time to upgrade

[imported_jzimo]

I want to upgrade my computer but I'm looking for suggestions on what to upgrade. The processor I have is an AMD Athlon XP 2600+ with an nForce 2 motherboard and the videocard I have is a 5900xt. I have 1.5 gb of memory so I don't need to upgrade there. Should I upgrade the processor to a Athlon 64 or the video card to a 6800 GT?

 

[edelbrock]

Depends on if you game a lot. If you do then the video card will be your best bet.

 

[RussianSensation]

Originally posted by: jzimo
Should I upgrade the processor to a Athlon 64 or the video card to a 6800 GT?

If it's Either/Or, then definately 6800GT. 5900xt sucks for latest games, esp in HL2 where you are forced to run DX8.1 spec. For gaming, for the $, nothing ever beats a videocard upgrade unless you are running P4 1.5ghz.

If you have the $, upgrade both to socket 939.

If you dont game at high resolutions with AA/AF enabled, a more modest option would be something like 6600GT or 6800.

 

[imported_jzimo]

esp in HL2 where you are forced to run DX8.1

Seriously!!! The 5900xt can't play HL2 in DX9? I thought it was a DX9 card or is it just for this game?

 

[RussianSensation]

Originally posted by: jzimo

esp in HL2 where you are forced to run DX8.1

Seriously!!! The 5900xt can't play HL2 in DX9? I thought it was a DX9 card or is it just for this game?

Well technically I am not correct. 5900xt can play HL2 in DX9 mode, the problem is that it incurs a tremendous performance hit. For this reason, the developers of HL2 have specifically "forced" DX8.1 mode onto 5900 series of cards.

The visual difference isn't to die for, but it's certainly there for dx8.1 vs dx9.

Here are some comparisons:

Various differences in DX in HL2
DX8.1 vs DX9.0 specifically

Now the performance hit that 5900xt takes in DX9.0 makes it unplayable with DX9.0:

Canals
You can click Next to see other levels.

For this reason I would recommend a graphics upgrade above all.

If you want, you can compromise by getting Socket 754 for $70 + A64 2800+ for $130 and Geforce 6600GT AGP.

If I was you, i'd probably overclock 2600+ to 3200+ speeds and get 6800GT.

Also whatever components you are going to upgrade, see if you can sell them to someone to help finance a portion of the upgrade.

 

[LordPhoenix]

1. Sell 5900XT
2. Sell Ram
3. Buy A64 & 6800 GT