suggestions on upgrading

livingsacrifice · Post by **livingsacrifice** » Wed Aug 06, 2003 11:18 pm

I am needing to upgrade my 750mhz computer soon because I want to play some of these newer games, however I really only have $250-300 to spend at the current time on upgrading. I like to play a lot of FPS games, so I need something fairly fast (1.8mhz probably the best idea). However my problem is, my videocard just died most likely, so I am stuck with a Geforce 2 mx for the time being. I have a few questions though, my motherboard is pretty old doesn't even support over 2x agp. So what I am wondering is if theirs a decent Nforce motherboard with onboard video (Geforce 4 mx) that would be decent for running games, just while I save up for another graphics card. Is their any boards like this that have 8x agp aswell? I think I can probably get a 1.8ghz processor, a motherboard like this and some DDR ram for around this price, correct?

Would that do me more of a upgrade for games in the longrun or would it be best just to get a video card first then do all of that later on?

Thanks for any help

Absolut Talent · Post by **Absolut Talent** » Thu Aug 07, 2003 12:16 am

There arent really that many good onboard video chips....
most are a step above that gf2 mx....but not as high up as your ti200 (which you think is dieing in the other thread)
Might I suggest getting a faster mobo/proc/ram combo now, and upgrade to a better video card when you get the money?

You can get a decent kt400 motherboard, 512mb pc2700 ram, and a xp1700+/xp1800+ (and overclock it) or spend another $20 and get a xp2000/xp2200+
And you would have a very modest rig for just about $225. And you could use your gf2 until you save up enough for a newer card

For about $150 you could get a ti4200
http://www.gainward.com/c-1.html?id=100&opt=4

or spend an extra $50 and get a Radeon 9500 128mb (which is a nice card)

Of course I took those prices off of Newegg.com.....i am sure you could find better deals on the FS/FT forums if you dont mind buying used items

wvjohn · Post by **wvjohn** » Thu Aug 07, 2003 7:48 am

I would go with an nforce board because you have decent sound, onboard nic, fw, wtc.

the kt400 baords just weren't that good

i use the 8rda+ which is cheaper because it is not the 400 fsb spec, though it will run at 400

they were running 80-90 bucks - you might be able to find a deal on an asus a7nx whatever with the onboard video

get a retail 1800+ or thereabouts and you don't need to buy a heatsink

crucial has a perpetual 25 off coupone on 512 sticks - you can get good stuff for a bout $50 shipped

for video when you can afford it get a dx9 compliant card - the 9600 pro is around 150-160

and the 9500 pro is also in that range - the ti 4200 is probably faster in dx8 stuff but won't run dx9

livingsacrifice · Post by **livingsacrifice** » Thu Aug 07, 2003 12:22 pm

Alright currently I have my 750mhz athalon with 512mb of sdram and a SB Live 5.1. I am just not sure if I would benefit more with getting a board that has ddr ram slots or finding one like you said with sdram slots. I definatly want a board with 8x agp and onboard networking, thats about all my real "requirements" are. I guess I can suffice with my Geforce 2 mx for a while until I can save up for a FX 5600 or something similar.

Ktg1rl · Post by **Ktg1rl** » Sat Sep 20, 2003 2:30 am

dont get SDRAM, you will notice the difference and DDR is very cheap now. You aren't going to pay too much more for a DDR motherboard. Plus I think you would be a little more "future proof" with DDR.