Should I upgrade my video card?

[blackrain]

Here's my current specs:

Abit VT7 mobo
P4 socket 478 2.4ghz (or 2.6 Ghz) - can't remember now
EVGA 6600GT AGP
160GB SATA HD
TV output: 58 inch plasma


I have been playing Spore without any problem until a few days ago, when the screen became pixelated (artifacts appeared on the TV) and then the game froze. It has been doing this about every time that I play now (about 15 minutes into the game).

Do you think this is the video card that is having problems? I suppose I can try toning down the video settings, but I like playing on a full screen.

I don't know how long AGP will continue to be around for, but I started thinking that perhaps I should upgrade before AGP cards completely disappear.

The other question is whether I should go for the 3850 or not. Is there any bottleneck in my system that would make a 3850 a waste for me? The 3650 seems to be a good deal:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814102814

On the other hand, I see that 3.0 Ghz Prescott CPUs are really cheap on ebay. If I upgraded to 3 Ghz, would it make more sense to get the 3850? Will this system become relevant again for such games as Fallout 3?

 

[bryanW1995]

it is time.

$150 for low end c2Q cpu or $100 for a c2d
$30 for 2x1 gb ram
$75 mobo
$50 new psu
$120 4850


$420 gets you all the gaming rig you can handle. dont bother upgrading cards or other items. trust me, I've been there, you'll just get pissed off and upgrade in 3 mos anyway.

 

[blackrain]

Originally posted by: bryanW1995
it is time.

$150 for low end c2Q cpu or $100 for a c2d
$30 for 2x1 gb ram
$75 mobo
$50 new psu
$120 4850


$420 gets you all the gaming rig you can handle. dont bother upgrading cards or other items. trust me, I've been there, you'll just get pissed off and upgrade in 3 mos anyway.

I probably should have mentioned that I am planning on a better gaming system anyway with a Phenom X3 710 and a 4850. However, I want to make the best of this system as well (possibly a second gaming system in a different room). I also have a lot of games that I haven't completed and don't want to start over on a new system. I am not sure how to make the most from my money in upgrades.

 

[toyota]

Originally posted by: blackrain
Here's my current specs:

Abit VT7 mobo
P4 socket 478 2.4ghz (or 2.6 Ghz) - can't remember now
EVGA 6600GT AGP
160GB SATA HD
TV output: 58 inch plasma


I have been playing Spore without any problem until a few days ago, when the screen became pixelated (artifacts appeared on the TV) and then the game froze. It has been doing this about every time that I play now (about 15 minutes into the game).

Do you think this is the video card that is having problems? I suppose I can try toning down the video settings, but I like playing on a full screen.

I don't know how long AGP will continue to be around for, but I started thinking that perhaps I should upgrade before AGP cards completely disappear.

The other question is whether I should go for the 3850 or not. Is there any bottleneck in my system that would make a 3850 a waste for me? The 3650 seems to be a good deal:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814102814

On the other hand, I see that 3.0 Ghz Prescott CPUs are really cheap on ebay. If I upgraded to 3 Ghz, would it make more sense to get the 3850? Will this system become relevant again for such games as Fallout 3?

I would not put anything better than a 3650 in there and even then I would look at it as money mostly wasted. I certainly wouldnt fool with going with a slightly faster P4 than the one you have.