7600GT - upgrade to 9600GT?

K.O.Kiki · 28-07-2008 11:10AM #1

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 · 28-07-2008 11:23AM

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 · 28-07-2008 11:41AM

@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 · 28-07-2008 12:40PM

How about an upgrade kit?

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

K.O.Kiki · 29-07-2008 10:08AM

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 · 29-07-2008 10:32AM

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.

7600GT - upgrade to 9600GT?

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