Upgrading Budget Graphics?

[Ika]

Okay so here is my dilemma. I currently have a cheap-o Dell system running a P4 Northwood 1.8Ghz, 512mb cheapo RAM (133 mhz?), and an nvidia MX420 overclocked to 340/380 (overclocked!! 😀). My computer is 4X AGP only. I do not plan to get another system until the Direct X 10 comes out, Vista is out, and DX10-capable graphics cards are out. Granted, since Vista just got delayed, the wait might be more excruciating, but whatever. I am on a very tight budget (cash only, that means B&M purchases only), cannot order online, and cannot buy anything with rebates. I play mostly Counter-Strike Source at 1024x768 resolution with all graphics details turned off. this setup generally lets me play in 16-20 player servers with minimal lag, though when the action gets intense my machine chops like the iron chef. I am considering spending $100-150 to buy a last-generation midrange card from either ATI or NVidia, meaning 6600GT, 6800 vanilla, X700pro or X800 vanilla. Should I upgrade now or should I suffer the wait?

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Originally posted by: guoziming
when the action gets intense my machine chops like the iron chef

:laugh: Classy.

The cards you listed are probably all overkill for that system ... I think you're limited by the P4 1.8GHz.

I'd suggest checking out the FS/T forum ... you'd get a significant increase in playability for an outlay of as little as $50 or so. That much would probably get you a Radeon 9500Pro.

Oh, and welcome. 🙂

- M4H

 

[Azndude2190]

Get a 6600GT

 

[Gstanfor]

I'd still consider something like the 6600GT personally, it will allow you to crank up the graphics detail even if your cpu can't cope and it will make a fine card for a spare system once you have finished with it in your main rig.

 

[Mrvile]

Considering that you can only buy from the store, you're going to have a hard time scoring any deals. I personally wouldn't upgrade, but if it's a must, you should get something cheap (and you'll be hard pressed to get "cheap" anywhere out of CompUSA). Although the 6600GT is a nice card, your 1.8 P4 and 512mb ram or whatever will still be slow for that game.

Dunno what to tell ya budday but it's high time to get a new comp.

 

[Ika]

The main reason I considered the cards I chose are because:
1. they are within my price range
2. when I run the CS:S demo, my FPS generally runs about 80-100 on my settings.
3. the source engine is generally really kind to CPUs and tends to run at a good FPS regardless of the resolution.
4. at my current settings the only time I think my CPU bottlenecks is when a nade explodes and moves objects. most of the time, though, my computer slows down when there are too many objects on the screen.

Also, since I have a 19" display, I would like to run a 12x10 resolution, which is also more graphics card-dependent. I'm not sure of an older DX9-generation card could handle that with any sort of eye candy, which I do plan to do a bit (especially shadows).