GFX or System change

[Asus]

I've added PVR capability to this box and I've got a hardware encoding tv card and 3rd party software that work perfectly together but only one problem. It doesn't like my 6800GT. 6600 and 6800 cards have been known to BOSD with this setup. I am running it on a GF4 4200 right now and about to see how WoW handles. =p
I'm not changing the tv card since other devices either have worse quality or they are software encoding tv cards and won't work with PVR software.

Question is do I switch to an ATI X850XT AGP. I can switch it out for no cost (Compusa TAP).
Or do I go through with an overhaul including dual core - socket 939 board- and get a 7800GT PCI Express (or X1800 when they show). ~600$

Just thought I'd get some input.

 

[Shamrock]

I've added PVR capability to this box and I've got a hardware encoding tv card and 3rd party software that work perfectly together but only one problem. It doesn't like my 6800GT. 6600 and 6800 cards have been known to BOSD with this setup. I am running it on a GF4 4200 right now and about to see how WoW handles. =p
I'm not changing the tv card since other devices either have worse quality or they are software encoding tv cards and won't work with PVR software.

Question is do I switch to an ATI X850XT AGP. I can switch it out for no cost (Compusa TAP).
Or do I go through with an overhaul including dual core - socket 939 board- and get a 7800GT PCI Express (or X1800 when they show). ~600$

Just thought I'd get some input.

Actually, get the X850XT and then sell it on eBay or something and get money out of that. Then put that money towards your new purchase. Get a better dual core or you can even get a 7800GTX.

I stand by getting the card then selling it and using that money plus the money you already have to buy a new setup which would be even better.

 

[Asus]

Well that's what the 2yr Compusa TAP is for. I get credit for the card so I'd switch it out for a X850XT (same retail price as the 6800GT) or pay 100$ more and get a 7800GT or X1800 in that case. I guess I could sell it and put that towards the CPU but probably won't do that. =p

The $100 for upgrading to a 7800/X1800 is included in the 600$ estimate.

 

[Shamrock]

Then I would definetly pay the $100 and get the 7800GT. Put that $500 towards a new CPU and motherboard.

 

[Asus]

It would be nice having dual core on this system. Being able to have recordings set and have that not interfer with what im doing at the time (CPU usage and all). Although 600$ without a substantial improvement in any one area...such as gaming. I guess I can't say that with the new games like FEAR out. hmm

 

[bryanf445]

It would be nice having dual core on this system. Being able to have recordings set and have that not interfer with what im doing at the time (CPU usage and all). Although 600$ without a substantial improvement in any one area...such as gaming. I guess I can't say that with the new games like FEAR out. hmm

yea but with a dual core and 7800gt setup youll run fear verrrrrrrrry nicely. On a +3200 and a 7800gt i run it beautifully.

 

[Asus]

I think I'm putting in an order for a X850XT tomorrow so I can do the exchange. I'm going to hold off on a system upgrade for Socket M. =p

 

[DrDevin]

I've been running my PVR (ATI TVWonderElite) on my 6600GT (NVIDIA PUREVIDEO Decoder) and it runs beautifully. The image quality is amazing and their is very little CPU utilization, even during HD videos. I'm also on MCE2005. Since I built it I havent had any problems, so I don't know why things arnt working for you.

Anyway I would exchange it for the X850XT but dont put much more money into it. A full overhaul would suit you best. Also I wouldent hold out for the X1800. Their performance isnt very good especially for the price. A 7800gt is your best bet.

What tuner card are you using anyway?

 

[Asus]

ATI TV Wonder Elite. Thinking about getting another.

I've been all over tv-cards.com and some other sites which point to gfx card or sound being a hold up for different machines. I tried disabling my sound and uninstalling drivers. Still blue screen. Took my gfx card out, uninstalled and put my GF4 TI in and it worked great. I've even reinstalled Windows XP and that is the only configuration that worked (6800GT out of the machine).

When I do upgrade my system totally I actually will be looking at the X1800 for it's media abilities especially.

 

[jellydoughnut217]

Or do I go through with an overhaul including dual core - socket 939 board- and get a 7800GT PCI Express (or X1800 when they show). ~600$

i actualy have that setup, asus A8N sli mobo, athlon 64 4400+, 7800GT, and personaly i think its a great investment, absolutely no complaints so far.