Upgrading video cards

[Eddieguard]

I just got my hands on F.E.A.R. and instantly discovered my computer was inadequate. Here are my system specs:

Processor: 3.0 GHz p4 ht
video card: nVidia GeForce FX 5700LE AGP 8x 256 Mb
Memory: 1 GB DDR (2 512 MB)

Please take into account that my budget is anywhere between $100 and $200, but maybe $250 if it's a bargain

Also I have had "some" overheating issues in the past (see temps at 95 Centigrade when it was doing anything at all)

Also could someone please explain the difference between nvidia and radeon

Thanks

 

[DonNagual]

Yep. Time for a new graphics card alright.

I'd say the 6800GS at the upper end of your budget:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814143045

Or a nice 6600GT at the lower end:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130220

Or at the extreme end
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130275

nvidia and radeon are the two big players in the graphics card game. Both make excellent cards, and either will work in your system.

What's the current status of your overheating problems? Did you solve them?

 

[sw123]

Is there an error message that says anything else?

 

[Eddieguard]

There is no error message, actually there's no screen at all; it goes black when I try to run the game but I can still hear sounds from the game. I checked to see if other people were having the same problem and they said that F.E.A.R. requires at least an nVidia 6 series card.

As for the overheating thing, it's a work in progress. I have the Arctic Silver 5; I just haven't found the time to install it yet. I figured that I would just apply it when I took apart my computer to put in a new video card so I could spare Koala (that's his name) the hassle and inevitable doom that comes from my taking him apart.

Anyway I found this deal too, what do you guys think?
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Visi...43571/catOid/-13043/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

This is a little random, but I found a review that said that ati X800 pro and GeForce 6800gt are equivalent or comparable. So that could help cut through some of the marketing crap.

Thanks for your help

This message has been edited: No discussions of software piracy. Thank you.

 

[sw123]

Eddieguard, that is a good card. However, if your motherboard is older, it may not be compatible with your system. Your MOBO also needs a PCI-E 16x slot, so bear that in mind.

 

[paulla]

You need an AGP graphics card as that is what you say you currently have, a PCIe card will not fit in your system. As mentioned before get a 6600GT or a 6800GS for minimum driver upgrade issues. Do bear in mind that all of these newer cards are going to require additional power which your current PSU may struggle to provide.