Madening Conundrum..!

[slap]

Ok.. I have a question that probably has been asked before but Im unable to find specific details on my situation, so here goes..Currently my system is quite good and I have no problems running all current games at 1024x768 32 with a good framerate.. eg: 46fps in BF1942, System specs below.

AMD 2800+ running a little over 2Ghz (could be clocked)
Gigabyte 7DXr+
GeforceTi 4200 64mb (Best Nvidia Card)..my opnion..!!
1022 MB DDR Pc133
SB Live 5:1
60 GB HD

Latest drivers etc..

Now with HL2 and all its fancy bells and whistles what frame rate could I possible expect..? I scored about 17000 on 3d mark, not sure need to check that. I know I wont be able to crank up the detail to much and my current thinking is midrange graphics settings. So my question is this..
If I buy a ATI 9600 pro 256mb would I get a significant frame rate increase or would I be better of getting a faster CPU..? The cpu option is by far the more expensive as it means replacing my Motherboard ,as well as the cpu which I cant afford at the moment. So, if I just pop in a ATI will It really help run HL2 faster on my current rig..and what performance increase can I realisticly expect to see...?Answers on a postcard please..!!

TIA...Slap !!!!!!!! :cheers:

 

[FictiousWill]

Now why do I only get 8700 in 3d mark but have identical specs?

 

[Legend]

Buy a Radeon 9800 Pro and you will have no problems. It's cheaper than a new processor and motherboard, and will aslo give you a major boost in performance. NVIDIA cards just ain't gonna run HL2 very well.

 

[Sgt.Igneri]

Originally posted by FictiousWill
Now why do I only get 8700 in 3d mark but have identical specs?

Because your using 3d mark 03 and hes using 3d mark 2001. ALso, you will find your answer in the rules and regulations sticky. Closed.