looking for new Video card

Dakota · Rated PG-13 Joined: 15 Apr 2005 Posts: 28

I think I need a new video card, my mobo is a ABIT NF7-S. Right now I have a ATI/Sapphire Radeon 9600 running on it.

**Jason** · Posted: Mon, 11 Aug 2008 09:27:08 Post Subject:

So... AGP 8X is what you need? High end cards for that are pretty $$$... and it could be more economical (and more of an upgrade), to move away from the Socket A / DDR-400 scene.

But... If you want to stick with this board, what kind of budget for a graphics card?

Dakota · Rated PG-13 Joined: 15 Apr 2005 Posts: 28

**Jason** · Posted: Mon, 11 Aug 2008 11:47:23 Post Subject:

Well, 2GB of DDR2 memory might be under $30... A 'decent' dual core CPU could be $100... And a new motherboard may be another $100. Could easily go higher, but to beat an old rig it could be done for even less.

But, looking at AGP graphics @ Newegg... the best you are going to get is a HD3850 for $130 or more. PCI Express offers better cards, or the same version costs less (or you could get the one I am selling for much less, with half the money going to charity Laughing

).

It obviously costs more money to upgrade the CPU, memory, mothboard and video... but a system like that is getting to the point where you either get a minimal boost from an upgrade and ride it out, or look to spend a little more for more power and more future upgradability.

Or look around the bigger forums for used AGP cards. I think GeForce cards cap in the 7X00 series, while ATI cards cover the 1X00, 2X00, and 3X00 series.

**BeerCheeze** · Posted: Mon, 11 Aug 2008 11:56:07 Post Subject:

Unless your current card is not working correctly I would not recommend upgrading. AGP, and your current system is several generations out of date.

Instead I would do as the Doctor recommended and upgrade. Even if this means saving up for a few months for the upgrade. IMHO money worth spending.

**Modulok** · Posted: Mon, 11 Aug 2008 12:07:07 Post Subject:

I just ordered some parts for two new CAD stations at work for about $600 each.

AMD 6000+, ASUS M2N-E, 2GB 800MHz Corsair, Quadro FX 560 Video card, 160GB Seagate Sata HDD, Enermax Chakra Case, Antec 500W EarthWatt PSU

khelben1979 · Rated PG Joined: 05 May 2008 Posts: 11 Location: Sweden

I would not go for a new AGP card either, except if the price for it is very, very low.

This is 2008 and spending money on old technology doesn't make much sense, unless it's for nostalgic reasons.

edvallie · Posted: Tue, 12 Aug 2008 14:56:37 Post Subject: