Either new computer or new graphics card?

[pappyrican]

ok u guys please help me.. i got a computer like 3 year ago. and i have played lots of games on it.. an now that i try to play halo.. no texture no nothing.. it lags an crap. i dont know.. so im asking new graphics card or just a new computer?????
Machine name: VALUED-CB7D4C82
Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) (2600.xpclnt_qfe.010827-1803)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Sony Corporation
System Model: PCV-RX860(UC)
BIOS: Award Medallion BIOS v6.0
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.40GHz, ~2.4GHz
Memory: 480MB RAM
Page File: 134MB used, 992MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
---------------
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: SiS 650_651_740
Manufacturer: SiS
Chip type: SiS 651 Rev 00
DAC type: Internal
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_1039&DEV_6325&SUBSYS_811C104D&REV_00
Display Memory: 32.0 MB
Current Mode: 1280 x 1024 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor: SONY SDM-S71
Monitor Max Res: 1280,1024

 

[spartanslayer]

I love playing halo

I love playing halo, and i have a worse computer than that. Make sure you have all the visuals set on low. You don't have a ton of ram, I would upgrade to atleast 512MB. I can play halo on low visuals on a 733MHz processor so that looks good. I would get a new graphics card. You have a 32MB integrated card, and thats terrible. I have a 64MB integrated graphics card, and it runs barely. I would get a new card.

 

[vnf4ultra]

Your computer isn't too bad, except the integrated video.
Here're your specs(I think anyway).
http://www.epinions.com/pr-Desktops...V_RX860_Desktop_PCV_RX860/display_~full_specs
So you have an agp 4x slot for video cards.
This card would be a good choice if you can spend about $150usd.
6600gt
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814122206
If you don't want to spend as much, here're two other cards for ~$125
6600
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814145112
x700
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814131307

And if you really are on a tight budget, go for something like this.
9600xt
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814153012

 

[C_Conqueror]

Get this I think 9800 pros are way better than geforce 6600 nd they are around the same price
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814140058

 

[spartanslayer]

get ATI

If you can afford around $200 you could get the x800 Pro. It's alot better than the 6600.

 

[vnf4ultra]

The 6600gt is about the same or better than a 9800 pro.
http://graphics.tomshardware.com/graphic/20050705/vga-charts-pcie-02.html#3d_mark_2005
I considered the 9800 pros before I posted, but didn't really like any of the ones I saw on newegg. All the new ones it seems aren't as fast as the older 9800 pros. I also think the 9800 pro lacks a thermal sensor(which can be handy especially if you overclock).

Also, all the cards I listed had reviews that specifically said that that card would work on a 4x motherboard. Not all agp 8x cards can work on a 4x board, and it's good to know if it will beforehand.

 

[pappyrican]

u guys lol

u guys seriously .. can anyone tell me one good cheap card like 100-120 or even less?.. that i can play halo on.. so texture an stuff can show an wont lag.. u guys are awesome for helping me thanks much

 

[spartanslayer]

here is one

Here is a nVidia 6600 that will run as a 4x or 8x AGP. It is $113.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130232

There are 6600 cards for $100, but they are made by unknown companys. This card should do halo at max graphics with high resolution. I would still upgrade your ram if you can afford it. Good Luck.

 

[pappyrican]

thanks

oh thanks dude ur awesome.. but what if i dont upgrade my ram.. what would happen or what wouldnt happen? lol

 

[spartanslayer]

Ram

I would upgrade the ram if I was you, but you will be able to play halo with the graphics on medium. I would love to know how you got 480MB of ram, thats a weird number. Thanks for the complement. Good Luck.

 

[beerabuser30]

Ram should decrease the lag and the card should make the game look better. If i was you I would invest in new ram before a new graphics card.

 

[Sharkfood]

On-board, shared vmem 32mb card + 512mb ram system = 480mb.

When you dump the on-board and go with a real videocard, you're system will be 512mb.

I'd say a videocard upgrade would do nicely as the rest of the system is fairly decent. As mentioned though, the upgrade to 1 gig total memory is fairly cheap and may improve a number of more modern games.

 

[spartanslayer]

Stupid Me

Duh, why didn't I think of that! :dead: Thanks Sharkfood.

 

[C_Conqueror]

Also, all the cards I listed had reviews that specifically said that that card would work on a 4x motherboard. Not all agp 8x cards can work on a 4x board, and it's good to know if it will beforehand.

o yeah I never noticed it had to be an agp 4x

 

[spartanslayer]

Go with the card

Go with the card I put in my post higher up. It's cheap and fast. It's also 4x AGP.

 

[vnf4ultra]

Go with the card I put in my post higher up. It's cheap and fast. It's also 4x AGP.

How do you know it's agp 4x compatible?
I think on newegg, they list all 8x cards as being 8x/4x compatible, but I doubt all of the cards support agp 4x, since agp 4x requires 1.5v signaling voltage, and 8x requires 0.8v.

The chaintech 6600 I listed is 4x compatible,
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814145112
as several reviewers on the newegg reviews said. I couldn't find any reviews that said the evga supports 4x, although I personally think evga is a good brand, so it likely is 4x compatible.

 

[wirm]

If you want a *really* cheap card just for HALO, you can get something from nVidia's FX series.

My FX 5500 128 MB video card runs HALO just fine. And it's only PCI. Of course the graphics are down pretty low .

Still, it was like $60. If you get a $90 card, it should run great.

 

[spartanslayer]

Older

Is this card old enough to suit you?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814129045

It is 2x/4x AGP. If that won't work what will?
Its a decent card too. And only $60.

And if your motherboard is that old, maybe you should consider upgrading it. You can get a good one for $100. And then a card for $100. You would have a better system for $200. Think about that.