Pick my next AGP graphics card for under $170...

[brxndxn]

I like cards that I can overclock or unlock pipes.. just cause they're fun. But, most of all, I want cards that support the latest technology so I can play ANY game and not have to buy a new card just to play a new game.

I have been playing X3: The Reunion at about 25fps for a week now on my 9500 modded to a 9700 and I'm tired of it. I want 60fps or more.

I want an AGP card since I'm not really ready to do a full computer upgrade.

I have been thinking about these two cards:

256mb powercolor x800gto agp
512mb sapphire x1600pro agp

Any better ones? Please post links..

 

[Luckyboy1]

The 800 card is better by far, but if you want to open up the pipes on it, it has to be a version that has the Vivo chip on it.

 

[Ultralight]

Also, keep in mind connect3D cards lazered those additional pipes in their version of the X800 GTO so that you can't open the remaining 4 pipes. I believe Sapphire's version is still able to be modded to from the stock 12 to 16 pipes. I am not sure about Powercolor.

The reason connect3D did this was because ATI was not pleased that such modding allowed one to have an X800XT speed and functioning at a a GTO price.

X800 is an excellent card.

 

[SunDevils06]

You may want to check out this X800XL
I just picked this card up a week ago. It's been great so far. I understand you enjoying being able to unlock pipes and such, but with this one you get 16 pipes for sure. You can still overclock them as well. Though it's not the best overclocker around, I've managed about 425 core and 555 memory on stock cooling, not too bad imo. Plays Oblivion much smoother with higher settings than my 9800 pro flashed to an xt could. Also allows me to play FEAR at high settings...not sure how those compare to X3.