Upgrading my video card...

Orsorum

Lifer
Dec 26, 2001
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5
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Don't have much money. I'm running a GTS Pro 64MB right now. Wouldn't mind upgrading to a GF3 or a Radeon... anyone used the Radeon 8500? How would it perform to a GTS Pro?

:D Thanks.
 

Beau

Lifer
Jun 25, 2001
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www.beauscott.com
Why? What do you need it to do that you can't do now? Are you really going to benefit that much? Save your money, that's what I'd do. Wait for something HUGE and ground breaking to come out, and then ask yourself the same question.
 

pillage2001

Lifer
Sep 18, 2000
14,038
1
81


<< Why? What do you need it to do that you can't do now? Are you really going to benefit that much? Save your money, that's what I'd do. Wait for something HUGE and ground breaking to come out, and then ask yourself the same question. >>



What do you consider a HUGE and ground breaking card?? Seems like every generation of Geforce cards or ATI cards are in that category. :D
 

Orsorum

Lifer
Dec 26, 2001
27,631
5
81


<<

<< Why? What do you need it to do that you can't do now? Are you really going to benefit that much? Save your money, that's what I'd do. Wait for something HUGE and ground breaking to come out, and then ask yourself the same question. >>



What do you consider a HUGE and ground breaking card?? Seems like every generation of Geforce cards or ATI cards are in that category. :D
>>



That's exactly what's going through my mind... I'm never going to be on the cutting edge for very long, so why not go for one that's been tested and proven, while still being a strong option.
 

Beau

Lifer
Jun 25, 2001
17,730
0
76
www.beauscott.com


<< What do you consider a HUGE and ground breaking card?? Seems like every generation of Geforce cards or ATI cards are in that category. :D >>



I haven't found there to be enough of a performance increase in Vcards in a while. The only things that would influence me to buy a new one would be features like VIVO or dual heads, and driver stability. Other than that, the FPS's are negligable after 40 fps. With a GF2 GTS 64, he should be able to get that at reasonable resolutions on just about any game out there now. I'd maybe consider upgrading once DX9 is out and has mass support. That's a major upgrade, when the rendering engine and software is re-written and has more/better effects.
 

amnesiac

Lifer
Oct 13, 1999
15,781
1
71
YOurs is fine. If you had something useless like a Radeon VE (like mine!) then I'd upgrade.
 

Orsorum

Lifer
Dec 26, 2001
27,631
5
81


<<

<< What do you consider a HUGE and ground breaking card?? Seems like every generation of Geforce cards or ATI cards are in that category. :D >>



I haven't found there to be enough of a performance increase in Vcards in a while. The only things that would influence me to buy a new one would be features like VIVO or dual heads, and driver stability. Other than that, the FPS's are negligable after 40 fps. With a GF2 GTS 64, he should be able to get that at reasonable resolutions on just about any game out there now. I'd maybe consider upgrading once DX9 is out and has mass support. That's a major upgrade, when the rendering engine and software is re-written and has more/better effects.
>>



Good idea, actually... didn't take that into effect... MS is releasing DX 9 in July or something?
 

joohang

Lifer
Oct 22, 2000
12,340
1
0
I'm starting to get into games a little so I considered to grab a Radeon 7500, but with all new breeds of 3D chips coming out, I'd wait another 3 months or so. :)

Not to mention that I love my G450. :D
 

Orsorum

Lifer
Dec 26, 2001
27,631
5
81


<< Just save up and buy a whole new system powered by the AMD Hammer CPU. >>



I wish... maybe in three years or so... I'm a poo' college student.
 

wampa

Senior member
Apr 26, 2002
657
0
0
Depends on how much you want to spend on the card. Also what do you plan on doing with it, playing games? If so you should wait for the Geforce 4 ti 4200. There is a review about various video cards on anandtech.
 

Stiler

Banned
Nov 21, 2001
1,557
0
0
I'd say wait til august when the Geforce 5 (name is pending) to come out, its going to have new technology and dx 9 support.
 

Koing

Elite Member <br> Super Moderator<br> Health and F
Oct 11, 2000
16,843
2
0


<<

<< What do you consider a HUGE and ground breaking card?? Seems like every generation of Geforce cards or ATI cards are in that category. :D >>



I haven't found there to be enough of a performance increase in Vcards in a while. The only things that would influence me to buy a new one would be features like VIVO or dual heads, and driver stability. Other than that, the FPS's are negligable after 40 fps. With a GF2 GTS 64, he should be able to get that at reasonable resolutions on just about any game out there now. I'd maybe consider upgrading once DX9 is out and has mass support. That's a major upgrade, when the rendering engine and software is re-written and has more/better effects.
>>



In CS I can tell when its about 40fps as its laggy. When its 100fps then its GOOD. This is in CS that is. In Q3 anything above 60 seems good to me. When its busy and drops to about 45 I can tell its laggy and slow.........

I'd wait until something very good game along. Unless you want to play at insane res's 1600x1200 with max settings your fine.
 

d1abolic

Banned
Sep 21, 2001
2,228
1
0
Why would you upgrade? I would wait at least until Unreal Tournament 2003 comes out. If you HAVE to upgrade now, go for GeForce 4200, or if you can afford it, 4400/4600. Anything other than that and you won't really see much of a difference.
 

murphy55d

Lifer
Dec 26, 2000
11,542
5
81
I just ordered a Gainward GeForce 4 Ti4200 Golden Sample...$199.

I think NewEgg may be sold out though.