Simviation Forums

I have a P4 3.06GB processor with 1GIG of PC2600 memory with Nvidia 5200 Geforce 256MB video card. I am getting decent performance but I am in the market to either upgrade my memory to PC 3200 or buy a better video card. Can someone tell which option gives me the better chance of better performance? Better performance being smoother and faster gameplay.

I would go with video card..  I don't know the science behind it so I can't say exactly what will give the best performance, but anyway I can almost guarante a newer video card is the better choice.

I would wait until the next gen of cards are out if you are going Nvidia though. the FX cards are screwed up for dx9 compatibility. Not many games use dx9 yet but it's coming fast.

Check Toms Hardware Guide for card tests.

I vote the card upgrade.

5200 is pretty weak.

*cough* get an ATI 9800 Pro or XT *cough*  ;)

The video card upgrade.

The 5200 is not up to the job.

Get the best one you can afford, and then get a better one.  ;)  You won't believe the difference it  will make.

I think your RAM is PC2700, and not PC2600... correct?

PC2700 runs at 333mhz and PC3200 at 400mhz.

Your Ram is absolutely fine, you have loads of memory bandwidth as it is.

I am planning on getting a new video card. What is the best upgrade available from the FX5200? I am looking in to spend between $200-$300. If I upgraded with a 128mb card instead of the current FX5200 with 256MB would I still get better performance?

The amount of Ram on the video card is nowhere near as important as the the type of graphics chip.

Many people buy a lot of video ram thinking it's the hallmark of a good card..... it's not.

If you are going to spend that much money, you should get a very good card. Check these out and research them on the net.

At www.pricewatch.com there is a Radeon 9800 pro 128mb for $222, and same in 256mb for $319.

The GF FX5900 128mb card