New card for an older computer

[nubreed000]

Sup everyone. I'm looking to upgrade the video card in my system right now and I'm wondering what the best choice would be. My system is a little dated but can still hold its own against most recent games. Specs are as follows:

CPU: Athlon X2 4200 (stock: 2.2ghz; OC'ed it to: 2.6Ghz)
RAM: 2GB
VIdeo Card: Geforce 8600GTS 256MB

I know the best thing to do would be to just get a new CPU, etc etc. but that's not in the cards right now for me. I want to get a video card but I don't want to get something that's much better than my CPU as then it'll be bottle necked. I'm thinking something like a Geforce 9800GT 512MB. Would that be good or could I get something better for that price range?

Thanks!

 

[Denithor]

9800GT is a great card for around $100AR.

Next step up would be 4850 for about $130AR (about 15% improvement, 30% higher cost).

I wouldn't go much higher up than that as your cpu will begin to hold you back to some degree.

You're also going to want to make sure your PSU can handle the amp required for the new card.

 

[themisfit610]

9800gt is a great buy these days. I'd strongly suggest it as well. Most decent 450W +/- PSUs should run it with no problems.

~MiSfit

 

[vj8usa]

Originally posted by: themisfit610
9800gt is a great buy these days. I'd strongly suggest it as well. Most decent 450W +/- PSUs should run it with no problems.

~MiSfit

Isn't the 4830 a decent option too? Glancing at Newegg, the cheapest 9800GT is about $108 shipped AR, and the cheapest 4830 is $120 shipped AR.

 

[SorryImLate]

I just put a MSI 9800gt in a rig i built i agree also very nice card, fast and good price

 

[BernardP]

Upgrade will be simpler if you stay with NVidia. No need to remove NV drivers and replace with ATI drivers. No need to familiarize yourself with the ATI Catalyst interface.

Just update to the latest NV Forceware drivers and pop in the new card.

 

[Denithor]

9800GT and 4830 are about equal from the benchmarks. If 4830 is $120 after rebate I'd either save $10 and get a 9800GT or spend an extra $20 and get the better 4850.

EVGA 9800GT $110AR (55nm, single-slot cooler)
Asus 9800GT $110AR (quiet aftermarket cooler)

HIS 4830 $120AR

Powercolor 4850 $140AR (DVI - Display Port - HDMI)
Sapphire 4850 $140AR

All of these cards have free shipping.

 

[nubreed000]

Nice. Thanks for the replies guys. As always, extremely appreciated

How much better is the 9800GT compared to the 8800GT? Also, looks like I"ll need to get a new Power Supply so my next question is who makes the best ones? I saw some people online mention PPC. I see some good prices for their "Silencer 610W" PSU. You guys think that this one will last me even for a new system (which I plan on building next year). Or would the 750W be better? My main concern is that it lasts me a while, and that it's quiet.