Looking at pci-e video card (or other options) for gaming upgrade

[ericcothran]

I'm looking to get a video card for my pc. I currently use the Onboard Video card, so I'm not sure what it is. I would like to spend no more than $250. I would like to have s-video and/or dvi plugs as well. I usuallly play FFXI and just want the best I can get in graphics for my budget. Anderson/Greenvile, South Carolina, USA is my location.

1. Motherboard - MICRO-STAR INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD
Model - MS-7253
2. Graphic interface - AGP version 3.0 (I'm assuming that means PCI Express)

3. Memory - DDR2 1024bytes Dual channels

4. CPU - AMD Sempron 3400+

5. CPU Speed - 1800 MHz

6. Power Supply Make/Model - Color Cases/SZ- 450 WPA

7. Watt output/Amperage - 450watt/ +12v 16a

If there are other options someone may see that I can improv eon my pc for gaming in the $250 budget, please let me know, but I do plane on getting another processor (AMD 6000+) and more RAM(2GB DDR2 cause I thinks thats the max for my MB) in the future. I just want a upgrade that I can see for now. I hope to hear from you all soon and thanks in advance.

 

[Blind Dragon]

I think AGP version 3.0 is 8x AGP

I just looked up your mother board you do have pci-e

 

[samjohnson]

Ya AGP is well.. AGP. If it was PCI Express it would say PCI express.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161209

That looks like a decent card. It should suit you fine.

 

[link590o]

either that, or the radeon x1950 pro 512mb. that might even outperform the 2600. the 1950 is $175 or so on newegg.

 

[samjohnson]

Do they make those cards for AGP slots though? I didn't they they did.

 

[Blind Dragon]

http://www.msicomputer.com/product/p_spec.asp?model=K9VGM-V

Is this your Mobo

 

[link590o]

they do indeed sam. here's the link to prove it !
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161082

it's out of stock unfortunately...

 

[samjohnson]

oops my bad. I thought you said the HD3850 and the 8800GT or something. Must have been in a different post. haha
But ya I second the x1950 pro.

 

[Blind Dragon]

http://shop4.outpost.com/product/53...6sxcMrTfA**.node3?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

honestly I am upgrading after christmas and I am done with ATI and AGP cards for that matter

 

[ericcothran]

http://www.msicomputer.com/product/p_spec.asp?model=K9VGM-V

Is this your Mobo

Yes, that's my Mobo and as you can see it has PCI express, but when I run CPUID it says AGP version 3.0. I don't know alot of about pc's but I do know that I have PCI-Express slot and not AGP and don't know why it says that, unless it's turned off in the BIOS or something.

 

[samjohnson]

Ah ok, Yes you have a PCIe x 16 slot. SO forget all the AGP suggestions.
Well first off what is your max budget on this upgrade? If it is up there a bit then I would suggest the 8800GT. But if you got that you would probably need a PSU upgrade as well. So if you don't want to upgrade your PSU then a 8600GT or GTS should do you alright.

 

[mailpup]

Samjohnson, his first post said no more than $250 so the 8800GT is close. It depends on which one you get. However as you pointed out, that 16 amp 12V output from the power supply is inadequate.

 

[Daveskater]

You can get a CPU and graphics card for $250 if you wanted

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125070 - 8600GT

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103771 - CPU

They're both pretty good parts and you'd get a nice boost out of them, but I would recommend getting the extra 1GB of RAM when you can, that will help as well.

If you want to spend $250 on just a graphics card, I'd go with this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150263 - XFX 8800GT

 

[Blind Dragon]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000U746ZI...e=380333&creativeASIN=B000U746ZI&linkCode=asn

That's a good price

 

[Rage_3K_Moiz]

Umm, anyone forgetting that he'd need a new PSU as well? That being said, here're my personal recommendations:
Visiontek Radeon HD 3850 512MB GDDR3 PCI-E x16 Graphics Card - $159.99
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4000+ Brisbane 2.1GHz Socket AM2 Processor - $57.99
Cooler Master eXtreme Power Pro 550W Power Supply - $19.99 after $40 rebate (expires on 31st of December)

Grand Total = $237.97, leaving enough for shipping
It will get you a PC powerful enough to play almost all the games out there on near-maximum detail. Also, consider getting this RAM kit later.
Good luck and let us know how it goes.

EDIT: Thanks for the heads-up mailpup. Link changed.

 

[mailpup]

Cooler Master PSU rebate appears to have expired.