Would it be worth the upgrade?

[kingmarktheaviator]

I currently have an ATI Radeon X300SE 128MB graphics card, and have found a Radeon 9550 256MB card on dabs.com for around 40 quid.  Would I see a substantial difference if i got the 9550?

Mark

(p.s.bear in mind I cannot afford a full on top of the range card)

[congo]

I would save for a better card. the 9550 isn't a very good one. It doesnt make sense to upgrade to a bad card.

[MWISimmer]

Stay away from the 9550.
I have it, i'd recommend staying with your current set up until you can afford something better.. save up for a 6600gt at the least, or better 6800gt/ultra...(that's my plan... eventually!)  ;)
Rob.

[kingmarktheaviator]

It looks as if i couldnt get that card anyway, I really need one with a PCIe interface, so the 9550 is ruled out.  Can anybody point me to any affordable PCIe interface graphic cards that have 256MB memory?

Cheers

Mark

[congo]

You don't need 256mb of video memory, in fact, most 256mb equipped cards are actually slower with poor quality ram dumped onto the card.

If you don't believe me, then do some actual research and find the truth for yourself. If you see a cheap 256mb card, it's junk, simple as that. Fast video memory is very expensive, and that factor alone drives the price of quality cards up high.

Any card with true 256mb of fast video ram is going to be very expensive, there are no exceptions to date.

You need an NV6600GT 128mb PCIe card, (not a 6600, it must have the GT suffix), and you can get them cheap, just start looking around and you'll find a bargain. Brand doesn't matter but don't buy a PNY unless you want to offer Rollerball something for his........

Anything less and you are ripping yourself off.

[the_autopilot]

It looks as if i couldnt get that card anyway, I really need one with a PCIe interface, so the 9550 is ruled out.  Can anybody point me to any affordable PCIe interface graphic cards that have 256MB memory?

Cheers

Mark

As congo pointed out, it may not be in your price range.

But I will answer your question and point you toward a 256mb PCIe card thats very good: the 7800 GTX. Its about 500 USD (its price is still dropping). Its totaly worth the price, if you can afford it, and will play any game you have today (I don't care which one, bf2, hl2, d3, etc.) at the highest resolutions with top notch quality.

[ctjoyce]

Or even one of the X800 / X850 series. I have the X800 Pro and it runs everything flawlessly with all the highest settings. BF2 with around 50FPS 80 FPS on HL2 and 35 when I go online, and 30~60FPS in FS9 depending where I fly.However these were all recorded after I overclocked my card, however I'm not sure there is much of a difference between my overclock and the standird.

[kingmarktheaviator]

Thanks all for the help, I am seriously looking towards the NV6600GT now, so all help was recieved gratefully.

Cheers guys

Mark

[GunnerMan]

you will not regrett the 6600

[the_autopilot]

you will not regrett the 6600

6600 GT...and yeah, you won't regret it.

[kingmarktheaviator]

I just found out what card my dad's PC has, an ATI Radeon X850 which is sweet as, I think I will be simming on that computer more often.

Mark

[kingmarktheaviator]

I ended up buying the Radeon X600 PRO which is much better than what i had.  I am regularly making 30 frames with the scenery set high (I am using VFR Scenery and mesh).  I would have got better, but i seriously could'nt afford any better, but hey, I am not complaining atall!

Mark

[congo]

Will Dad swap?  

[the_autopilot]

I ended up buying the Radeon X600 PRO which is much better than what i had.  I am regularly making 30 frames with the scenery set high (I am using VFR Scenery and mesh).  I would have got better, but i seriously could'nt afford any better, but hey, I am not complaining atall!

Mark

Should have gotten a 6600 gt. It has much better performence.