Upgrading my Video Card

[davidober]

Here are my system specs:

Dell Computer Corporation Dimension 8250
Enclosure Type: Mini-Tower
Processor: 2.40 gigahertz Intel Pentium 4
8 kilobyte primary memory cache
512 kilobyte secondary memory cache
Main Circuit Board: Dell Computer Corp.
Bus Clock: 533 megahertz
BIOS: Dell Computer Corporation A01 10/22/2002
1GB RAM

My current video card is a ATI RADEON 9800PRO, 128MB.

Any suggestions on what I should upgrade to would be greatly appreciated.

I will be buying a new extreme gaming rig once the G8800 comes out, but right now I just want to upgrade the card in my current computer so that I have a nice back-up so that my son and I can play BF2 side-by-side online whenever we want to.

Thanks!

 

[imported_Kiwi]

Easy:

http://www.google.com/search?as_q=upgrade+8250+video+card

Easier Yet:

http://www.cooltechzone.com/forums/archive/index.php?t-734.html

 

[davidober]

You guys on this board are fantastic. Thanks so much. I guess I could have done that myself, of course, but still, the guys on this board are top notch.

 

[keeleysam]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814122195R

 

[davidober]

Thanks!

I'm also considering the 7800GS. What do you make of the difference between the two cards?

Do you think that they will both run fine with my CPU and with my 1GB of RAM? Will I notice any CPU bottlenecking with either or both? I plan to run most games at 1280x1024 on my current computer.

David

 

[davidober]

I'm sold on the 6800 GS. Thanks so much guys. Looks like I won't be able to beat it for the price...

 

[Pabster]

Originally posted by: davidober
I'm sold on the 6800 GS. Thanks so much guys. Looks like I won't be able to beat it for the price...

I'd reconsider and go for the 7800GS. AGP is a dying breed and your upgrade prospects aren't going to get any better.

Not to mention the 7800GS would make your 9800 look like an old 286.

 

[davidober]

So you think the 7800GS will run fine on my current 'puter? There's a pretty big cost difference, though, isn't there?

 

[davidober]

Doing some quick checking and I don't know if my CPU is fast enough. Also don't think my Power Supply is up to the task for the 7800 GS.

 

[davidober]

How do I check how much power my power supply supplies?

 

[Modular]

If it's the standard Dell PSU (If you've never replaced it) it's probably 250watts max for all rails combined. The best way to check is to open the case of the computer and physically read the sticker they put on there. If you were running a 9800pro on there with no issues, you shouild be OK with a 6800gs as long as you don't overclock it or unlock any pipes.

 

[davidober]

So then I shouldn't get a OC version, like a evga or a Leadtek?

 

[AndrewL]

If this one hasnt been posted already I think its a good deal http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814143045R.

 

[davidober]

Just went on Newegg to try to buy a 6800GS, but there were none to be found. Does anyone know why that might be? Also, what's another good site to possibly find one?

Thanks,

David

 

[Noema]

The 7800GS is a great card if you are stuck with AGP, and it's considerably faster than the 6800GS. I can play pretty much every current game at mid-high settings (depending on the game) at 1280x1024 with very acceptable frame rates.

 

[CKXP]

7600GS AGP 109.99 MIR pretty good deal, also a nice alternative to a 6800GS, uses less power, MUCH cheaper than a 7800GS, but clearly not as fast.