Re: opinions on upgrade


"richkev" <richkevNOSPAM@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:BApnl.6064$v8.1334@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
My current system:

-Intel Core2 6600 2.4GHz
-4GB RAM
-Radeon X1950 Crossfire Edition
-Running Windows XPpro

Question: I am thinking about upgrading my system in the next year. I
have
the option of buying another Radeon X1950 to put in crossfire (my
motherboard supports this) for about $100. Is it worth it? Or should I
just
save my money for when I decide to upgrade? I play a lot of multiplayer
games online with friends (currently COD4, but they want to get FEAR2
which
I'm not sure I can currently run), Will I get any benefit from crossfire?
Maybe I would be better off getting a new video card, altogether?

Thanks for any input.

For $100, I would not suggest buying another X1950. For $100, you could
replace your current video card and get better performance. You could get a
HD4830 (great card!) or for a little more, an HD4850, as someone else
suggested.

But looking at your current system, you've already got a dual-core processor
at 2.4GHz (this is a DUAL core, right?). And you've got 4Gigs of RAM. Your
current video card is a little older, but not terrible. Just a little more
video power might get you by for a while. I really wouldn't suggest doing
anything to that system other than upgrading video.

But if it was my system: First, I'd look at the power supply. IF the power
supply is a good name brand, with plenty of power and the right connecters,
I'd consider getting a used X1950 off of Ebay or similar. It's not much of
a risk. Your video performance will improve. You shouldn't have to spend
$100. I'd be aiming for about $60 delivered (watch shipping costs!). I
think this would be worth a shot.

The reason I'd try the used video card first is, you really can't
significantly upgrade your current system without starting over by replacing
everything. But OTOH, your current components are not that weak, hard to
justify the cost of a whole new system at the moment, unless you just want
to do it because you can. :)
The obvious thing to do would be to upgrade the video, but you don't want to
spend a lot of money on a card for your CURRENT system. Because in a year
or so, you will want to start over anyway. Thus I'd be looking at a cheap
video upgrade to get by the next year or so. Or, what makes the most sense
to me, if your system can support it...a used X1950. -Dave


.

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