X1900 XT Question

[Enigmatic]

My current gaming rig has a 256 mb 7800 GTX, 3.2 ghz P4 (with HT), and 1 gig of ram. I'm currently using a Dell 1905FP moniter. And I have a SLi x16 motherboard. I have a friend who works at a computer store and is able to get me a X1900 XT for $500 CAD, which I thought was a really good deal. Yet, $500 is still alot for me, and I'm wondering if I would see any tangible performance gains in games if I replace the 7800 GTX with a X1900 XT when limited to a 1280 x 1024 resolution. Since in games like F.E.A.R, my comp tends to stutter with everything turned up to max...though I'm wondering it thats more an issue related to my slow processor than my graphics card. So I'm just wondering what you guys think, any help would be greatly appreciated.



note: Would you guys reccomend a new CPU over a new graphics card (despite the deal on the X1900 XT)?

 

[JPB]

http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=2691&p=12

 

[mrkun]

Generally, you're completely GPU-limited when you pump up the graphics, so it's probably not worth it to just get a CPU. At that price, I would jump on the video card.

 

[Enigmatic]

The thing is though, in that article there using a Athlon FX-57, ANANDTECH typically does not use lowly Pentiums for there test set-ups. I'm just wondering how much would my P4 3.2ghz limit a X1900 XT, therefore my question still stands. Would I realistically see any tangible performance gains? Once again, any help would be greatly appreciated.

edit: mrkun, even at a resolution of 1280 x 1024 would I still be completely GPU limited?

 

[Maximilian]

Its not a slow cpu, its pretty decent considering your only 600mhz off the best intel has to offer.

I dont really think its worth spending $500 on, but if you can sell the GTX for a good price it might be.

 

[Munky]

In demanding games like FEAR and COD2, yes you'll see some significant gains. I also have a x1900xtx, and I only play at 1280x960 res, but even at those settings when you crank up the eye candy the performance of the card is well worth the money.

 

[yacoub]

This review shows that as long as you have a fairly strong processor (which you do), the GPU is what matters:
http://www.firingsquad.com/hardware/fear_cpu_performance/default.asp

Thus, get the X1900XT and experience some solid performance gains.

 

[Enigmatic]

Originally posted by: yacoub
This review shows that as long as you have a fairly strong processor (which you do), the GPU is what matters:
http://www.firingsquad.com/hardware/fear_cpu_performance/default.asp

Thus, get the X1900XT and experience some solid performance gains.

That article cleared alot of things up, thanks alot for the feedback guys.