Vid card upgrade for older computer

[dawgtuff]

I'm not ready for a new build as yet, but I'd like to upgrade my vid card.

System: Opteron 144@2.6
Asus A8n-e mobo
2gb DDR400@2-3-3-8 1T
XFX 7600GT
WD 320gb SATA
WinXP Pro service pack 3
Antec 450 SP PSU 15amp on 12v.1/17amp on 12v.2
2-Viewsonic VG2021m 21" FULL SCREEN@1440x1050
I may be able to up my CPU to 3.0. What's the best vid card to buy for this rig?

 

[s44]

Probably this, if your old Antec isn't having Fuhjyyu meltdown: $35AR 96 shader 9600GSO
For something less disposable you could get a low-power 9800GT: $73AR or a couple others with better cooling for ~$90. Probably overkill for a single-core rig, but it won't embarrass you when you upgrade.

 

[Phynaz]

Budget?

 

[cusideabelincoln]

9600GSO, HD4650 (w/GDDR3 and not DDR2), HD4670, 9600GT, 9800GT (low power), HD4770. Look into those cards.

 

[secretanchitman]

Originally posted by: cusideabelincoln
9600GSO, HD4650 (w/GDDR3 and not DDR2), HD4670, 9600GT, 9800GT (low power), HD4770. Look into those cards.

basically. you will be cpu limited if you get a more power gpu than the ones cuside mentioned, but think about it this way - you can definitely re-use the video card when you get a whole new system

 

[dawgtuff]

The upgrade will be used for this system only. I was thinking of getting a 4770, but by the time I rebuild, it will be somewhat obsolete. The 9600 GSO looks like the best bang for the buck since I can buy a ASUS card for $35+$6 S&H at NewEgg.
Also, I have available to me a Radeon 1800Xl for free.Is this card close to the 9600 GSO?

 

[cusideabelincoln]

Uh, I don't think so. It might be a bit faster than the 7600GT in newer games, but they are similar in performance (7600GT vs. X1800xl).

Now that I think about it I want to see some new benches with these legacy cards. I wonder how newer drivers and games perform...

edit: After reviewing some benches, I will say that no, the X1800XL will not outperform the 9600GSO at all. The 9600 should have a distinct advantage.

 

[dawgtuff]

Cusid-That's great news. Thanks for your input and research. I'll order the 9600GSO from NewEgg and hope it's not reboxed with a problem card!