Upgradage

[Sean]

I run Half-Life 2 at 800x600 with high detail & gemoetry, all world reflections, bilinear filtering, detailed shaders, and detailed shadows. This runs about from 15-40 fps, depending on the situation.

This is my system:
- Intel P4 1.8 oc'ed to 2.4
- 512mb o' pc3200 RAM @ 400mhz
- Radeon 9600 xt OEM

So what's my next move? Any suggestions on an upgrade would be appreciated.

EDIT: plz don't flame me - remember my question is not should I upgrade; I'd just like to know which part will give me the greatest performance boost.

 

[bosox188]

Wow I haven't posted here in a LONG time. Definitely upgrade the processor, first priority, and if you can upgrading the video card is the next step, to a 6800 or X800 whichever. 9800 pro isn't enough of an upgrade for it to be worth it I don't think.

 

[bryanf445]

Wow I haven't posted here in a LONG time. Definitely upgrade the processor, first priority, and if you can upgrading the video card is the next step, to a 6800 or X800 whichever. 9800 pro isn't enough of an upgrade for it to be worth it I don't think.

umm sorry bosox but you are right about the processor...but if you are looking to save a few bucks i HIGHLY reccomend the 9800 pro...i play on high with everything up with a little aa and af and get 60-80 in enclosed areas and 30-40 in open areas...definatly worth it

 

[Sean]

umm sorry bosox but you are right about the processor...but if you are looking to save a few bucks i HIGHLY reccomend the 9800 pro...i play on high with everything up with a little aa and af and get 60-80 in enclosed areas and 30-40 in open areas...definatly worth it

Yeah, but as an upgrade from the 9600xt, it's not really that great of a differance.

So processor, eh? What about the RAM; is that good for now, you think?

 

[bosox188]

RAM is good for now. But 9600xt to 9800 pro isn't worth the $200. Get the 6600GT.

 

[Sean]

RAM is good for now. But 9600xt to 9800 pro isn't worth the $200. Get the 6600GT.

I've heard there're some bugs with nVidia cards and HL2... Seems kind of risky.

BTW, I found a P4 3.0 Northwood w/ HT on NewEgg that's just about in my price range. Would that help more or less than a new video card? Just making absolutely sure before I start dropping money in the triple digits.

 

[StinkyMojo]

id rather get a new p4 .. 9600xt is good.. your cpu is the obvious bottleneck

 

[Sean]

id rather get a new p4 .. 9600xt is good.. your cpu is the obvious bottleneck

Which one?