Upgrading this computer

[Oxaqata]

Right now the CPU and Video card in my computer are both VERY low spec and I would like to upgrade both. What Video Card and CPU can you guys recommend to replace these. In terms of usage, I don't play all the latest games but would like to be able to run most games at an acceptable framerate (low-med det is fine).

CPU wise im willing to stay with Netbursts a while longer and I believe my motherboard can handle Pentium 4 or Pentium D up to and including 3.6Ghz. Will I find much advantage in purchasing a Pentium D over a Pentium 4 especially in games?

Video Card wise, whether its ATI or Nvidia I dont really care. My motherboard supports up to AGP 8x. I guess my price range for the video card is 100-130 USD which roughly equates to an ATI x1600Pro. Is this card of decent quality or can I get better bang for buck elsewhere?

My Computers Specs Are:
Celeron 3.33ghz
P5V800-MX Mobo
1Gb DDR RAM
Nvidia 6200 AGP (256Mb)

Thanks, Oxaqata

 

[Blorg]

EVGA Geforce 7600GT

Intel Pentium D 805 Smithfield

256.99 + ship - 20mir

I hear the overclocking potential of this chip is incredible. Check it out.

Just my 2 cents

 

[DrMrLordX]

While the 7600GT is a fine video card, I would avoid the 805D at all costs. Get a Presler or Cedar Mill if your board will support them, preferably one of the newer C1 stepping CPUs.

 

[PhoenixOrion]

If you want to stick with your motherboard I would suggest
1. pressler 915, 65nm instead of 90nm - $130
2. you need AGP for videocard and you can get x850xt for $130 or AIW x800xt for $120

$260 maximum.

 

[Oxaqata]

Thanks for the Quick replies!
At the moment the computer doesnt have a Chassis fan, this Celeron doesnt run very hot at all even under load. Will I need to buy a chassis fan or a fancier CPU cooler for a CPU or video card upgrade?

 

[PhoenixOrion]

stock heatsink/fan that comes with retail CPU intel 915 and heatsink/fan on x8XX series videocards are adequate but these two parts generate a lot of heat that

you will definitely need an exhaust fan. hope your case has a fan mounts for easy install.

 

[Oxaqata]

Which of the two parts would provide a greater performance boost in gaming?

 

[PhoenixOrion]

Originally posted by: Oxaqata
Which of the two parts would provide a greater performance boost in gaming?

6200 AGP to x850xt = huge boost in gaming

celery 3.33/6200agp to 915 pressler/x850xt = that would be like night and day

 

[Oxaqata]

Sorry to bring up an old Topic

Im on a very limited budget, which of these parts should I buy first? (For greater gaming improvement)

Also the x800 and x850 models are very rare and expensive here in Australia. Can you reccomend a similar card?

Thanks

 

[Icepick]

The video card should be upgraded first. That will give you an immediate and noticeable boost in gaming. I'd start with the 6800GS since you're on AGP and asked for an alternative to the Radeon x8xx models. Avoid the 7600GS since that performs similarly to a 6600GT.

 

[Oxaqata]

I can't find the 6800GS anywhere, how does the 6800XT TD fare?
If it is any good, is it worth spending extra to get the 256mb version of it?

 

[Oxaqata]

bump

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Seeing as prices are different over here, it might help if you could quote us some different cards and their relative prices to give us an idea of your options.

 

[Oxaqata]

These are some cards within my price range. Any suggestions?

6600 TD 256Mb $179AUD @ $136USD
6800XT TD 128Mb $199AUD @ $151USD
6800XT TD 256Mb $249AUD @ $190USD
6800LE TD 128Mb $169AUD @ $128USD
X1600 Pro 256Mb $195AUD @ $148USD
X1600 Pro 512Mb $220AUD @ $167USD
7600GS 256Mb $215 @ $164USD

 

[Oxaqata]

bump

 

[betasub]

The four Nvidia 6xxx cards you've listed are all stripped down versions of decent performing GT cards, and they're previous generation.

AT has shown that the ATi x1600 Pro isn't a great performer: nice features but slower than it's mid-range competitors.

The Nv 7600GS is the best of those you've listed, but even so it's stripped down version of the 7600GT. It looks like you're forced to pay over the odds for a AGP card, so try and get a 7600GT if available.