Advice on Upgrading Graphics Card

[desktop]

I am writing to ask the members here about upgrading to another graphics card. My MB is a ASUS P4P800, and my current graphics card is a ASUS V9520 Magic GeForce FX5200. The user guide I got with the MB suggests I only install a 1.5V AGP card. I've been pretty satisfied with the FX5200, but recently I tried playing Sims2 and it lagged in certain spots quite a bit. I also do a lot of graphic design work, and I'm wondering if upgrading the card would help in that area, as well.

I am not a expert in any of this, so I'm posting here to get some ideas from those who know their stuff.

Thank you.

- dc

 

[catalyst1]

A better graphics card would definitely help out. What's your budget? How intensive is the graphic design work you do? What kind of games do you play? If you need something powerful, I suggest an Nvidia 6800 chip (or a variant of it). If you just need a good upgrade but don't do anything more graphically intensive than the SIMS or basic graphic design work, I suggest the Nvidia 6200 chip. Here are a couple links:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814127174

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814150102

Since you have AGP, you are a bit limited with the higher-end cards. The 7800 isn't made for AGP, so pretty much the best you could have is a 6800. You might want to check out some ATI chips, too. I don't have much experience with ATI, though, which is why I didn't recommend any.

 

[TRDCorolla1]

What is your overall computer spec?

 

[alvino]

Yeah, please post the rest of your computer's specs. Buying components is about balance, you simply can't have a top of the line CPU while using a Integrated video chip (imagine the bottlenecking).

 

[desktop]

Sorry about that. I am not a expert in any of this, so I ran a report using Everest Home:

=======================

Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition 5.1.2600 (WinXP Retail)
Date 2005-09-15
Time 21:35

[ Summary ]

Computer:
Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
OS Service Pack Service Pack 2
DirectX 4.09.00.0904 (DirectX 9.0c)

Motherboard:
CPU Type Intel Pentium 4, 2400 MHz (12 x 200)
Motherboard Name Asus P4P800 (5 PCI, 1 AGP, 1 WiFi, 4 DDR DIMM, Audio, Gigabit LAN)
Motherboard Chipset Intel Springdale i865PE
System Memory 512 MB (PC3200 DDR SDRAM)
BIOS Type Asus AMI (04/22/03)
Communication Port Communications Port (COM1)
Communication Port Communications Port (COM2)
Communication Port ECP Printer Port (LPT1)

Display:
Video Adapter NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200 (128 MB)
Video Adapter RADEON 7000 / RADEON VE Family (Microsoft Corporation) (64 MB)
Video Adapter RADEON 7000 / RADEON VE Family (Microsoft Corporation) (64 MB)
3D Accelerator ATI RV100 DDR
3D Accelerator nVIDIA GeForce FX 5200
Monitor Dell D825HT [15" CRT] (94051CAAEX97)
Monitor Jean JD155/JD166 (93213396)

Multimedia:
Audio Adapter C-Media CMI8738/C3DX Audio Device
Audio Adapter Intel 82801EB ICH5 - AC'97 Audio Controller [A-2/A-3]

Storage:
IDE Controller Standard Dual Channel PCI IDE Controller
Floppy Drive Floppy disk drive
Disk Drive Maxtor 6Y060L0 (60 GB, 7200 RPM, Ultra-ATA/133)
Optical Drive LITE-ON DVDRW SOHW-1673S
SMART Hard Disks Status OK

Partitions:
C: (NTFS) 58635 MB (49090 MB free)

Input:
Keyboard Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural PS/2 Keyboard
Mouse Logitech USB TrackMan Wheel

Network:
Network Adapter 3Com Gigabit LOM (3C940) (24.247.1.224)

=======================

Thank you.

- dc

 

[desktop]

Just to let you all know I bought a new PSU last night online at TigerDirect. You have to check this deal out here:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...sp?Sku=ULT31556

I couldn't believe this deal. A Ultra X-Connect 500W modular PSU for $59.97 with a $30.00 rebate! Compare at the original price of $99.99 that's a savings of just over $100 !!

w00t!

- dc

 

[catalyst1]

I'm not so sure about your math, but it sounds like a great deal nonetheless.

 

[alvino]

Alrighty. Now that you've posted your specs, please state your budget. It's very essential that you know how much you can or can't spend.

 

[desktop]

Not really sure about the budget. I just buy parts when I have extra money. I'm currently considering this eVGA GeForce 6600 GT card: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1182887&Tab=2&NoMapp=0

- dc

 

[Gamingfreak]

the 6600gt is a very good card i recommend u get that one