Is now a good time to upgrade?

[Kalisperas]

Well, ESIV: Oblivion is looming ever closer on the horizon, and as I've never anticipated a release so much, I'm fearing my 128mb 9800Pro just won't be up to the task of running it adequately. Especially at 1280X1024 for my LCD monitor at any decent settings. So I'm really liking the idea of upgrading, but not sure what I should be looking for.

The last time I did any research on video cards was back when my 9800Pro was fairly new, and I don't recognize half the cards out now, so I was hoping to get some advice. Is there anything earthshaking on the horizon that I should be waiting for before upgrading, like some amazing new chipset or shader model or somesuch? Or is it safe to upgrade now? If so, what sorts of features should I be looking for?

I don't have a fortune to spend, probably no more than $300 at the most. Also, I need an AGP card, since I certainly can't afford to upgrade the rest of my system as well. If it makes any difference, I'm using an A64 3200 on an Asus A8V Deluxe with 1GB of DR400.

Any thoughts are greatly appreciated!

 

[WhipperSnapper]

Is it a good time? I'd say it's a good time if you want PCI-E because the 7800 line has been out for a couple months now, the initial price gouging has passed, and now we're starting to see some 7800 GTs going for $300 after rebate.

As for AGP...ish. You should try to find a deal on an x800xt(-pe) or x850xt(-pe). From what I can tell, the AGP prices have barely budged due to a lack of introduction of new cards. Have you considered trying to get something off of eBay, perhaps buying from someone in a 100 mile radius and doing a local pickup? (Warning--most closing prices for auctions are nuts since people tend to bid far, far more than things are actually worth for items of uncertain condition.)

 

[Fern]

I upgraded froma 9800p > 6800GT. Seemed like a big jump to me. No doubt the increase in vid ram from 128MB > 256MB was a big help. I like ATI cards as well. I think their top AGP card is an X850XT PE.

I look on the forums here for a used card since I update about every year.

Fern

 

[Eureka]

x800pro refurb from ATi!!

Norm

 

[Munky]

If you want to stay on AGP then pick up a used 6800gt or x800xt card on the forums, you should be able to find one for $250 or less. Maybe even a new one, I almost bought a new AIW x800xt from Dell for ~$250 when they had rebates for it, and that was like 3 months ago, so look around for a deal.

 

[CraigRT]

Originally posted by: cevilgenius
x800pro refurb from ATi!!

Norm

Agree with the other guys too, but the ATI refurb is really quite an exceptional deal. Many people have said their "refurbs" come NIB and look as if they are not a refurb at all, almost as if it's just overstock. Anyways the X800 Pro for that price is hard to beat. The X800GTO2 is the only thing just as good, they both can mod. (if the X800Pro is a VIVO at least)

 

[Regs]

Last year was a great year to upgrade. This year the performance gains are minimal if you consider the price.

 

[Kalisperas]

Thanks for the replies everyone! As much as I'd like to make the jump to PCI-Express (I'm still kicking myself for getting an AGP board last upgrade), I just don't think I'll be able to swing the cash for both a vid card and a new motherboard. Perhaps my best bet is to wait for Oblivion to come out and see how it runs on my 9800Pro. If it's acceptable I might just have to try and save the cash for a bigger upgrade.

Because I know as soon as I start looking at new motherboards, I'll start checking CPU prices, and then I'll need some better RAM for my new CPU...

 

[Plester]

buy a used geforce 6800nu that unlocks to 16/6 for $130-150 - sell your 9800pro for $90-100, upgrade costs you $50, or substitute a x800pro and you might be out $100 total.