Recommended next card

  • Thread starter Thread starter Adam Parkin
  • Start date Start date
A

Adam Parkin

Hi all, I'm wondering if I could get a recommendation for my next card.
I'm currently running an 8500 LE, and plan on buying a replacement
during all the boxing week sales. I do *not* have a PCI express slot,
so I'm stuck with AGP. My system specs:

CPU: P4 3.0 Ghz
RAM: 1GB
Video: Radeon 8500LE (as mentioned)

I'm a fairly big gamer (mostly FPS's, I plan on buying FEAR & Serious
Sam 2 once I upgrade), so I want a fairly beefy card that'll last a
little while, but at the same time I am not completely ignorant of value
and don't feel like dropping $600+ on a video card.

What I'm currently leaning towards is either the AIW X800XL or a x850
Pro. Which card would be the better performer, and by how much (the
benchmarks I've found only seem to have the x800XL only, not the x850
Pro). I'm also a bit concerned about heat/noise of the new card, so if
anyone can comment on this I'd greatly appreciate it.

If there's a card you think would be better suited for me, by all means
feel free to make a recommendation. The AIW x800XL I can get for about
$350 (Canadian), although I'm willing to go as high as probably around
$450 or so (again Canadian $$$). If I do the trade-up thing directly
through ATI I can get the X850 XT for $349 US (about $405 Canadian), but
I'm a little unsure about the whole trade-up process.

Any advice as to online retailers might be helpful as well, although
keep in mind I do live in Canada, and I'm not too enthusiastic about the
idea of having something shipped cross-border (duties can add up in a
hurry).

Thanks in advance for any advice.....
 
No need to import from the States. If you want to order online you could try
www.canadacomputers.com.. I've never purchased from them online but no
problems whatsover when walking in the door.

I've heard the 800XL is a good performer and great value if that's any
help...

Mick
 
If there's a card you think would be better suited for me, by all means
feel free to make a recommendation. The AIW x800XL I can get for about
$350 (Canadian), although I'm willing to go as high as probably around
$450 or so (again Canadian $$$
Click to expand...

Don't get an AIW card unless you need the all the AIW functions. A VIVO card
or separate Hauppage card is better. Anyway, right now at NCIX ( a very
reputable Canadian mail order store--I highly recommend) they have the
Connect 3D X800GTO which is a great card and an awesome overclocker. Best
part: $222 Cdn...even with shipping and GST it'll be below $250Cdn. 12
pipelines, 400/980 core/memory, R423 core. The GTO on 3DMark05 at stock
settings (o/c A64 3200+ with 2gig ) does 4634 default nech. Overclocked only
(no BIOS reflash on stock cooler) to 560/1120 it does 6021. By comparison my
9800 Pro at 9800XT in a 1 gig Barton 3200 does 2650 on that test.
http://www.driverheaven.net/reviews/ocingX800gto/index.htm
 
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