Upgrading Video - 8800GT vs 9600GT

[Rockhound1]

Topic says it all. Currently gaming on a 19" LCD (1280 x 1024). Games most often played include COD4, Crysis, WoW, and CS:S.

I am looking at the MSI 8800GT 512MB for $184.99 AMIR or the MSI 9600GT 512MB for $144.99 AMIR.

I am one of those people that hate to spend more than $100 to $120 on a video card. I am currently running a BFG 7900GS that I got on sale for $100. However, Crysis and COD4 have really taxed my system and caused stuttering and slowdowns that are just not acceptable. So, I have decided to brake down and spend a little more money than I would normally spend on a graphics card.

The rest of my system is old, and I am planning on upgrading the motherboard, processor, memory, etc. late this summer. I figure this new video card will breath some new life into the old system. System specs below:

Asus A8N-E (socket 939)
AMD FX-55 processor (3.0 GHz)
1 GB PC3200 memory
BFG 7900GS 256MB
Windows XP Pro

So, is the 8800GT worth the extra money in my case? Or, is there a better alternative?

Thanks.

 

[angry hampster]

You're running 1280x1024 on a 19" LCD? Seems a bit odd...must be an older monitor. Anyway, i suggest you get this 9600GT for $135 shipped after MIR:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814133216

 

[Rockhound1]

Thanks. I just saw the PNY for $134.99, plus it has free shipping. I like the cooler on the MSI better, but this saves an extra $16+. Not bad...

 

[bfdd]

PNY 9600GT 135 after MIR

maybe I should read the whole thread haha =)

 

[Avalon]

You'd be better off pocketing the extra $40 and getting the 9600GT for that resolution.

 

[IL2SturmovikPilot]

9600GT,since its barely worse than the 8800GT and you can save that extra $40 for a better CPU+RAM+Board.

 

[Rockhound1]

Based on your feedback and some reviews of the 9600GT, I ordered the PNY. Thanks for all of your input.

 

[AzN]

You might want to upgrade your processor. Get a used one from ebay or here? That single core CPU will hold your new card back of it's potential especially if you are playing crysis or cod4 that are optimized for dual core.

Your 1 gig of memory isn't cutting it either. You might want to get another 1 gig.

edit: I saw that your upgrading your computer later in the summer. Least you should do is add another 1 gig or 512meg stick into that system so it doesn't chug when you play.

 

[Rockhound1]

Originally posted by: Azn
You might want to upgrade your processor. Get a used one from ebay or here? That single core CPU will hold your new card back of it's potential especially if you are playing crysis or cod4 that are optimized for dual core.

Your 1 gig of memory isn't cutting it either. You might want to get another 1 gig.

edit: I saw that your upgrading your computer later in the summer. Least you should do is add another 1 gig or 512meg stick into that system so it doesn't chug when you play.

I know my system is pretty dated and that I could get a boost by sticking some additional RAM on the board, but I just do not want to invest anymore money in "old technology" like DDR1 memory or an Athlon X2 processor (939 socket). The new 9600GT should help me get through the next 4 or 5 months until I upgrade my motherboard/processor.

:beer:

 

[bfdd]

Originally posted by: Rockhound1

Originally posted by: Azn
You might want to upgrade your processor. Get a used one from ebay or here? That single core CPU will hold your new card back of it's potential especially if you are playing crysis or cod4 that are optimized for dual core.

Your 1 gig of memory isn't cutting it either. You might want to get another 1 gig.

edit: I saw that your upgrading your computer later in the summer. Least you should do is add another 1 gig or 512meg stick into that system so it doesn't chug when you play.

I know my system is pretty dated and that I could get a boost by sticking some additional RAM on the board, but I just do not want to invest anymore money in "old technology" like DDR1 memory or an Athlon X2 processor (939 socket). The new 9600GT should help me get through the next 4 or 5 months until I upgrade my motherboard/processor.

:beer:

Wait to see how nehelam performs. I would say. If you can wait till the end of the year.

 

[nOOky]

Originally posted by: angry hampster
You're running 1280x1024 on a 19" LCD? Seems a bit odd...must be an older monitor. Anyway, i suggest you get this 9600GT for $135 shipped after MIR:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814133216

1280 X 1024 is standard resolution for a 19" lcd, unless it's widescreen. I've never seen a 19" in any other resolution...
Get the 9600GT, and add another gig of memory or something silly like that.

 

[zagood]

Also, for Crysis (or any other game that chugs on your system) try gaming at 1280*768 and set your video card properties to either "do not scale" or "use nVidia's built in scaler". It'll be letterboxed but the performance jump is huge, and it'll still be as clear as native resolution.

-z

 

[bryanW1995]

Originally posted by: nOOky

Originally posted by: angry hampster
You're running 1280x1024 on a 19" LCD? Seems a bit odd...must be an older monitor. Anyway, i suggest you get this 9600GT for $135 shipped after MIR:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814133216

1280 X 1024 is standard resolution for a 19" lcd, unless it's widescreen. I've never seen a 19" in any other resolution...
Get the 9600GT, and add another gig of memory or something silly like that.

most people with 19" are widescreen now. mine is 1440x900.

 

[nOOky]

Yes, I have a 19" widescreen at 1440 x 900 myself, but he says he has a 19" at 1280 x 1024 and for someone to find that an odd resolution strikes me as odd.

 

[Rockhound1]

My monitor is not a widescreen, so the native resolution is 1280 x 1024. I've had it for about three years and still really like it.

 

[CVSiN]

I don't like wide screens myself, and yes prior to wide screens coming into "vogue" 1280x1024 was the standard res for a 19 inch LCD monitor or even currently business LCDs since not many companies buy wide screens.

 

[hooflung]

73 dollars for OCZ 2g DDR400 2-2-2-5 after MIR you can't really beat that to get the best from your PC. Hell just recently I decided to update my 'backup' gaming rig to a Opteron 180, 4g ( had 2 of said ocz now it has 4 ) and a 8800GS SC from evga. Thing is as fast on its 1280x1024 as my 3ghz C2D, 4g ddr2, 3850 512 is at 1680x1050 on its 22". Your 3ghz FX is going to play games as good as my Opteron 180 despite only being single core. Its still a powerful computer, get the ram and be happy.