Question about my RAM

[Mike Thurman]

Hi guys,


I wanted to ask...

I recently upgraded from 128 to 512 mb RAM, but i'm only seeing a very slight improovement in FPS. I am running on a Ge Force 400 Video card with 64 mb, is it better video memory i need??



Mike

[TerryW]

Mike,
The ram update was a good idea, but I think a video card upgrade to something with 128 mb would give noiticeably better graphics. I recently upgraded to the ATI 9600XT from a GForce 4 MX440. Although both are 128 mb cards, the ATI is more powerful and provides for much higher graphics settings.

Your mobo and CPU have to be able to accept the new card, though.
Terry

[Mike Thurman]

Hmm, ok, i suspected that this was the problem :-/


Thanks Terry, i'm immediately going out to get a better video card, i'm thinking on an XT9800. I hear it's pretty good.



Mike

[xtremdav45]

i'm thinking on an XT9800. I hear it's pretty good.

It's more than pretty good, its the best out there that I know about. Just be prepared to open your wallet pretty deep.

[Delta_]

I would look at the 9800pro, it performs a little less but costs half as much, that is my recommendation.

[JBaymore]

Mike,

I have the 9800 XT.  The visuals are stunning.... but the framerate with all the eye candy on iare still marginal.  I think there is more to do with the main computer involved than just the video card.

I would tend to agree with Hyvry_1_Delta.... unless you are rolling in dough.  Most software is not yet written to take full advantage of the 256 video RAM on the XT card yet.  If you can afford to invest for the FUTURE....... then it is a good move.  But it retails for about $450 USD.

best,

................john

[RichieB16]

I have an ATI Radeon 9500 Pro and it works great-and its a little cheaper than the 9800.  But then again, its a little older-so you get what you pay for.  

Just out of curosity-what kind of processor do you have because an older processor will obviously limit the abilities of a newer video card.  So, you might want to take your processor into account before choosing a new video card-I wouldn't want you to spend a bunch of money on something if your not going to get the fu[ll benefit.

[nickle]

Or 9700Pro
The Pro versions are better than the non-pro versions.
Would suggest Radeon if available

[Mike Thurman]

[quote]Mike,

I have the 9800 XT.

[nickle]

MT: Good to hear of entreprenuers.  We can always use more.

Check THGuide for a test of a 3DDR card:
GeForce FX 5700 Ultra goes GDDR3

THG tests have consistently shown that new and highest price does not always deliver significant performance improvement.  Including CPU, MOBO, RAM and Graphics cards.

They also have graphs showing performance for the buck in some categories including graphics cards.  Their tests are useful in cost vs performance.  I use the Direct X and Benchmark tests.