Will this upgrade help me?

[wardog25]

I have an Intel E6400 Core 2 Duo (2.13GHz) and a Gigabyte GA-965p-ds3 with 4GB of ram.

My video card is a 7900GS.

I only have about $65 for an upgrade, so I was thinking a 9600 GSO or perhaps even a (512MB) 9800GT if I can find a good deal.

So my question is, am I going to see a good increase in performance (in games) with just a video card upgrade? I know my CPU and MB are several years old, but I just don't have the cash to upgrade those right now.

Do you think this one upgrade will be a significant change to extend the life of my system for a little longer? Or are there better options?

Thanks.

 

[computer nohow]

9800gt for 60$ after rebate?
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...UfIAvkd7oac1cQ

That should double your performance.

Look into overclocking your cpu.

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=47089

 

[kalrith]

If you go used, you can get a 4850 or possibly a GTS250 for $65. Those are about 70-90% faster than a 9800GT and a much better buy IMO.

 

[RussianSensation]

If you go used, you can get a 4850 or possibly a GTS250 for $65. Those are about 70-90% faster than a 9800GT and a much better buy IMO.

Please check your benchmarks. 4870/4890 or 5830 is 70-90% faster than the 9800GT but not 4850/GTS250. 5770 is only about 50-60% faster than the 9800GT so how in the world can a 4850 be 70-90% faster? :hmm:

OP, 9800GT is a good upgrade card for $65. Obviously if you can find a used 4850 1GB or GTS250 1GB for a similar price, then I would go for those.

 

[cusideabelincoln]

The 9800GT be a worthy upgrade. Really anything faster than an HD 4670 or 9600GT would be worthy. But a 9800GT, GTS 250 (aka 9800GTX), HD 4850, HD 4830, or HD 4770 would be the sweet spot. Whichever one of these cards you can find the cheapest you should probably get. And then start saving for a system upgrade, because you'll need it for faster cards.

If you go used, you can get a 4850 or possibly a GTS250 for $65. Those are about 70-90% faster than a 9800GT and a much better buy IMO.

Like Russian said, it's more like the 9800GT is 70-90% as fast as the 4850/GTS250. Probably more like 85%.

 

[v8envy]

GT240 for $40 AR is basically a 9600GT for a bit less cash. That $60 AR 9800GT is downclocked, it's a "green" version (clocked at 85% of reference). While still faster than a 9600GT 50% faster for a GT250/4850 is within the realm of possible.

 

[wardog25]

thanks for the info, everyone.