also @ TechSpot: Apple TV updated with five new channels, including HBO Go and ESPN

One AGP question?

Discussion in 'Audio and Video' started by E-man, Dec 30, 2008.

Page 1 of 2

  1. E-man Newcomer, in training Posts: 21

    I just want to know what is the best ati agp card out? It is for my sons computer and im not looking to upgrade it to pci-e. I have looked at the x1950 pro, but i don't know if that is the best agp card. Thanks
    E-man, Dec 30, 2008
    #1

  2. Tmagic650 TS Ambassador Posts: 19,008   +73

    AGP cards are a bit obsolete, but find one thats in your budget and go with it
    Tmagic650, Dec 30, 2008
    #2

  3. E-man Newcomer, in training Posts: 21

    I know they are a bit obsolete, but my question is: Is the x1950 pro the top agp card for ati radeons or is there a higher one?
    E-man, Dec 30, 2008
    #3

  4. mailpup TS Special Forces Posts: 7,943   +92

    I believe the Radeon HD 3850 is the top AGP card from ATI. However, if you have a single core processor, you will likely not notice much, if any, difference from an X1950.

    These are fairly long cards so make sure the PC has enough room inside to accommodate the length. Also, make sure your power supply is sufficient for the upgrade.
    mailpup, Dec 30, 2008
    #4

  5. E-man Newcomer, in training Posts: 21

    I have a 520 watt ps. And i am running a p4 intel. So you think i should go with the x1950?
    E-man, Dec 30, 2008
    #5

  6. E-man Newcomer, in training Posts: 21

    I can get a new radeon hd3650 for about 100.00 shipped. or i found a x1950 pro for about the same. So i really don't know which one to get. Except the 3650 has the support for directx 10
    E-man, Dec 30, 2008
    #6
     

  7. mailpup TS Special Forces Posts: 7,943   +92

    It's probably more cost effective but it's up to you.
    mailpup, Dec 30, 2008
    #7

  8. E-man Newcomer, in training Posts: 21

    I found a his x1950 pro iceq3 turbo. I am leaning towards this one. As the cooling on this 1950 seems to be the best. and i read some articles talking about how the x1950 was a hot card
    E-man, Dec 30, 2008
    #8

  9. Tmagic650 TS Ambassador Posts: 19,008   +73

    Tmagic650, Dec 30, 2008
    #9

  10. E-man Newcomer, in training Posts: 21

    Does or has anyone here had a x1950 they could share there experiences with me?
    E-man, Dec 31, 2008
    #10

  11. mailpup TS Special Forces Posts: 7,943   +92

    I have an Asus Radeon X1900XTX which is close, I suppose. It performs well and I haven't had any problems with it. I've had it for about three years, I think. Mine is PCI-E though, not AGP.
    mailpup, Jan 1, 2009
    #11

  12. Rage_3K_Moiz Sith Lord Posts: 7,246   +16

    The X1950PRO is a better card compared to the HD 3650. That said, the HD 3850 is the best for AGP, as mailpup mentioned, and can be had for $120 or so. It also offers a 30-40% performance advantage over the X1950PRO.
    Rage_3K_Moiz, Jan 1, 2009
    #12

  13. E-man Newcomer, in training Posts: 21

    ok thanks. i am going to look at the 3850 then the 1950. Which ever one i can get the best deal on.

    I have a 520 watt power supply, i think it is a aspire. U all think that is a big enough psu?
    E-man, Jan 1, 2009
    #13

  14. MetalX TechSpot Chancellor Posts: 1,902

    Should be fine. I don't know much about Aspire PSUs... certainly not a brand I'd recommend, but they might not be that bad.
    MetalX, Jan 1, 2009
    #14

  15. Rage_3K_Moiz Sith Lord Posts: 7,246   +16

    The Aspire should be okay for now, especially since the HD 3850 draws only 95W.
    Rage_3K_Moiz, Jan 2, 2009
    #15

  16. E-man Newcomer, in training Posts: 21

    Do you know how much the 1950 draws?
    E-man, Jan 3, 2009
    #16

  17. tengeta TechSpot Enthusiast Posts: 632

    I use the Radeon HD3650 just fine in my AGP slot, and its working on a 500w power supply with 6 HDD's and a wealth of other unnecessary crap connected.

    I'd recommend it, I can't use the thing to its full ability because the AGP and my P4 bottleneck it, so I'd assume going higher just wastes more money.

    This is the exact one I got (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102814), I've heard a lot of driver issues exist with the higher end ATI AGP cards, and this one didn't give me any trouble when I used the disk that came with it. (I downloaded the more recent drivers and they wouldn't recognize the card and it ended up causing a lot more problems).

    Hope this helps.
    tengeta, Jan 4, 2009
    #17

  18. Rage_3K_Moiz Sith Lord Posts: 7,246   +16

    The X1950PRO draws even lesser power than the HD 3850, somewhere in the range of 65-68W.
    Rage_3K_Moiz, Jan 4, 2009
    #18

  19. E-man Newcomer, in training Posts: 21

    To many choices. i don't know which one to get now. I would like to have a 3850, but i haven't heard anyone talk about driver issues with them till now. Anyone have any ideas on what they would choose if they were looking for a new agp card?
    E-man, Jan 4, 2009
    #19

  20. Rage_3K_Moiz Sith Lord Posts: 7,246   +16

    HD 3850 if you aren't going to upgrade your motherboard anytime soon. Otherwise, go with a cheaper card like the HD 3650.
    Rage_3K_Moiz, Jan 5, 2009
    #20
Page 1 of 2
Topic Status:
Not open for further replies.

Add New Comment

TechSpot Members
Login or sign up for free,
it takes about 30 seconds.
You may also...

Get complete access to the TechSpot community. Join thousands of technology enthusiasts that contribute and share knowledge in our forum. Get a private inbox, upload your own photo gallery and more.