Is a 6800GT worth upgrading on a 939 board?

[kalrith]

I'm not sure that a single-core cpu will even cut it for HTPC uses (assuming you want HD). You can probably find a 4850 for around $65-70 used on the FS forums, and that would get my recommendation.

 

[severus]

If I were you, go with something along the lines of a 4650 ddr3. It's not true that all games made after 2006 won't run on your system. My friend was able to play L4D2 (cpu heavy) on my old 2.6ht p4 with a 6600gt at 1024X768 on low with around 30fps. It's not enjoyable, but hey you are playing it. Another one of my friends was able to play Bad Company 2 with a x2 4800 and 4850 at around 30 fps with settings that I am unsure of, however he is still playing it.

 

[Mant]

I think you guys are saying that the 4600 or 4800 series will be sufficient to hold me over until I upgrade my whole rig. I like that plan. Thanks for the help!

Kalrith, I saw your FS thread. I was thinking about the MB and processor, but if I also need memory and a vidcard now, it will be out of my range.

 

[toyota]

I think you guys are saying that the 4600 or 4800 series will be sufficient to hold me over until I upgrade my whole rig. I like that plan. Thanks for the help!

Kalrith, I saw your FS thread. I was thinking about the MB and processor, but if I also need memory and a vidcard now, it will be out of my range.

I would not waste money on anything faster than a 4650 with your single core cpu.

 

[blanketyblank]

Personally I'd go with the refurbished XFX 4890 posted in another thread for $125. It's more than you need, but you can use it in another build later. These cards are basically EOL now so it will be the fastest card you can get for under $150 you can get for at least a year. It will also keep its resale value longer than a 4670 or cheaper cards unless you can get a very good deal on them.

hmm the problems with this card is it's the last generations flagship model so it's not designed for home theater use meaning it's power hungry, hot, and probably loud (i.e. you'll hear fan noise). On the other hand it's going to be very fast.

 

[toyota]

Personally I'd go with the refurbished XFX 4890 posted in another thread for $125. It's more than you need, but you can use it in another build later. These cards are basically EOL now so it will be the fastest card you can get for under $150 you can get for at least a year. It will also keep its resale value longer than a 4670 or cheaper cards unless you can get a very good deal on them.

hmm the problems with this card is it's the last generations flagship model so it's not designed for home theater use meaning it's power hungry, hot, and probably loud (i.e. you'll hear fan noise). On the other hand it's going to be very fast.

a 4890 would be laughably wasted on an old single core cpu so why spend that much money to use that much power, noise and heat for nothing? a brand new $45 4650 with a good warranty is something that he can actually use though. plus when he does another build later he can just keep the 4650 for a back up card.

 

[blanketyblank]

a 4890 would be laughably wasted on an old single core cpu so why spend that much money to use that much power, noise and heat for nothing? a brand new $45 4650 with a good warranty is something that he can actually use though. plus when he does another build later he can just keep the 4650 for a back up card.

I can't resist a good deal, and honestly you have to admit you won't see this kind of performance at this price range for at least a year or more. Nvidia has released nothing new and the closest performing cards the GTX 275 and 5830 are $240. At $125 in a year I predict you could get a new 5770 or the latest refresh of the G92 (330?), both of which will be slower than the 4890.

4650 at $45 is an average deal, and I predict by black friday the card will be less than $20 after rebate. I've already seen 4550s priced at this level so I think the only variable that remains is whether or not there is stock remaining by then.

So as I see it. I could build a pretty nice system around the 4890 for say roughly $300 which could play practically anything, or I could waste $45 on a card that will take up space in my closet.

btw here is how I figure the price would look on the system. I'm near a Frys so maybe OP can't imitate this:
$125 GPU
$60 CPU + MOBO (athlon II X2 250)
$50 RAM
$50 PSU
Reeuse case, DVD, maybe spring for new HD.
Comes out to about $285.

 

[Mant]

I'm near a Frys so maybe OP can't imitate this:

I'm in NYC. I wish Frys would open a store here, we do buy computer equipment on the East coast.

Thanks for all the opinions. After reading the posts I am becoming convinced that I might be better off getting a cheaper card (4650 or similar) to hold me over until I can do the whole upgrade. I will probably be satisfied with the low end card until I am ready to switch it out when HL3 or Fallout 4 or Battlefield Bad Company 3 come out.

Overall, this seems like an awesome time to build a decent system for pretty cheap. I just wish Intel and OCZ would start dropping the prices on their SSDs to ~10% of their current level. :whiste: