Need Advice about upgrading from a X800 GTO

[Ultralight]

I have a 256 mb DDR3 connect3D X800 GTO with core at 400 and memory at 490 -- these are default settings. I don't overclock. It has 12 pixel shaders. There were a few brands of cards that you could unlock 4 more pipes but connect3D was not one of them.

Anyway, there are so many video cards out there it becomes tough trying to figure out which ones would be worth spending my money from those that won't. I am not a fan boy of either ATI or Nvidia because I have had them both and they both have done me fine.

My budget ranges from $125 - $175, but I'd throw another $25 into the pot if it was worth it. What do you see as a worthy upgrade that will show a difference? I do game but I also want to edit and burn home movies, etc.

My system is:

EPoX 9NPA+Ultra mobo (socket 939)
Athlon 64 3200+ (2.0) - don't some cards now demand more powerful cpus?
2 gigs of PC 3200 RAM
Antec TP 2.0 550 watt PSU
XP Pro with SP2

Thanks.

 

[Munky]

A x1950pro or a 7900gs would fit the bill and provide a 1.5x-2x performance boost.

 

[Ultralight]

munky, how large are those cards and do you know a) their heat output and b) their noise output. Thanks for responding.

 

[nemesismk2]

Originally posted by: Ultralight
munky, how large are those cards and do you know a) their heat output and b) their noise output. Thanks for responding.

My x1950 pro runs much cooler than my old x800 gto and x850 pro and the fan on the Connect3D is quiet as well. As for the size my x1950 pro is 23cm by 10cm so it's not a small card but it still fitted okay in my medium sized pc case. Your power supply is more than adequate for a x1950 pro because I am running mine with a 400W power supply.