video card upgrade

Status
Not open for further replies.

r1c3_808

In Runtime
Messages
111
I want to get a better video card .
Right now i have a ATI Radeon 9250 and it's pretty slow.
I also have 256mb PC3200 DDR400 ram.

The card i have now can play cs:source and half life 2 at 1024x768 at the lowest quality. It's fps is about 25-70 depending on what im looking at and what map it is.
I've thought about overclocking but i don't understand it too well and i know it can damage your system.

I want a new card that can handle it on meduim quality, and can play a couple new games that are coming out.

Is there a better video card out there thats possibly less than $150?? (im poor)


PS:Adding another 256mb PC3200 DDR400 ram stick will also improve fps and performance right? If it does, how much fps u think will go up?
 
You will see a slight performance increase w/ the ram. A little more of an increase if it runs dual channel. You need a better vid card. This card is for $153 **a perfect balance of performance and value**
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-102-335&depa=1

OC'ing is not recommended without water cooling. You really wont see a difference so just dont OC anything. Unless you have a really high end water cooling system or Vapochill *liquid nitrogen works well too!*
 
If you are going to upgrade your graphics card, i recommend you get a pretty good one (may not be the newest but atleast something like a GeForce Fx 5900) because you'll find that not too long in the future, you'll have to upgrade another one to play new games in good settings.

Spending some more money can probably last you around 2 years... :)
 
i suggest you buy:
256mb DDR 400 $30.15:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-156-002&depa=1

And if you only have $150, get this:

SAPPHIRE ATI RADEON 9600PRO $110
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-102-456&depa=1

If you want a graphics card that will last you longer, i suggest you buy the ram, and save up a extra $70 and get:

ROSEWILL ATI RADEON 9800 PRO
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-164-025&depa=1

But for long term gaming i suggest a 6600GT

Wayne
 
Ok Thanks alot..
oh ya does the processor really matter?? right now i have a AMD Athlon 64 2800+ .That's good enough right?
 
Your CPU doesn't really handle graphics as much as they used to, even if they did, the 64 will be more than enough to handle it.

As has already been suggested, you could really do with getting an extra 256 Mb of system RAM and either an ATI 9800 Pro or 9600 Pro is money is tight.
 
Your processor is fine as well as that 9600Pro is a good choice. 256 more meg of ram would be a substancial difference as well.

But if you want to go the 9800Pro route, the 6600GT is much better for it, and it drops down to the same price
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top Bottom