Korean Job Discussion Forums

Draven · Joined: 03 Feb 2003

I'm thinking about getting a new video card and I was wondering if anybody had any advice. My motherboard supports AGP 2x/4x. I've read some conflicting reports about whether 8x cards will run on it and wondered if anybody had a definitive answer.

Also, I had half my RAM crap out on me the other day. So that, combined with my low end (1.6 Ghz) processor and desire to get a better video card, makes me wonder whether it's worth my while to put more money into this computer or maybe look to get something better.

For what it's worth, my main motivation to upgrade the video card comes from getting tired of gaming with all the graphics settings at their lowest.

thorin · Joined: 14 Apr 2003

I'm no expert but I'd recommend that you put the money you were going to spend on a graphics card toward a new rig.

Demophobe · Joined: 17 May 2004

Shoot it. I wouldn't put anything into it....especially a graphics card. It won't help much at 4x anyhow. If you want to build, post here and you will get some good ideas, albeit conflicting and confusing. Wink

Please state what you want to use the computer for and your budget.

Draven · Joined: 03 Feb 2003

Alright then, thanks for the advice, I'll take it into consideration.

Of course I would like to get an entirely new system, but I don't know if it's necessary yet. I was chatting with my computer guru friend at home, and he figured it's too early for me to completely change over; that I can still get some mileage out of my current setup. And he was adamant that when I get a new system, to go 64bit, to hold out until then. For the most part, I've been relatively satisfied, except when gaming. It's been sad playing games at their lowest settings. I won't go into the depths of depression that an attempt at playing Doom 3 sent me into, but you can probably imagine...

Demophobe · Joined: 17 May 2004

Bear in mind that there really isn't a good time to buy a computer, but there are better ones. The wait your mate is talking about may be well over 6 months still. Win64bit, PCI matures, prices drop, CPU features change...yes, things will be different soon. When aren't they though.

If you got as depressed as I imagine over lousy gaming, then upgrade soon.

Why not? PCI graphics cards (mainstream) are reasonable, as are mainboards and they will also comply to DDR1 (less expensive) RAM still. Your hard drive may be salvagable for storage (?). Mainboards have adequate (as long as you aren't an audiophile or home recording) sound, LAN is integrated. You have a monitor, case, power (perhaps?) keyboard, etc....

You only need a CPU, mainboard, RAM and graphics.

Draven · Joined: 03 Feb 2003

As usual, Demo, golden words of wisdom from you, thanks for the effort Smile

. You're right, I could salvage a bit from what I've got now, so I would only need to get a few things...Hmm, you've certainly got my attention, I'm going to have a look around and price some things out. Any direction you'd particularly recommend?

Demophobe · Joined: 17 May 2004

My next "words of wisdom" will drain your wallet. Crying or Very sad

Really, don't let me make you a list....it will make even the hardened drool and will end miserably for either your $ or your comPride. Facing that train ride home with no cash or an inferior product....ah....memories.

Do go with AMD64...why not? Pay a bit more perhaps (see? It has begun!!), but a good future-wise solution.

I will post more later...you know I can't not. (hehe) However, it's bedtime for Bonzo.

redbird · Joined: 07 Mar 2005

Demophobe · Joined: 17 May 2004

Hi redbird! Good to hear from you!

Well, mainboards always come with new cables (SATA and IDE) so there is no problem there. I put a question mark beside the PSU becuse it may well be too weak, depending on the graphics card and how many drives are in the machine. Probably one would need at least 380w. .

The mainboard will come with onboard sound, which, other than eating up some precious CPU cycles, will probably serve the average user well. In fact, there are really no ther PCI card necessary....onboard firwire, LAN, 4~8 USB 2.0 ports and it will usually even have at least one IDE connector still for the OP's pld drive. Remember how long it took ISA to die? I think IDE will hang in there for a while.

I dunno....not disagreeing either, but I have made this kind of upgrade many times to my system and to a few friends' systems, and there has never been a port or cable problem I can remember. I agree that much caution should be exercised, as one may unwittingly buy an AGP card or an IDE HDD instead of PIC-E or SATA. It can be confusing if one isn't really careful.

Anyhow, I'm sure we haven't heard the last from Draven on this (I think he has the fever!) so we will have lots of time to five him our ideas again. Perhaps I have overlooked something and will come to me later.

redbird · Joined: 07 Mar 2005

I have to admit that I do very little upgrading at work or at home. My workplace has a policy of replacing computers when they're 3 years old, although we're changing that to 4 years, now. So, I'm sure you're right about the cables and it didn't occur to me that a new motherboard would come with plenty of USB2 ports and maybe even firewire. Those are all good points.

One other advantage of a new computer for some users would be that it will probably come with a non-pirated version of Windows XP. Other software may also be part of the deal. Just one more thing to think about.

Adam J · Joined: 11 Apr 2004

But a new computer and get a Shuttle or a Soltek. They are Small Form Factor PCs that will literally fit in a backpack, but can handle the latest and greatest gaming hardware. So when you leave Korea/go back home for a break, you can take your PC with you, and won't be stuck with a monster PC case.

http://www.sudhian.com/

http://www.sfftech.com/