I have an nForce2 mobo with an Athlon XP 2500+ Barton...thinking about upgrading my current 9800pro to a 6800 Nvidia. While the extra cash for the 6800GT AGP version isn't too big a deal, is it worth it on my current setup? Have to consider the performance gains of an unlockable 6800 NU too...
I'm beginning to think that a 6800GT is overkill on my Athlon XP 2500+ system...
- Thread starter glorygunk
- Start date
I think the advantage of the 6800GT (or even a X800Pro, for that matter) is that it comes with 256mb of video memory. Almost all the 6800 NU AGP cards only have 128 mb of memory. Many newer games, such as Battlefield 2, seem to be using this extra video memory for larger textures.
While your relatively slow CPU will limit how much of performance gain you get, in terms of FPS, when going to a faster video card, there will be some improvement. However, more importantly, you will have a newer feature set of hardware supported video features. These will become available to you, whether or not you actually see an improvement in FPS over your old card.
Although you said this wasn't really a consideration for you, most folks would have to weigh how much longer they were going to hang onto their current motherboard and processor when deciding whether or how much to spend on a new AGP video card. Chances are that you'll be upgrading to a PCI-e system when you do rebuild your system. So, how much to spend on a AGP card, now, will depend to some extent upon how long you see yourself using it.
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While your relatively slow CPU will limit how much of performance gain you get, in terms of FPS, when going to a faster video card, there will be some improvement. However, more importantly, you will have a newer feature set of hardware supported video features. These will become available to you, whether or not you actually see an improvement in FPS over your old card.
Although you said this wasn't really a consideration for you, most folks would have to weigh how much longer they were going to hang onto their current motherboard and processor when deciding whether or how much to spend on a new AGP video card. Chances are that you'll be upgrading to a PCI-e system when you do rebuild your system. So, how much to spend on a AGP card, now, will depend to some extent upon how long you see yourself using it.
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I was using a 2.4ghz barton (~3400+ or something) on a NF2, and was about to upgrade my 9800p to an aiw x800xt, but instead decided to switch over to A64/pcie. The barton was no slouch, but seeing how AGP is being phased out, and all the newest gfx cards are pcie native, I figured it was better to switch over, instead of buying a high end AGP card.
Also, the A64 (s939) would give you a nice boost as well, and would be more future-proof, in case you decide to get dual cores later on (I know I will).
If I were you, I'd sell the 9800p while it's still worth something, and make the switch to pcie. Then, you can get a pcie x800xl for even cheaper than a agp 6800gt.
Also, the A64 (s939) would give you a nice boost as well, and would be more future-proof, in case you decide to get dual cores later on (I know I will).
If I were you, I'd sell the 9800p while it's still worth something, and make the switch to pcie. Then, you can get a pcie x800xl for even cheaper than a agp 6800gt.
I'm in the *exact* same boat as you, have 2500+ Barton & 9800 Pro. Could either go with a used 6800GT, or sell the whole rig and build a SN25P from scratch. I would like to game at 1600x1200 in BF2, and I think the 6800GT will allow me to do that? Although at what settings, I'm not sure. Was under impression that the higher resolution/settings/AA/AF you go, the less of a bottleneck my CPU will become.
Here's what I'm looking at:
Scenario 1
Used 6800GT +$250
Sell 9800Pro -$75
Total cost = $175
Scenario 2
Buy SN25P/6800GT/A64-3200+ +$1050
Sell SN45G/9800Pro/XP-2500+ -$250
Total cost = $800
That's quite a big difference... $625! What would you do?
munky, What is your cpu, cause you dont get a 2.4gig amd 32bit barton or one called a xp3400, you can o/c them or better still use a 2500M or 2600M.
Amd xp3200 barton (2.2gig 400fsb) was last one.
I know your on 32bit as of your NF2 mobo.
Amd xp3200 barton (2.2gig 400fsb) was last one.
I know your on 32bit as of your NF2 mobo.
Dude I don't know man...maybe you shoulder get a cheaper cpu/mobo combo. Is that a SFF mobo/case? $700 bucks for that cpu/mobo seems pretty steep. Go for a A64 3000 and overlcok the hell outta it me thinks.
It's a Nforce4 Ultra-based SFF. Its price is especially steep locally in HK... just the SN25P+3200 alone would set me back $685! If I lived in the US, the same two pieces can be had on Newegg for $565+shipping.
(I go with the 3000+, I save US$60...)
But, I'm set on the SFF as I have no space in my room for anything else..
It was a mobile 2500, I oc'd it to 2.4ghz. I know there was no xp3400, I was estimating what would the number be based on ghz.
Wow, I had no idea you could spend one grand JUST on the cpu/mobo/vid card. I'm not going SFF and I'm not in HK either
Thinking it further though...Scenario 3
Buy Athlon 64 CPU/mobo combo at Fry's + 6800 GT = $400
Sell Barton/MSI mobo/9800pro = $200
Total cost = $200
Now, am I just going goofy or is the difference between upgrading just the vid card vs. upgrading the whole rig about 50 bucks? Gee....now I'm seriously giving this consideration...
I notice a very nice jump in proformance when I went up to a 6800GT from a 9800pro with an o/c 2400+
EDIT: Make sure to o/c your chip.
EDIT: Make sure to o/c your chip.
It will definately make the difference in games to go ahead and get the vid card , a 2500+ if its got some nice ram will really appreciate a decent video upgrade, does bf2 or hl2 or doom 3 like it as it is now?
It will run fine with the 6800gt...
You can always get a better cpu, mo bo , but the best upgrade for that would be a vid card / ram.
I say go for it l dont believe you ll look back...
It will run fine with the 6800gt...
You can always get a better cpu, mo bo , but the best upgrade for that would be a vid card / ram.
I say go for it l dont believe you ll look back...
Originally posted by: glorygunk
Wow, I had no idea you could spend one grand JUST on the cpu/mobo/vid card. I'm not going SFF and I'm not in HK either
Scenario 3
Buy Athlon 64 CPU/mobo combo at Fry's + 6800 GT = $400
Sell Barton/MSI mobo/9800pro = $200
Total cost = $200
Now, am I just going goofy or is the difference between upgrading just the vid card vs. upgrading the whole rig about 50 bucks? Gee....now I'm seriously giving this consideration...
Dude, go for it. I went from an overclocked XP/9700Pro system...prolly a few % slower thatn yours and currently amd using an A64/X800 Pro. The difference at the higher resolutions 1280x1024 and up is phenomenal. I'm at 1600x1200 on my newer LCD now and WoW runs like butter
.Yeah I'm probably going to take the plunge too!! Spending time on AT forums is hazardous to our wallets, as I'm sure we can all attest to.
I even wanted to go all out for the 7800GTX, but will probably 'settle' for a X800XL instead to save a few bucks. I just want to be able to run BF2 at 1600x1200 with some AA at medium/high settings. It's going to be a SN25P / 3200+ Venice / 1.5GB Ram / HIS X800XL.
I even wanted to go all out for the 7800GTX, but will probably 'settle' for a X800XL instead to save a few bucks. I just want to be able to run BF2 at 1600x1200 with some AA at medium/high settings. It's going to be a SN25P / 3200+ Venice / 1.5GB Ram / HIS X800XL.
In this review you will see roughly (6800 NU is slightly faster than a 6600 GT) what performance you will get with a XP2500 and 6600 GT. The review features a large range of different software including lots of games and a few different processors such as the XP3200 and Sempron 3100.
get an SN25P, take it from someone who knows.
oh, and put a 7800GT in it too. the PCI-E 6800GT's are too expensive anyway because of the bridge chip, so go straight to the 7800GT.
oh, and put a 7800GT in it too. the PCI-E 6800GT's are too expensive anyway because of the bridge chip, so go straight to the 7800GT.
Originally posted by: R3MF
get an SN25P, take it from someone who knows.
oh, and put a 7800GT in it too. the PCI-E 6800GT's are too expensive anyway because of the bridge chip, so go straight to the 7800GT.
Do you know when the 7800 GT will become available?
I ran that exact same rig: Athlon xp 2500 and a 6800 GT. It's far faster than with a 9800 Pro. Video card should be the focus to a gaming rig, CPU limitation might be there, but it was a nonissue in most games.
Rock Hydra
Diamond Member
- Dec 13, 2004
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I was nearly in the same situation as you. I have a 2.6 GHz P4 and a 5900 Ultra. Well, I upgraded to a 6800 since I wouldn't be upgrading my CPU/mobo at the time. I'm really hoping the ULI chipset based boards w/ S939 and AGP, which will have more/newer features than a S939 nForce 3 or VIA K8T890 motherboard (which I'm not sure supports AGP anyway).
The VIA KT800 and 800 PRO chipsets supported AGP. I am using an Abit AV8 with my A64 combo and have been pleased. The VIA K8t890 is a PCIe chipset, and a poor one at that.
Just a small update: I went with Option 2
Except I changed the 6800GT to a 7800GTX, and the 3200+ to a 3000+...
Except I changed the 6800GT to a 7800GTX, and the 3200+ to a 3000+...
Rock Hydra
Diamond Member
- Dec 13, 2004
- 6,466
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Originally posted by: Kai920
Just a small update: I went with Option 2
Except I changed the 6800GT to a 7800GTX, and the 3200+ to a 3000+...
Well, with that 3000+ chances are good that you'll get a nice overclock if you're interested in doing that.
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