What video card should i upgrade to?

[masta_mindz]

hi my system isn't really cutting it for new games, and i'm looking to upgrade my 9700 pro. my specs are:

amd 64 3000+ s754
asus k8v
OCZ 512MB RAM (will be upgrading this to a gig also)

so my needs are that i want to play source games, mainly DoD:S at 1280x1024 at full settings with no hitches, and i'd also like to play BF2 and maybe CoD2 (not expecting to play at full settings with these games though).

so what would be the best agp card for me? ati x800XL? 6800gs? i understand that ati cards play source games better, but would a 6800gs be able to push far enough where it would satisfy my requirements? all input is appreciated.

thanks in advance for all your help.

[ShadowVlican]

6800gs is a great card

[cipher]

The 7800GT has come down in price to about $350...

[jollyeskimo]

6800gs is a great card

definitely a great upgrade from a 9700pro

[masta_mindz]

thx guys...and cipher i need an AGP card, and i'm looking to spend less than $300.

[Amourek]

BF2 is brutal on 512MB. Should get some more RAM as well.

[ynchu]

6800 GS is a great card with plenty of change for a good valentine's meal!

[windwaker]

I have XFX XXX 6800GS factory-overclocked. Nearly the 7800GT stock speed. It is hot. Needs a decent case. It runs most games at medium to high settings at 1024x768 on CRT.

Also, if you can get 7800GT for $350, get it. Was ~$450 last year. Or look at 7800GS AGP.

[jollyeskimo]

I have XFX XXX 6800GS factory-overclocked. Nearly the 7800GT stock speed. It is hot. Needs a decent case. It runs most games at medium to high settings at 1024x768 on CRT.

It can do way better than that.... I'm running most of my games @ 1280x1024 with high + AA/AF, and even 1680x1050 if the games support it.

[Cafe_333]

6800gs is a great cardAgreed, especially when your budget is max $300 dollars. There's a particular AGP 6800GS that can be unlocked to 6800GT speeds, but I can't remember which one exactly... a little bit of google should easily find it though. However if what windwaker said about the XFX being clocked up nearly to 7800GT speeds is true, then go for that. I also second Amourek's suggestion for another stick of 512mb ram... might want to consider leaving some headroom for that upgrade as well. Many people have foudn BF2 to run smoother on more ram, and seems to load levels faster too.

[Gnus]

It can do way better than that.... I'm running most of my games @ 1280x1024 with high + AA/AF, and even 1680x1050 if the games support it.

What scores for 3DMark 05 are you getting? Just wondering.

[jollyeskimo]

Haven't benched since I overclocked it.... but at stock I was pushing a lazy 5k or so. (MCE05 kicked in during one of my runs, so my numbers are probably a tad off)

[masta_mindz]

Agreed, especially when your budget is max $300 dollars. There's a particular AGP 6800GS that can be unlocked to 6800GT speeds, but I can't remember which one exactly... a little bit of google should easily find it though. However if what windwaker said about the XFX being clocked up nearly to 7800GT speeds is true, then go for that. I also second Amourek's suggestion for another stick of 512mb ram... might want to consider leaving some headroom for that upgrade as well. Many people have foudn BF2 to run smoother on more ram, and seems to load levels faster too.

yeah, in my original post i said i was going to add another 512mb stick. how much does the xfx 6800gs cost? you guys got any links? thanks.

[tim-x]

i'd have to say 6800GS is by far the best bang for your buck... upgrade your ram too :)

www.ncix.com has a sale on. You can get a BFG OC'd one for like $230 or something.