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Need some info on latest hardware

M

Migroo

Diamond Member
Hi all.

Please forgive the simple nature of this thread. I've been away from the PC hardware scene for a while. I'm fairly familiar with the latest Intel CPUs/mobos but not with the AMD offerings.

At the moment I've got: (a two year old machine!)

Athlon 1700+
Gigabyte GA-7VTXH (VIA KT266A chipset)
ATi Radeon 7500
256mb RAM
80 GB Hdd
I also have a decent 350W Enermax PSU.
etc


I wouldn't mind some more speed. I started this machine with win 2000 but I'm now using XP Pro, which can be a little slow. I'm convinced that this is due to the low amount of RAM - so rest assured that will be upgraded.

I've noticed that complex games like NFS Underground can be a little slow even on the basic graphics settings. I'd also like to semi-future proof the machine.. its time for an upgrade (perhaps a major one?). And I'd like to be able to play Star Wars Galaxies (I've been told that I need 512mb ram and a hardware T/L graphics card).

I can't remember what motherboard I have right now (I'm at work!) but I'll update this thread with that information once I get home.

I need suggestions on a good video card for the new system (this is the primary problem I think). I don't have a large budget.. probably around £150... can you still get cards made by ATi or are they all from 3rd party manufacturers?

Any general advice would be great
 
The video card and RAM are the only things that really need upgrading. I converted that budget into USD and it comes out to ~$270, so you could get a 9800 Pro and at least another 256MB of RAM.
 
Originally posted by: Vegetto
The video card and RAM are the only things that really need upgrading. I converted that budget into USD and it comes out to ~$270, so you could get a 9800 Pro and at least another 256MB of RAM.
Click to expand...

😀
 
If you really bargain shop, You might be able to get 512 MB of RAM, and a 9800 pro. If not, a 512 and a nonpro might ot be a bad deal either...or even a GFX 5900, you can get one for 170 or 180 if you find a good deal...good luck!
 
Originally posted by: Vegetto
The video card and RAM are the only things that really need upgrading. I converted that budget into USD and it comes out to ~$270, so you could get a 9800 Pro and at least another 256MB of RAM.
Click to expand...
That's what you need. RAM and video are getting eaten at record rates...a new CPU and mobo could help, but not as much bang/buck until you get into the A64 and 3GHz P4 range.
Getting to 512MB will help, as would 1GB. But right now, another 256MB stick and a 9800 Pro will be best. Plan on making it to at least 1GB of RAM on your upgrade after this.
In gaming I can already feel my 512MB not quite being enough...but it's almost $100 (US) for another 512MB...not quite worth it yet.
 
I am using 673 meg of ram while playing Far Cry, and running NOTHING else, and my Athlon64 3000+ at almost 3400+ speeds is just playable. (well not just, but it does pause once in a while)

So my recommendation is an Athlon64 3000+, 1 gig of PC3500 CAS2, and a radeon 9800 pro.
 
Thanks for all the help guys.. VERY helpful! 🙂

I shall see what I can find here in the UK and get back to you.

However, I should make a correction. The £150 budget is for the video card only - the Ram will have more budget.

Bear in mind though, that here in the UK we pay almost £ = $ prices... PC hardware is far more expensive over here. Anyway I'll see what prices are like and let you know.. then you can let me know what the best course of action is.

Thanks!!


I've found a graphics card within my budget (few pounds over, but it looks good)..
http://www.sapphiretech.com/VGA/9800proatl.asp

Its the Sapphire ATI Radeon 9800 Pro 128MB DDR TV-Out/DVI - Lite Retail at the bottom 2/3 of the page.
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatalog/sapphire_ati_graphics_cards.html

Are Sapphire any good? Reliability wise? I'm using it with a Sony 19" CRT so I like good image quality 🙂

Thanks again!
 
My Sapphire 9800P is amazing... bought it from the same place you did for around £160. Overclocks nicely as well.

As for RAM, a total 1Gb would be very nice but Id probably say buy 1 stick of 512mb pc3200 to take you up to 768mb of ram total. Since AMD/Intel dont seem to be insanely bothered about an all out conversion to DDR-II then you could have a nice 512mb stick to transder to a 'new machine' down the road.
 
Thanks guys. Nice to see some UK guys here on AT! 🙂

Elcs - good idea re: the faster RAM. I hadn't thought of that. Is there a good chance that PC3200 will still be current technology (and compatible) when I upgrade my mobo in say 12 to 18 months time? 🙂

DopeFiend - its cool mate 🙂 😀 Thanks.
 
Migroo: PC3200 will certainly be around for some time to come, but I would say that in 12-18 months time, AMD might be "looking" to transfer to DDR-II. I, personally, would get the PC3200, because even if you wait for DDR-II, by the time you come to upgrade again, you'll have to change pretty much everything anyway, what with BTX and all that malarky.

On a side note, lovely weather we're having in Kent right now 😉 😀
 
Dopey: OK thanks mate 🙂 Looks like I need to read-up on BTX :/

Yup.. weather was actually nice here in Croydon yesterday. My GF told me about the hail she had whilst at college in Reigate!! 🙂
 
Guys:

I've now got 512 RAM and a Radeon 9800 Pro 128mb.

What a difference. The improvement is staggering. Windows XP is now smooth and pretty fast. Games are out of this world.

Never before have I been able to max the settings out at 1280 x 1024..

Thanks a lot for your help! 🙂
 
Thats great, but guess what, you should probably be at 12000 or better in 3dmark. Have you upgraded your chipset drivers ?

edit (I could be wrong, I don't have any CPUs close to that speed, my slowest is 2000, but with a video card like that, a 2700 that gets 14,000)
 
Mark - thanks! I have no idea what sort of score I ought to be getting so thats useful 🙂

I think its down to the fact that my installation of XP is rather old... 😉

And no, I dont have the latest chipset or Radeon drivers AFAIK.
 
The latest Radeon drivers are a must with a top-end card, TBH.

They always manage to fix a whole heap of problems (and introduce a few more here and there, sigh).

[Edit] Just re-read your other message, Reigate eh? Damn... small world. I was born in Redhill 🙂
 
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