x300 upgrade help

[vck1967]

I need some advice. I am not a computer person but know I need to upgrade my graphics card. I have a Dell 8400, P4 3.2 ghz, 1 gig of ram, and a dell x300 128mb (MRMGA8 is the Dell model # as best I can tell) graphics card. It has the intel 925x motherboard and has the PCI-express slot. I pretty much only play BF2, and will likely get BF2142. I don't plan on any more graphics intensive games than those and not really a gamer per se'. The x300 does fine at low and ok at medium settings, but high just overwhelms it. I want to upgrade and spend $100 or less. By the numbers, it looks like a lot of the cards in this price range would be an improvement over what I have. Any suggestions on an upgrade? I'm looking for easy install and a noticeable improvement, as inexpensive as possible, and a good warranty. Not asking for much , am I? My question is, would it be worth my while to get something in this price range, or should I just save my money? I want to get the most bang for the buck and all the x's and gt's and numbers are pretty confusing for a non computer guy like me. Any opinions would be much appreciatded. By the way, even for a non computer, (almost)40 year old married with child guy, this site is very cool, nice job!

Thanks!

[Track]

Currently there are 2 cards that you can buy:

The X1900GT - 150$
or
The X800GTO - 110$

The X1900GT is more than twice as good as the X800GTO, and leaves a lot of room for overclocking. If you overclock the X1900GT only 100Mhz, u will have the most powerfull card in the world in ur hands - The X1900XT, and at only 150$.

Where to buy:
http://store.pagecomputers.com/catalog/Video_Cards-and-Adapters/2D|3D_Graphics_Accelerator|TV/PCI_Express_-_256MB/1068841.html?SESSID=7iu6pao1m7mnuqncb44vvk3j66

Comparison - X800GTO vs. X1900GT
http://www23.tomshardware.com/graphics.html?modelx=33&model1=549&model2=568&chart=199

Enjoy!

[David]

I have to agree with track but since you play bf2 like me Nvidia cards are a better bet and your budget is under 100$ then get yourself a 7600gt for 120 or a 7600gs for 100.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130073

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130075

[Track]

I have to agree with track but since you play bf2 like me Nvidia cards are a better bet and your budget is under 100$ then get yourself a 7600gt for 120 or a 7600gs for 100.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130073

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130075

Actually no.

The X800GTO can unlock, making it as powerfull as the 7800 GT as 110$, so the 7600 GT is not a good deal. The 7600 GS isnt a good deal either with those too around, and even if the X800GTO wasnt, the 7600 GS still wouldnt be.

Now the X1900GT at 150$ trumps the X800GTO and the 7600 GT easily.

http://www.gpureview.com/show_cards.php?card1=435&card2=415

[aliquidparadigm]

You won't find much of an upgrade around that price point; I looked back when I bought my x1600xt as a hold-over card, and it was $120 some time ago. Price wise, if you want a massively noticable difference, get either the x1900gt or the 7900gs - http://www.gpureview.com/show_cards.php?card1=443&card2=484. You'll only get the r2 version of the x1900gt if you buy it new, so that's a direct price-point comparison.

Another well respected card in the <$200 price range is the x1950pro: http://www.gpureview.com/show_cards.php?card1=466&card2=484

Basically, though, you're going to get a card only marginally better than the one you have right now for anything under $150, and if you get one of those, you'll be looking to upgrade again in another year, and end up paying another $100 on a new card. Just bite the bullet now and get a $150 card that should last for another couple of years before becoming sub-mediocre.

I suggest either the x1900GTr2 or the x1950pro, since both will be serviceable cards for at least two or three years... and, if you wait until they are as far behind the new as is your x1300, you'll be able to use those cards for at least five years.

[Track]

You won't find much of an upgrade around that price point; I looked back when I bought my x1600xt as a hold-over card, and it was $120 some time ago. Price wise, if you want a massively noticable difference, get either the x1900gt or the 7900gs - http://www.gpureview.com/show_cards.php?card1=443&card2=484. You'll only get the r2 version of the x1900gt if you buy it new, so that's a direct price-point comparison.

Another well respected card in the <$200 price range is the x1950pro: http://www.gpureview.com/show_cards.php?card1=466&card2=484

Basically, though, you're going to get a card only marginally better than the one you have right now for anything under $150, and if you get one of those, you'll be looking to upgrade again in another year, and end up paying another $100 on a new card. Just bite the bullet now and get a $150 card that should last for another couple of years before becoming sub-mediocre.

I suggest either the x1900GTr2 or the x1950pro, since both will be serviceable cards for at least two or three years... and, if you wait until they are as far behind the new as is your x1300, you'll be able to use those cards for at least five years.


Are u freaking high?? :mad:

ANY of those cards would be at least 10 times better than the X300.

He should buy the X1900GT over the X1950 Pro, because one is 50$ cheaper and they are both the same card.

The 7900 GS is not worth 140$, so why pay 175$ for it?

[aliquidparadigm]

I never said they weren't?

The x1900gt is only available (new) in the r2 version which is different than the x1950pro in more than one way. Considering that (again, new) they are a massive $20 apart, it's worth it to just go with the pro, if only because it's easily expandable should you ever want to add a second card on the cheap in a few years.

The 7900gs is only $150, and if you favor nVidia over ATI, it's cheaper than the x1900gt.

Edit: forgot a period. (c:

[Track]

I never said they weren't?

"Basically, though, you're going to get a card only marginally better than the one you have right now"



The x1900gt is only available (new) in the r2 version which is different than the x1950pro in more than one way. Considering that (again, new) they are a massive $20 apart, it's worth it to just go with the pro, if only because it's easily expandable should you ever want to add a second card on the cheap in a few years.

The X1950 Pro is 50$ more and it is not worth it.
He is not going to buy another card because he dosent have a Crossfire motherboard.


The 7900gs is only $150, and if you favor nVidia over ATI, it's cheaper than the x1900gt.

The 7900 GS isnt even close to the X1900GT.
The 7900 GS isnt even close to 150$.

The X1900GT is the best option.

[Mike]

X1900gts are currently retailing for over $150...the man said $100...

Get a 7600GT here (http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-2240911-10440897?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newegg.com%2FProduct %2FProduct.asp%3FItem%3DN82E16814186004R%26ATT%3D1 4-186-004R%26CMP%3DAFC-C8Junction) for 109.99 out the door...or here (http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-2240911-10440897?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newegg.com%2FProduct %2FProduct.asp%3FItem%3DN82E16814143049%26ATT%3D14-143-049%26CMP%3DAFC-C8Junction) for 89.99 after a mail in rebate...

[Mike]

The 7900 GS isnt even close to the X1900GT.
The 7900 GS isnt even close to 150$.

The X1900GT is the best option.

Funny, the specifications and pricing listed on this very site disagree with you.

http://www.gpureview.com/show_cards.php?card1=484&card2=443

Stop blindly pushing the god damned x1900gt at everyone that walks through the door.

[Track]

Funny, the specifications and pricing listed on this very site disagree with you.

http://www.gpureview.com/show_cards.php?card1=484&card2=443

Stop blindly pushing the god damned x1900gt at everyone that walks through the door.

I find your comment hurtfull, as I put a lot of time and effort into my reccomendations.

According to this site - http://www23.tomshardware.com/graphics.html?modelx=33&model1=549&model2=584&chart=199

The X1900GT is superior.

[Mike]

Actually no.

The X800GTO can unlock, making it as powerfull as the 7800 GT as 110$, so the 7600 GT is not a good deal. The 7600 GS isnt a good deal either with those too around, and even if the X800GTO wasnt, the 7600 GS still wouldnt be.

Now the X1900GT at 150$ trumps the X800GTO and the 7600 GT easily.

http://www.gpureview.com/show_cards.php?card1=435&card2=415

Why are you even talking about the X800GTO? Who wants to buy a PS2.0 card at this point?

Second of all, if you're going to link to comparisons of the X1900gt and the 7600gt, then point to the PCI-E 7600gt (which has proper pricing, not like the inflated price of the agp version) and the rev2 of the x1900gt which has the slower core clock speed and has the price that you're referring to (the original version is $30 more)...

[Track]

X1900gts are currently retailing for over $150...the man said $100...

Get a 7600GT here (http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-2240911-10440897?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newegg.com%2FProduct %2FProduct.asp%3FItem%3DN82E16814186004R%26ATT%3D1 4-186-004R%26CMP%3DAFC-C8Junction) for 109.99 out the door...or here (http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-2240911-10440897?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newegg.com%2FProduct %2FProduct.asp%3FItem%3DN82E16814143049%26ATT%3D14-143-049%26CMP%3DAFC-C8Junction) for 89.99 after a mail in rebate...

X1900GTs are exactly 150$

The X1900GT is over twice as good as the 7600 GT and can overclock to an X1900XT wich is even better.

So the X1900GT is still a good idea. If he wants a card for 90$ he'll be glad to take your offer.

http://www23.tomshardware.com/graphics.html?modelx=33&model1=549&model2=529&chart=199

[Track]

Why are you even talking about the X800GTO? Who wants to buy a PS2.0 card at this point?

Second of all, if you're going to link to comparisons of the X1900gt and the 7600gt, then point to the PCI-E 7600gt (which has proper pricing, not like the inflated price of the agp version) and the rev2 of the x1900gt which has the slower core clock speed and has the price that you're referring to (the original version is $30 more)...

The X800GTO unlocked is still good for a person who would buy it - a person who wants a 100$ card.
The 7600 GT with SM3.0 dosent make it all that much better, DX10 is whats important.

I'll change the link if its important to u.

[Mike]

I find your comment hurtfull, as I put a lot of time and effort into my reccomendations.

According to this site - http://www23.tomshardware.com/graphics.html?modelx=33&model1=549&model2=584&chart=199

The X1900GT is superior.

I'm sure you put a lot of time into it Track, and it's appreciated. But the statements you're making are simply unfounded.

Things are nowhere near as clear cut as you're trying to make them.

Like the benchmark you just linked, 1600x1200 4xaa 8xaf in HL2. Basically a cherry-picked scenario for the x1900gt since ATi cards do better in HL2 than nVidia cards in general, and the x1900gt is better at AF without losing speed.

But that's not the point, the point is you said they weren't "even close". Which is completely false, those two cards are extremely close to one another in performance. And the 7900GS is in fact CHEAPER.

Now this is a free country and you can say whatever you want. But this is my website, so when you go making recommendations that I disagree with, don't be surprised when I call you on it.

[Track]

I'm sure you put a lot of time into it Track, and it's appreciated. But the statements you're making are simply unfounded.

Things are nowhere near as clear cut as you're trying to make them.

Like the benchmark you just linked, 1600x1200 4xaa 8xaf in HL2. Basically a cherry-picked scenario for the x1900gt since ATi cards do better in HL2 than nVidia cards in general, and the x1900gt is better at AF without losing speed.

But that's not the point, the point is you said they weren't "even close". Which is completely false, those two cards are extremely close to one another in performance. And the 7900GS is in fact CHEAPER.

Now this is a free country and you can say whatever you want. But this is my website, so when you go making recommendations that I disagree with, don't be surprised when I call you on it.


I welcome ur doubt, but i wonder how long it would take to convince u that i know what im talking about.

I cant find a 7900 GS for less than 160$.

The 7900 GS isnt better than the X1900GT, no matter how u put it.

Here is another piece that proves thusly - http://www23.tomshardware.com/graphics.html?modelx=33&model1=549&model2=584&chart=211

[Mike]

X1900GTs are exactly 150$

The X1900GT is over twice as good as the 7600 GT and can overclock to an X1900XT wich is even better.

So the X1900GT is still a good idea. If he wants a card for 90$ he'll be glad to take your offer.

http://www23.tomshardware.com/graphics.html?modelx=33&model1=549&model2=529&chart=199

The x1900gt is not twice as fast as a 7600gt, it's about 60% faster, which is appreciable, but it also costs 60% more. And, once again, the original poster asked about a $100 card, not a $150 card.

It is highly unlikely that you can unlock an x1900gt and overclock it to an x1900xt. You have to have a certain type of card to be able to do so. And even then, it requires flashing the bios which most people won't want to mess with . Then, on top of that, you have to get the overclock, which is also not guaranteed.

[Mike]

I welcome ur doubt, but i wonder how long it would take to convince u that i know what im talking about.

I cant find a 7900 GS for less than 160$.

The 7900 GS isnt better than the X1900GT, no matter how u put it.

Here is another piece that proves thusly - http://www23.tomshardware.com/graphics.html?modelx=33&model1=549&model2=584&chart=211
For future reference, tomshardware doesn't prove anything. But since you like that site so much, here's the 7900gs beating the x1900gt.

http://www23.tomshardware.com/graphics.html?modelx=33&model1=549&model2=584&chart=215

Not that it matters, I'm not saying that the x1900gt isn't a good card. I'm just saying that your statement that the 7900gs "isn't even close" is bullshit. And it is.

And if you can't find a 7900gs for under $160, then you might want to look at the card page on this very site:

http://www.gpureview.com/GeForce-7900-GS-PCI-E-card-443.html

There are several models just at newegg who come in at $144.99 - $149.99.

[Track]

The x1900gt is not twice as fast as a 7600gt, it's about 60% faster, which is appreciable, but it also costs 60% more. And, once again, the original poster asked about a $100 card, not a $150 card.

It is highly unlikely that you can unlock an x1900gt and overclock it to an x1900xt. You have to have a certain type of card to be able to do so. And even then, it requires flashing the bios which most people won't want to mess with . Then, on top of that, you have to get the overclock, which is also not guaranteed.

I believe that benchmark has the X1900GT at over 100% more.

I also believe its a good idea to spend a little more now because u cant turn the 7600 GT into an X1900GT when u choose.

You cannot unlock the X1900GT.

If u overclock the X1900GT to where it can get with a VF900, its almost as powerfull as an X1900XT at it's stock speeds. Obviously if u overclock the X1900XT to the same speeds, it will be better.

[Track]

For future reference, tomshardware doesn't prove anything. But since you like that site so much, here's the 7900gs beating the x1900gt.

http://www23.tomshardware.com/graphics.html?modelx=33&model1=549&model2=584&chart=215

Not that it matters, I'm not saying that the x1900gt isn't a good card. I'm just saying that your statement that the 7900gs "isn't even close" is bullshit. And it is.

And if you can't find a 7900gs for under $160, then you might want to look at the card page on this very site:

http://www.gpureview.com/GeForce-7900-GS-PCI-E-card-443.html

There are several models just at newegg who come in at $144.99 - $149.99.


Its not "bullshit", sir. I take offence.

The 7900 GS can only beat the X1900GT in OpenGL games, and by 2%.
While the X1900GT beats the 7900 GS at everything else by much more.

The 7900 GS at 150$ is good.. i looked all over and couldnt find it for less than 165$.

The X1900GT at 150$ is better. Not a lot better - the 7900GS is a great card.
But the X1900GT is usually comapred to the 7950GT.

[Mike]

I believe that benchmark has the X1900GT at over 100% more.

I also believe its a good idea to spend a little more now because u cant turn the 7600 GT into an X1900GT when u choose.

You cannot unlock the X1900GT.

If u overclock the X1900GT to where it can get with a VF900, its almost as powerfull as an X1900XT at it's stock speeds. Obviously if u overclock the X1900XT to the same speeds, it will be better.

I believe I can find a benchmark where the two cards perform nearly identically (despite the fact that the x1900gt should always be faster). The point is you can't just look at a single benchmark and make a decision. Especially when that benchmark isn't what the original poster said he wanted to play.

If you want to sit here all day and argue why everyone should go out and buy the x1900gt, that's fine. But the original poster asked about a $100 card to play BF2...the x1900gt is NOT AT ALL what he's asking for.

Like I said before, stop pushing the x1900gt and just answer the man's question. For $100, the 7600gt is the best card you can get. I'm pretty sure there's not much room to argue about that.

[Track]

The X1900GT is better than the 7900 GS.

The 7600 GT isnt bad for 90$.

[Mike]

Its not "bullshit", sir. I take offence.

The 7900 GS can only beat the X1900GT in OpenGL games, and by 2%.
While the X1900GT beats the 7900 GS at everything else by much more.

The 7900 GS at 150$ is good.. i looked all over and couldnt find it for less than 165$.

The X1900GT at 150$ is better. Not a lot better - the 7900GS is a great card.
But the X1900GT is usually comapred to the 7950GT.

Frankly Track I don't give a flying fuck what you take offense at. Let me make that very clear.

Second of all, you're sitting here saying that you looked all over and can't find the 7900gs for under $165 when I have it listed for $144.99 ON THIS SITE. So you looked all over but you didn't look HERE!?

My only two points in this entire thread are as follows:

- The 7900gs is relatively close in performance to the x1900gt. And at $150 is a very good buy. The x1900gt is faster, and if you find a good price on it (i.e. under $160 or so) then sure it's a better buy than the 7900gs. But that's not what you said, you said the 7900gs is nowhere close, and that's simply false.
- The original poster asked about a $100 card. You're recommending everything but that. Stop it.