Graphics Upgrade

Hi, im looking to upgrade my graphics from my 64MB GeForce Siluro to something a bit newer.

Ive been looking at the
RADEON 9600 PRO
and
XFX Geforce Fx5200
or
NVIDIA FX5200

all 256MB to go with my Abit A7V333 2Ghz Athlon, 256 PC 2100 RAM and more HDD than i can use and on Win2k.

What does anybody think of these cards or does anybody have anymore suggestions about what could go with my system.

Many thanks,
Stuart.

 

With an AthlonXP 2Gig and PC2100 RAM, I think you are going a little overboard getting a 256MB graphics card. I would only suggest a card like that if you were intending to upgrade other system components very shortly, like in the next few months. 12 months or more, and even the current 256MB cards will begin to be dated.
Personally I'd stay with the current card, or maybe go for a "middle of the pack" 128MB card and up your system RAM to 512MB.
Doubling your system RAM will in your case be a better investment.

It's all a matter of balancing the various components and not buying a component that will be under utilised such as a highend graphics card with the rest of your system.

I run a p4 2.8 with 2x 512 dual memory RAM with a Ti4200 128MB graphics card. The advantage for me to go to a 256MB card would be marginal at best, only on a very few games.

 

When i was looking for a graphics card i looked long and hard and finally managed to find a Radeon 9800 PRO 128mb for £140. If you want to spend this money then the 9800 PRO is a great choice, but if you looking at something less then the 9600 XT is good at the sub £100 mark. Hopes this help.

PS. If you were thinking of buying Half Life 2 or Doom 3 when they finally get released, then you WILL NEED TO BUY THE 9800 PRO card.

 

It all depends on what you want to do with it. If you don't game, you can get a fine card in the $75-100 US range. If you game, I think anything less than a 9800 Pro will get out-of-date too fast - especially with prices dropping on the 9800 Pros. The new games are making some serious demands on video cards these days.

Gary