Considering an upgrade...

[blueonblack]

I'm thinking about upgrading my video card but was hoping to get some input from those with more experience in the area than I. I've learned a lot about them since coming to this site, whereas always before I simply bought the card that had the most memory that fit my motherboard.

I am currently running an Nvidia 8500GT PCIe x16 card and have a few problems with my games, though only in higher detail settings with a fair amount of activity on the screen. I don't think it's my system holding me up, as I am running an Athlon 64 FX-62 dual core 2.8 GHz processor with 2GB of DDR2 800 RAM.

I am considering moving up to a 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 9600GT PCIe 2.0 x16. It's rare that I get the money to make an upgrade of this magnitude so I wanted to hear anyone's opinions on this move. Should I see a significant improvement? (Before anyone suggests that I move up the tree a little, this card is $125 with rebate and that is the absolute limit of my current budget.)

Any input would be appreciated thanks!!!
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NEW JERSEY MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARY (http://newjersey.dispensaries.org/)

[Indybird]

I'm thinking about upgrading my video card but was hoping to get some input from those with more experience in the area than I. I've learned a lot about them since coming to this site, whereas always before I simply bought the card that had the most memory that fit my motherboard.

I am currently running an Nvidia 8500GT PCIe x16 card and have a few problems with my games, though only in higher detail settings with a fair amount of activity on the screen. I don't think it's my system holding me up, as I am running an Athlon 64 FX-62 dual core 2.8 GHz processor with 2GB of DDR2 800 RAM.

I am considering moving up to a 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 9600GT PCIe 2.0 x16. It's rare that I get the money to make an upgrade of this magnitude so I wanted to hear anyone's opinions on this move. Should I see a significant improvement? (Before anyone suggests that I move up the tree a little, this card is $125 with rebate and that is the absolute limit of my current budget.)

Any input would be appreciated thanks!!!

You'll see a huge improvement over the 8500GT in your games. 9600GTs are essentially underclocked 8800GTs, which are very fast cards. A 9600GT can get 30fps in Crysis @ Medium Settings, 1600x1200 just to put it into perspective. Also that is an awesome discount and I'd go for the upgrade, esp. at that price.

-Indybird

[Fuganater]

Hmm... interesting....

$50 more would get you a decent 8800 GT but you stated your budget at $125 where you meet your fist problem. The cheapest "name brand" 9600 GT on Newegg is the PNY 9600 GT 512MB 256-bit: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133216 for $150. ($140 after MIR)

At this point I say wait till you can save just a bit more and get the 8800 GT. Or look out for deals.

-Fuga

[blueonblack]

Hmm... interesting....

$50 more would get you a decent 8800 GT but you stated your budget at $125 where you meet your fist problem. The cheapest "name brand" 9600 GT on Newegg is the PNY 9600 GT 512MB 256-bit: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133216 for $150. ($140 after MIR)

At this point I say wait till you can save just a bit more and get the 8800 GT. Or look out for deals.

-Fuga



Forgive my ignorance, but how important is the "name brand" on video cards? This is the card I'm considering: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814134040
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Bmw E53 History (http://www.bmw-tech.org/wiki/BMW_E53)

[Fuganater]

Forgive my ignorance, but how important is the "name brand" on video cards? This is the card I'm considering: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814134040

Because when you buy an off brand.. you buy their problems. It goes with all hardware. Also, when i searched I didn't see that one come up. Good find.