new graphics card

I'm not sure if this is the correct forum for this, so please direct me if this needs to be placed elsewhere. I am starting here because everyone is so knowledgeable and helpful.

I currently have a desktop PC running Windows XP SP3 on a Pentium D dual core processor with 3gig RAM and have an NVidia GeForce 6800 graphics card that I bought with my system about 4 yrs ago.

Sytem works fine, including with my added RAM.

I am now looking to update my graphics card to add power to run newer games and video editing. I don't need the latest and greatest, but since cards update so quickly I figure I could get a really good deal or sale on something even 6-12 months old which would still be a good upgrade for me.

Where should I start and what would you recommend?

Thanks,
Jeff

 

Depending on your budget i would either go for something like a 9600GSO or if can splash out a bit more, go for gtx 260.

I would link to sites offering good offers on these cards, but i live in the UK and you are probably US based, they would be no good to you!

Both these cards are really good value for money and they will both handle the things you want to do, however the 260 is quite a lot better than the other, so will not need upgrading as soon.

EDIT: just saw your location, just as well i didnt post links

Burrell

 

What games do you plan to play?

Your PSU could be a issue when you want to get a new video card as well as your CPU which will likely be a bottleneck with a high end card.

 

Based on your current hardware (processor) I would recommend the 9600GSO as anything any more powerful than this is likely to be limited by the speed of your processor.

Link here for a US site: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130509&cm_re=9600GSO-_-14-130-509-_-Product

Please bear in mind that this requires a minimum of a 300W power supply. This is the large box at the top of your computer case (in a normal tower) which should have a sticker on the side stating the wattage.

 

According to nvidia it needs a 400 W PSU and I'd agree since it needs a power connection.

If you want a 9600GSO I'd pay a bit more and get a 9800GT or GTS 250

 

1. The version in the link I provided does not require an extra power connection. You are probably right about the PSU power though.

2. There is no point in jizaref1 looking for a more powerful card as the Pentium D would limit the performance of any more powerful cards. Also, the system is 4 years old so likelihood of PCI-E2.0 being supported is slim, leading to more bottlenecks with higher powered cards.

 

I'd agree that a 9600 to 9800 would be the limit However in newer games I think the CPU will show it's age.

EDIT:

Sorry I didn't see that it's a dual core. It probably will be ok

 

Pentium D is limited on bus speed as well - something like 800MT/s in the later models. And this is shared between essentially 2 processors in one package - the pentium D's were 1 core per die 2-die models whereas newer dual cores are single-die with 2 or more cores.

 

I'd still suggest a 9800gt over a 9600gso as you get more performance for not much more money however for both card I think they will require a PSU upgrade depending on your PSU.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130535

 

Okay, agreed as you say, the price is not much different. PSU upgrade is a good idea as well.

 

I own a 9600GSO and they do require a 6 pin pci-e power connection.

Burrell

 

It depends on the manufacturer of the card. Some require one, but the one I linked to does not.

EDIT: I have just reviewed the card again and apparently it does require one. I am sorry for my inaccuracy.

 

Wouldn't it be prudent to find out what mobo he has?

And how much he wants to spend?

But I'd go for this in the same price range..

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102871

Specs are much higher and only $7 more than the one you listed Collins.
But then, I'm an ATI man :-D

 

That is a pretty good card too, its up to you really jiz.

Burrell