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AGP video card recommendation!
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redZoneOS
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19. December 2007 @ 04:35 |
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hello,
yes unfortunately I'm still living in the days of AGP. I am unable to build a new computer for now and really want to play call of duty 4, bioshock, and crysis!
I have a radeon 9600XT right now but according to the specs of all those games, this card won't even meet the minimum requirements! Is there an AGP card that can actually play these games? I'm not saying in all its full glory (although that would be ideal), but at least play them reasonably well?
Second, can you recommend multiple options, as price IS important, and since I will likely be upgrading within the next year, I don't want to spend too much on a video card right now.
I was thinking either 7900GS, or 8600GT (assuming I can find them in AGP) Or Radeon 2600XT, X800XT, X1950??? Please don't limit yourself to these choices though, if you have better cards in mind by all means, suggest away!
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Member
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19. December 2007 @ 08:46 |
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I managed to find a 7600GT converted to AGP by winfast.
Try them for your Nvidia card options.
I guess the other main problem (other than Processors speed/core and RAM amount) is the lack of directX 10 support except on PCI-E cards.
I too am in the same boat as you, I'm happy with my recent purchase of the 7600GT but coupled with processor limits, I dare not even try and play those next gen games.
Farcry still looks bloody good though.
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Senior Member
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19. December 2007 @ 12:21 |
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The best AGP card out there is the Gecube x1950xt. I have it, and it works great! I can play Crysis on max settings @800x600 with around 25fps. In COD 4, I average around 30-40 with everything on high (no AA) @ 1280x960.
However, the stock cooling on the x1950xt is rubbish. I went and watercooled it with the tidewater, and it works great, but any cooler will do.
Keep in mind that if you have a cheap PSU, and add a big card, then the PSU will fail, and take other components with it. (Has happened to me in the past, I fried 2 9800XTs and a motherboard)
For price/performance, the 7600 would probably be best. It wont play Crysis and COD 4 on max, but it should come quite close.
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AfterDawn Addict
4 product reviews
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19. December 2007 @ 16:18 |
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I must also agree with Waymon's concern about the power supply. You will need a high quality unit of at least 400W to use a high powered graphics card.
What CPU do you have? Crysis in particular also requires a powerful CPU to run well, so if you have something like an Athlon64 3500+ or a 3.2Ghz P4 you might be alright, but if it's along the lines of an Athlon XP 2500+ or a P4 2.0Ghz you may also have issues there.
Also be advised you will want an absolute minimum of 1GB to play the games at all well, no matter what the box says. 1.5GB and above is highly recommended. Playing Crysis at 1680x1050 medium detail uses 1.6GB of my RAM.
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redZoneOS
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20. December 2007 @ 03:15 |
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Thanks for the responses guys.
The computer I want to install the new vid card and play crysis and other games is unfortunately a Sony Vaio. Model is PCV-RS420. It is a 2.8Ghz Pentium with HT. I have added extra RAM to be at 1.5, and as far as PSU I'm not sure... whatever came with I'm assuming its probly 350W?
Although I would LOVE to play these games with an ideal setup, I am willing to compromise the quality (though not too much I hope)... hopefully I can play at 1024 resolution with medium settings on.
Based on my specs above, do you think the X1950 will work for me? I see some on ebay for approx 150.00 USD. And what are your thoughts on the newer radeon 2600XTs? They're only about 50 dollars more (on ebay)
I think the 7600 May not be enough, and buying a "converted" version may end up being more pricey.
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AfterDawn Addict
4 product reviews
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20. December 2007 @ 03:39 |
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The X1950XT's fast, but it has horrific reliability issues. The 2600 is nowhere near as fast, but reliable. The latter will be able to play modern games at decent resolutions, but Crysis at 1024x768? Perhaps, I'm not sure on that one. You'll need a new power supply for any of those cards.
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redZoneOS
Member
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21. December 2007 @ 05:48 |
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hmmm if I need a new PSU I'll probly have to buy a new case too cuz I dont think a new PSU will fit properly in my Sony Vaio's proprietary set up.. I think I'm just gonna have to suck it up for a few months, save some money and build myself a new computer. Hell with you guys help, specifically you sammorris, I've built like 5 for my friends. Its time for me to get in on the action!
LoL thanks anyway though, you saved me alot of hassle.
Now I need to find a media player thread so I can get help with my 200GB worth of songs I wanna sort out :P
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AfterDawn Addict
4 product reviews
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21. December 2007 @ 12:49 |
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Haha sure, although you could potentially just buy a proper case and PSU, and leave the rest as is for now, assuming the Vaio motherboards are attached in the standard way. Or, you could buy something like this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121064
To get you by for now, until you can afford to upgrade the whole lot. When you do, ebay that card. The 7600GS isn't a very powerful card these days, but it's still streets ahead of the 9600XT.
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redZoneOS
Member
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29. December 2007 @ 07:35 |
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sorry to bring this thread back to life so late, but I'm getting anxious and I want to play my games!!! (Bioshock, COD4, and Battlefield 2142!! CS/S, HL2, etc. etc.)
sooo just out of curiosity...
is the 7600GS better or the ati 1650Pro? Not to make this a nvidia vs ati question... but prices are similar and according to reviews (cnet), the x1650pro is slightly better in almost every category. AND it's only like 60 dollars on newegg...
Also, does brand matter? meaning if I get the x1650pro, which company is better: diamond, gecube, sapphire, etc. etc. and on the nvidia side??
does 512MB vs 256MB matter? the 7600GS is 256 and 1650pro is 512 at similar prices...
Thanks and sorry again!
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Amir89
Senior Member
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29. December 2007 @ 12:32 |
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RedZone...
Look for either the 7800GS, which is exclusively AGP and can be found for under 120 dollars these days or the 7900GS too. Both excellent value for money and will help you squeeze some extra life out of your AGP mobo.
As for the 7600GS, I have that card, and I've seen in almost every review the 7600GS outperformed the 1600XT by miles which is why ATI dropped the prices of their 1600 range in a blink, but as for the 1650Pro I'm not sure, it might slightly be better but still the 7600GS is dirt cheap.
Also the 7600GS does come in 512Mb versions, their mostly OEM tho like mine but you can find some floating around on the net.
Brand matters a heck of a lot too.
Stick to the one's you mentioned for ATI and BFG, XFX and ASUS for NVidia, their the most well known and reliable. A lot of them make pre-overclocked cards or with extra memory; if you want a little more bang.
Hope this helps
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redZoneOS
Member
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1. January 2008 @ 22:23 |
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ok I have narrowed my video card search down to an AGP ATI X1650PRO, or a HD2600PRO... I can find both for under 100.00 USD.
Any preferences?? also, 256MB, or 512MB? Does the extra RAM help in these vid cards?
I was thinking the HIS X1650 PRO 512MB on newegg, for 75 dollars after rebate. Or Sapphire Radeon HD 2600PRO 512MB for about 98 dollars... But not sure about PSU requirements (As I said I have a vaio, and am assuming its a 300 or 350W PSU)... think there will be problems?
I'll be playing:
CS 1,6/source, HL2, COD4, battlefield 2142, Bioshock... and HOPEFULLY crysis... I MUST RETIRE MY 9600XT!
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AfterDawn Addict
4 product reviews
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5. January 2008 @ 15:48 |
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The X1650XT will be far better than the 7600GS.
You should note however that neither of these cards are capable of playing Crysis at all well (probably 1024x768 on Low is the best you'll do) and also that the Vaio PSU will have to be replaced when you use them. As for which PSU to replace them with, go with something like a Corsair VX 450W.
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 5. January 2008 @ 15:49
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