Should I switch to PCI-E?

[Byrns]

I've got an itch for an upgrade to my video card, but I'm not sure if I need to switch to PCI-E or not. I've got a new <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=167 target=_blank>Dell</a> 2005FPW LCD coming, and I don't think my 6600 GT will handle the higher resolutions.

My current system:
3.0 P4 Ghz 512k cache (stock)
2Gig Dual Channel Ram
XFX 6600 GT

I would like to get a x800 xl or better. Since the new AGP models are coming soon should I pick up one of them when they're available? Otherwise I'll have to get a new AMD 3500+ and motherboard. :)

My understanding is that with games these days the GPU is the bottleneck, in which case I don't need to change out my processor just yet. Would I even notice a performance difference in gaming between my 3.0 GHz Intel and a AMD 3500+? (Assuming everything else was the "same")

[fitbrit]

You have a great video card in the 6600GT. By the time you really NEED to switch to PCI-E, it'll be a lot cheaper. Right now, there's not that much of an advantage for switchers unless the video card you're drooling over is available only in PCI-e.

[scottyb]

If the $ is burning a hole in your pocket then by all means change, but if not you still have a great card and CPU. There would be a small difference going to the 3500+, but not enough to justifty the cost.

[Byrns]

Well I want to change the video because the LCD runs natively at 1680x1050. Checking out Tom's Hardware VGA Charts (http://graphics.tomshardware.com/graphic/20041222/vga_charts-09.html) the 6600GT seems like it might choke at that res?

[Fightguard]

well, since the LCD is on it's way anyway...it makes sense to actually test it with your current 6600GT before you make any decisions about upgrading it, right?

[Canadianpsycho]

No disrespect, but to game on a 20" LCD you'll need better then a X800XL or 6800GT, IMHO

I game on a 19" and I barely find my 6800GT adequate at times. Some games its more then enough, but games like Far Cry and HL2 I'd drop below 60 fps with a stock FX-53 (2.4GHz). Granted these games are better on ATI cards.

Depends on what you're playing and how that LCD scales with resolution, but I won't (and will not) buy a 1600x1200 or higher LCD until I'm running SLI or get a high end ATI card that can assure me a constant 60 fps +

If you're a casual gamer, then you can get by with an XL...

I suppose the only tradeoff is with 1600x1200 you probably don't really need 4xAA due to the higher resolution.

[Byrns]

X800 XL is the lowest I would go. I'm thinking about getting a X850XT PE if the price drops below $600. (I also plan on waiting to see how much the AGP ones will be) SLI is too steep, and the driver profile thing seems dodgey.

I figure I could probably get $200 for my AGP 6600GT.

[Byrns]

well, since the LCD is on it's way anyway...it makes sense to actually test it with your current 6600GT before you make any decisions about upgrading it, right?

Of course I'll test it. I just not holding my breath that it'll run smooth.

[fitbrit]

X800 XL is the lowest I would go. I'm thinking about getting a X850XT PE if the price drops below $600. (I also plan on waiting to see how much the AGP ones will be) SLI is too steep, and the driver profile thing seems dodgey.

I figure I could probably get $200 for my AGP 6600GT.

(See my PM)
Yeah on second thoughts, you should upgrade and sell that card next week! :)

[Evil Techie]

IMO, 6600GT will run most games fine at 1600x1200 res with a few eye candies turned on

maybe not all but it should be pretty good
if you dont mind sacraficing a bit of sharpess to run games at a little lower res, 6600GT would perform well and like fitbrit said, now isnt the best time to switch to PCI-E just yet

but looks like a person who buys 2GB of ram might be itching to spend lots of money on a computer

up to u, IMO, not worth upgrading just yet

[turanuk]

lol....yeah the 6600GT goes for about $300 new, $200 is a good deal for it.

You think you have problems, my laptop is locked at 1400x1050 LCD res and I have a 9700 in it. Then again, it's not that bad for me because I can get by with 30fps, as long as i don't see flicker :P

[Byrns]

IMO, 6600GT will run most games fine at 1600x1200 res with a few eye candies turned on

maybe not all but it should be pretty good
if you dont mind sacraficing a bit of sharpess to run games at a little lower res, 6600GT would perform well and like fitbrit said, now isnt the best time to switch to PCI-E just yet

but looks like a person who buys 2GB of ram might be itching to spend lots of money on a computer

up to u, IMO, not worth upgrading just yet

The RAM was cheap :)

[Canadianpsycho]

IMO, 6600GT will run most games fine at 1600x1200 res with a few eye candies turned on

maybe not all but it should be pretty good
if you dont mind sacraficing a bit of sharpess to run games at a little lower res, 6600GT would perform well and like fitbrit said, now isnt the best time to switch to PCI-E just yet

but looks like a person who buys 2GB of ram might be itching to spend lots of money on a computer

up to u, IMO, not worth upgrading just yet

According to Tom's PCI charts.... A 6600GT will get you at 1600x1200 4xAA 8xAF:

17 fps in Far Cry
19 fps in Doom3
36 fps in HL2.

So, assuming you turn off AA, you can get a bit more fps. But 30 isn't acceptable... I can just imagine the slideshow when the Striders attack you in the ruined buildings in HL2. I was around 40-50 fps at 1280x1024 with 2x AA on my 6800GT @ Ultra.

[Txiasaeia]

I was worried about this too before I got my LCD (Samsung 710N) which runs native at 1280x1024. Now, when I'm on the desktop (internet, word etc.) it works fine, but when I want to play a game there's no problem downgrading it to 1024x768 or even (gasp) 800x600. Really. Might be a bit tougher for a 1600x1200 to go down that far, but it should make it to 1280x1024 without any real depreciation in quality.

I agree with you in that it's best to sell old stuff to buy the new stuff (doing that in a couple months), but upgrading from a 6600GT? Heck, that's what I'm upgrading *to*. If you really see the need then go for it, but there's no way I'd shell out over $500 for a new video card, $200 off for the old one or not.