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1. Patrick Garratt
   Key Master

   I know we had this discussion a while back, but I really need a new graphics card. I've got a 1600+ monitor which is great for work but my PC just can't play games at proper resolution without chugging horribly any more. Dawn of War II looks as though it's playing syrup with everything at the lowest setting.

   I've got two Athlon 64 X2 4800+ (2.51Ghz) and 2Gb of RAM. My current video card's a GeForce 8500GT with 256Mb of RAM.

   Do I need a CPU upgrade as well? Sorry, I'm a bit clueless on this stuff. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

   Posted 4 years ago #

2. Mike
   Key Master

   Basically you should go up to 512 gfx card or above. You processor seems fine and maybe go to 4Gb RAM but 2Gb should be ok for most games.

   Posted 4 years ago #

3. Patrick Garratt
   Key Master

   I got a GeForce 9800 GT 512MB in the end.

   Posted 4 years ago #

4. Mike
   Key Master

   You just *had* to go one better than me, didn't you?! :P

   Posted 4 years ago #

5. Patrick Garratt
   Key Master

   :D

   It was only £94, I think.

   Posted 4 years ago #

6. Mike
   Key Master

   not bad

   Posted 4 years ago #

7. reask
   Member

   When you buy these cards do you have to get it put into your PC by a PC guy if you know what I mean.

   Posted 4 years ago #

8. Mike
   Key Master

   No. It's well easy.

   Posted 4 years ago #

9. Patrick Garratt
   Key Master

   I've never done it before, but it really does look about as hard as taking the old one out, putting the new one in and installing drivers.

   Posted 4 years ago #

10. Hunam
    Member

    That's about it really.

    Posted 4 years ago #

11. Mike
    Key Master

    Yep. It's like shelling peas, John.

    Posted 4 years ago #

12. It's a Me Mario
    Member

    If you really want cracking performance, I suggest upgrading your CPU. The current and previous range of Phenoms should still work on your current motherboard (thanks AMD :) ), otherwise if you switch to an Intel processor, which are better, you will need a new board.

    If you are running Vista*, another stick of RAM wouldnt hurt and that is pretty cheap today. As for graphics cards - if your PSU is 400w +, then you could look at the brilliant 9800 GTX 512 as they are tumbling in price.

    Or, if you want to keep the budget under control, the 8800GT, although a bit old now is probably the best value card and should be picked up for well under £90 - the problem is, finding one (Ebay).

    *If you do have Vista, turn off the pointless 'Windows Aero transparency'. Reboot and notice and massive boost in extra power. Where will I find this useless tat? - Control Panel\Appearance and Personalization\Personalization\Window Color and Appearance

    Posted 4 years ago #

13. Patrick Garratt
    Key Master

    Oooh, ta. That's handy.

    Off the top of your head, do you know what the best AMD CPUs are? I've got an Asus motherboard, and it does support all the chips you mentioned, but only dual core. You're right: if I want quad-core or Intel it's a new board.

    Posted 4 years ago #

14. It's a Me Mario
    Member

    If your motherboard only supports dual core, that does count out the Phenoms. You could simply keep your current cpu as its still not bad. Forking out an extra £60-£70 to boost up to 3.10ghz can make a difference but personally, not worth shelling the cash out on.

    http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CP-191-AM&groupid=701&catid=6&subcat=803 Isnt a bad one.

    Personally, I would keep the CPU, and put that cash towards extra RAM as this will be where you see the difference, and of course a new graphics card

    Posted 4 years ago #

15. Patrick Garratt
    Key Master

    That's great, cheers. I've got the GPU, and I'll buy another stick of RAM. Next time I'll think about a new motherboard, I reckon.

    Posted 4 years ago #

16. OrphanageExplosion
    Member

    I got an 8800GT for £50 on eBay. It's basically entirely the same as the 9800GT, and is still an awesome card for games playing - especially at 720p.

    If the 9800GT doesn't sort out Pat's gameplay, I don't know what will. The 8500GT is a notoriously shit card - that's for sure.

    Posted 4 years ago #

17. Hunam
    Member

    +1

    I had a 8500 which was bought on a budget upgrade from a 6600 GT, despite the 6600 GT well, being overall better in the end. Netted myself an 8800GT shortly after and it's doing me well :)

    Posted 4 years ago #

18. Patrick Garratt
    Key Master

    I still haven't got it. It left Brighton at 8am this morning :(

    Posted 4 years ago #

19. Mike
    Key Master

    My 9600 GT is fucking fabulous, I reckon.

    Posted 4 years ago #

20. It's a Me Mario
    Member

    Are you running Vista Pat?

    Posted 4 years ago #

21. Patrick Garratt
    Key Master

    I am, yeah. I installed the card this morning. It really has made a massive difference. I also turned off the transparency, as you suggested, and that really helped as well.

    Posted 4 years ago #

22. It's a Me Mario
    Member

    cool beans, we are here to help! haha

    Posted 4 years ago #

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