I'd try the new ones, then some of the old ones. Maybe early to mid '03 and see which ones I prefer.

 

[Emultra]

Thanks for that tip. Do you think it is usually best to use drivers released around or a little bit later than the release of the GFX card you're using them with?