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View Full Version : Video Card upgrade over x200?

Capn Stabby
12-30-2005, 02:29 PM
Hello, I was reading the other thread that quickly got sidetracked about upgrading the ATI Integrated x200 video card, and I'm in a similar situation. I bought a 1230n for college, and I'm not too sure about how that video card does.
I understand it's integrated, which is pretty bad, but is it bad enough that I would need to upgrade immediately?
I am planning to play more of the older games that don't need a high-end card but I figure I'll get tired of those in a month or so, so I intend on playing the newer, graphics-intense games like F.E.A.R.
I have a PCIe slot available, and do you guys think I should take advantage of that or is that not truly all that much better? Er, sorry, but one last question, but should I invest in the future and go with 256-bit, or will 128 last for a while with any given brand?
Thanks for taking your time in reading this, I'm pretty clueless.
danh920
12-30-2005, 03:37 PM
for the value that 6600gt pcie is pretty nice and will run the newer stuff. You should be good for a couple years there
Kayden
12-30-2005, 03:56 PM
x200? Crap.. I didn't know they went that low...

Well... a 6600 would be about 100, 6800 would be 150ish and the 7800 is 200-500 depending on the model.
Ati... I dunno... They recently came out with a x1300, x1600 and x1800, probably in the same comparative price brackets.
Vinny
12-30-2005, 04:08 PM
The 6600 seems to be a solid card, but it's kinda old.
CaseyRyback
12-30-2005, 04:14 PM
x200? Crap.. I didn't know they went that low...

Well... a 6600 would be about 100, 6800 would be 150ish and the 7800 is 200-500 depending on the model.
Ati... I dunno... They recently came out with a x1300, x1600 and x1800, probably in the same comparative price brackets.


they are coming out with the 1900 in january, which will replace the 1800 series.

There is going to be a 7600 coming out in january as well.

you should just wait until those come out and see how much they cost and how much other cards drop due to their release
headpiece747
12-30-2005, 04:47 PM
CaseyRyback and Kayden hit it on the head. You need a video card if you even want to touch F.E.A.R. I know from the demo and from other people. This will also futureproof you for newer games if you save a little and get a better card.
Capn Stabby
12-30-2005, 04:56 PM
Yeah, I'm running FEAR on my current computer, a weaker 128 bit Radeon and...much of the effect is lost. I have to play on low-medium and you know, that girl isn't very scary when she's all pixelated.
So I suppose I'll wait until January, and look at the 6600 then.
Thanks!

Oh, is NewEgg the cheapest? I'm looking at some of the GeForces that are more in my price range, ~115 for the PCie, but they're refurbished...Is that a big no-no?
CaseyRyback
12-30-2005, 06:06 PM
I would look at the 6800 GS for a card in the low 100's. I think it is a better card.

Definatley find a site with the latest benchmarks of cards and see what they have to say.