I want to upgrade my video card, but.....

[scoobots]

I am thinking of upgrading my video card. My current card is a GeForce FX 5900 (128MB). The card I want to upgrade to is a GeForce 6800 Ultra 256MB card.

Here's the stinker. My processor is only 1.60 GHz (AMD 1900+ XP; I purchased my computer back in December 2001). Is it really worth forking out nearly $500 for an upgrade which might not do me any good?

The other side of the coin is that (from what I have heard) the more memory a video card has, the less strain it puts on the processor. Maybe I am totally wrong about that.

Thank you for your time.

[Luciel]

i think u should invest ur dosh on getting a processor, or u could get a say 2.5 to 3gh processor and the remaining dosh, get a 256mb graphs card, not necesarilly the latest thing.

[khafan]

yeah your current cpu is real bottleneck for 6800U, even my old p4 2.53 was bottleneck for it untill I got this p4 3.4ghz . for example I could only play the MOH: pacific assault upto 1024*768 with p4 2.53 but with 3.4 I can play it @ 1600*1200.the dual channel memory technology of new chipsets is also very effective.

if you're going to get that 6800U, you need atleast 3GHZ cpu (amd or intel) to see major boost from your current setup.

[Neipas02]

I agree with Luc. and Khafan. Motherboard/CPU combo deals are pretty common. You could pick up a decent 3ghz P4 and Intel Mobo for like 250. Try Froogle.com and Pricewatch.com I know there's about 5 million other sites like that but those are the 2 I remember off hand.

I picked up Geforce 6600 GT (128mb) off of newegg.com for 190. It's not an amazing card but when you look at "bang for your buck" that card kills.

Get your motherboard up to speed and get yourself a card that can hold you over. Try and unload that 5900 on ebay or something for whatever you can get for it then save up for the card your really want.

When you're dealing with upgrades its good to start from the base and work off of that.. obviously for the bottlenecking. Otherwise you won't be happy a couple weeks down the line.

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduc...130-196&DEPA=1

There's a one day sale on a Geforce 6800 Ultra 256mb for 437 off of new egg if you're interested. Ends on the 22nd of this month (Feb) FREE SHIPPING