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Specific upgrade questions.
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Favion
Newbie
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2. November 2006 @ 18:15 |
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Hi, I'm a bit new to this site, but not to forums, and got some questions I'de like answered about computer upgrades.
Video Cards:
Which would you suggest, nVidia, or ATI. I currently have an ATI X800 Pro AGP, which isn't a bad card, smooth, etc. but I'm kinda wanting something more. I was looking at (in the nVidia line), something like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814127097
I was looking at (in the ATI line), something like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814127208 (really good rebate on that one at the moment too).
I'm wondering which one is better for the following things (answer for each one individually please), and maybe include a little about which you would prefer overall in general too, that would be great:
Gaming
Heating
Longevity
Dual GFX (SLI/Crossfire)
Processors:
Ah, the ever running war between AMD and Intel. Here I find myself in a choice...what one? For AMD, I was looking at something like this: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/...ku=CP1-AM2-4600
for Intel, I was looking at something like this: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/...3395&CatId=2396
(Oooo, free game with it)
So, it's back to the same situation with the video cards. If you could please tell me which is better for the following things individually, and maybe include a bit about which one you'de prefer overall, that would be great:
Pure speed
Longevity
Overheating
Gaming
Multitasking
Virus Protection
"Extra Features"
Other:
Just something else I'de like to ask...is it worth it to spend the money on a PhysX card? They are quite pricey. Example: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/...2180959&CatId=0
If these could be answered, It would be awesome.
Thanks,
Favion
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 2. November 2006 @ 18:29
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BigMike2
Junior Member
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2. November 2006 @ 20:24 |
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I've never owned an Intel desktop machine, always went with AMD. I've been building my own for about 12 years now.
But... I've been doing my research recently and have read a few articles from reputable sources, PCWORLD for one, that the Intel core 2 duo beats the pants off the AMD version.
I'm giving it serious thought right now, especially since Tiger is having a pretty good sale on these CPUs.
Look at this link for an even faster cpu;
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/...2341562&CatId=0
Sorry, I can't help ya on the graphics card. I don't game so it doesn't matter a lot to me.
Mike2
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Moderator
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3. November 2006 @ 08:21 |
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between those two gpus, the nVidia card is better. Will out perform the X1900. But if your gonna spend that kind of money look at the ATI X1950 XTX http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814195024
You can get the 1950 XTX for cheaper if you get a different brand name (Sapphire brand as low as $399 w/ $20 MIR)
As for the cpu. Yes the Conroe's do outperform AMD. But the rig I game on I bought the X2-4800. And it handles any game I throw at it. On a side note I do have a laptop with the Core 2 (merom) and it scores higher in PCMark05 over my X2-4800 (higher by almost 1000pts)
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Favion
Newbie
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3. November 2006 @ 09:50 |
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Senior Member
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3. November 2006 @ 10:50 |
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if you want to see your harddisk spin at an unbelivable rate get the one with the window. if your not that bothered dont.
at that price tho does a fiver matter?
this might shed some light on the gpus, just pick the type of games you want to play
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/graphics/charts.html
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 3. November 2006 @ 10:51
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Moderator
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3. November 2006 @ 14:45 |
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The X1950 XTX is a very good gaming card ... but I didn't see the rebate for the X1900. Prices will change by the tme Vista comes out. One reason I didn't build a Conroe pc was I really didn't care about the bragging rights. Sure on paper it's faster, but c'mon ... I really don't think your gonna have an advantage over my X2-4800.
A good cpu to look into is the X2-4200.
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Favion
Newbie
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4. November 2006 @ 06:09 |
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Hmm, the link with the graphs helped a bit. Thanks Marsey. As for the X2-4200, I would probably spend up to $250 and get the X2-4600. As for Intel, there is one thing that has been pushing me to maybe get it. It's the fact that they have the vitual pc thing. I've never tried it though, so I don't know how well it works. Oh well.
So I'm willing to spend $250 on processor, and arround $400-$500 on graphics card. Preferably more towards the $400 area :-P.
As for RAM, I'm probably going to stick with my current, Dual Channel, PC4000, 2 x 512 (1GB), 500Mhz, Corsair. (The ones with the LED lights on top).
I hope your right about prices droping, it's allways better to spend less money when you can.
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Moderator
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4. November 2006 @ 07:01 |
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well if anything consider the 4400 w/ the 2MB cache.
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