Upgrading from 9800 PRO to X800GTO = Worthwhile?

[sapbeast]

The staggering amount of new video choices has left me confused about every which way at what really is an "upgrade" from existing cards these days. Unfortunately I dont think the X800GT has had a reivew at Anandtech so I'm feeling a bit lost.

The bottom line is... I'm looking at the Sapphire X800GTO AGP 256MB (yes, AGP) and its not terribly expensive at $200. However, is it really that much faster than a 9800 Pro? With recent games like Call Of Duty 2 making my 9800 Pro really show its age, I feel stuck in the dark ages.

 

[Megatomic]

What's the rest of your system look like? We need to know the mobo chipset, CPU, and RAM (amount and speed) to determine if that would be a good upgrade or not.

 

[sapbeast]

Gigabyte GA-7N400V Pro2 (nForce 2)
Athlon XP 3200+
1GB DDR400 CL2.5 in dual channel

 

[Munky]

It is worth it if you plan to OC the gto. My gto scored 6000 in 3dmark05 before I even unlocked the pipes, just on the OC alone. That's already twice what a 9800p gets.

 

[Megatomic]

Well, that's a tough call actually. You'll be able to crank up AA and AF a little more with the newer card, but your CPU will hold you back from running with higher resolutions at acceptable frame rates.

At this point in time, you might be better off waiting a little longer and upgrading your entire system. AGP is dying quicker than I thought it would (forced me to migrate before I was ready to) and s462 is on it's last leg. All this is just my opinion of course.

 

[sapbeast]

Well thanks for the quick replies, I may have to face the music that my CPU is indeed old.

"You'll be able to crank up AA and AF a little more with the newer card, but your CPU will hold you back" - Yeah I was hoping to improve performance at 1680x1050 or some of the new shader heavy games like F.E.A.R., but I'm probably wasting my money then in the long run.

PS - I've been reading Anandtech for years, but I had to turn to the forums for once because I am *utterly* confused at the massive choice of video cards offered these days. I almost long for the days when it was just the Geforce 2 GTS or Geforce 2 Ultra

 

[memories2002]

I think just hang on for a bit and get a x800 or 6800GT agp. A full 16 pipe card will do you good, without wasting cash on a complete new PCIE system..damn hardware industry for coming up with these standards so fast without the need! Dont bow down to their pressure!
May the agp be with you.

 

[JPB]

http://www.gpureview.com/show_cards.php?card1=31&card2=321

 

[Aximander]

I just upgraded my 9800 Pro (128 mb) to a X850Pro (256mb). Both are AGP. It indeed made a difference. I got mine for $279- $30 Mail in rebate from Best Buy. I was looking in the same price range but this card was nice. Not really sure if the $200 one would bw worth it.

I was confused as well. This card apparently has OC potential as well. In fact AGP seems to me more likely to OC. Many of the other cards (X800pro X800GTO) are better in PCI-E for OC.




BTW I only have a Athlon 2800.

 

[Eureka]

Get the C3D GTO, soft mod it to 850XTPE.

Norm

 

[jlbenedict]

Originally posted by: cevilgenius
Get the C3D GTO, soft mod it to 850XTPE.

Norm

I believe the OP is looking at an AGP solution. The Connect3D GTO only comes in PCIe format..

 

[Andres3605]

9600xt to x800xt pe made a HUGE difference for me