7600GT - upgrade to 9600GT?

K.O.Kiki

Haven't really been keeping up with graphics tech (since switching to Mac :pac: ), but this is for a friend's PC.

Machine specs are: AMD 3200+ (skt939, stock), 1.5Gb PC-3200, 7600GT (stock), WinXP, decent 400W+ PSU (IIRC).

Basically, he's been complaining of not enough storage space & his machine slowing down while playing Flight Simulator X, so an upgrade seems like the best solution.

But the budget's only around 210euro, so I need some help from you boardsies

• Should I only upgrade the GPU (to a 9600GT) & HDD (add a 750Gb internal)
  OR
• Should I skimp on either the GPU/HDD, and get more RAM/an aftermarket CPU-cooler (for overclocking)?

I'd be wary of getting an 8800-series card (not sure if the PSU could take it), and have been out of the building/upgrading/OCing loop for a good while.

Help?

jonny72

His processor is too slow, which will cause a bottleneck even if he does get a new graphics card.

FlightSim X is notoriously bad for fps anyway.

Tell him to sell his PC and buy a new one with the 200, thats the best way to go..

Go to www.hardwareversand.de, choose English and PC configurator, you should be able to get a v good machine for just under 600 euros delivered..

Or get one of the guys on the building & upgrading to spec you a budget PC from that site..

I mean look at this..
http://cgi.ebay.ie/Intel-Core-2-Quad-GeForce-8800GT-512-4GB-RAM-800MHz_W0QQitemZ150273727390QQihZ005QQcategoryZ179QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1638Q2em118Q2el1247

If he can sell his PC for 250 and get 300 cash, that thing would play Flight Sim X very smooth and have tons of space.

K.O.Kiki

@jonny72:
Hmm, good point.

Except there's no way IN HELL I'm ever looking up 100 motherboard reviews, ever again!

I'll keep the replacement option in mind, though.

Kavkid

How about an upgrade kit?

http://www.komplett.ie/k/cl.aspx?bn=11145

K.O.Kiki

Kavkid wrote: »

How about an upgrade kit?

http://www.komplett.ie/k/cl.aspx?bn=11145

Don't think that would really budget, unless I'm ready for the hassle of selling the components first -- and TBH, I don't have the time!

TerrorFirmer

Ancient hardware, sell the old board, cpu and ram and get something like this:



The Ankerman PC is actually great value....

Also, that's just a guide, E2160 for example went for a mere 30 euro on adverts lately, will climb to 2.6-2.8ghz easily on the stock cooler.