Best AGP card out there?????

[Arcipello]

Right ive decided that my current computer is starting to lag way behind and im missing out on loads of games because of it:cry:
so i want to give my old 128mb 9800se the boot, so what is currently the best AGP card i can get?????

[Talus]

Re: Best AGP card out there?????

I bought the 6800 GT AGP...there must be some sort of ATI X800 AGP equivalent if you're a die-hard ATI guy.

[Jofaba]

Re: Best AGP card out there?????

The best ATI card before the x1 series, technically speaking, benchmark-score-wise, and literally (according to the naming hirearchy) is the X850XT PE which I happen to have (but no I'm not blinded by that fact). The "PE" part means that it's supposably more overclockable, based mostly on the fact that it has a built in thermometer specifically for use with the Catalyst Overclocking section.

While overclocking with artifact benchmark programs generally gets you into the same speeds as the official ATI program on a PE board, with a PE you don't void your warrenty or have to worry about frying the board if you start flying above 80c because the board is self monitoring.

When I got my card, just a couple months ago, it was the best ATI option available. However if I had to choose today I'd either get a nVida 7800 or an X1800XT (there doesn't appear to be an x1800xt, but I've seen Catalyst pics and the overclocker isn't shadowed so that leads me to believe that the x1 series is basically all PE in that aspect. I haven't read a single paragraph into it to find out though).

Anyway, spending $400 on an AGP when for another $100 or so you can get an X1, or really splurge and get an X1 with a 512mb cache, or just spend that extra hundred on a new motherboard that's PCI and future-proof your computer.

(PS if you finally decide to go pci-e, really research into whether you think SLI or Crossfire is best for you, because it's a great investment for futureproofing yourself for games that one day might REQUIRE two videocards... course... that day's a long way off =P)

[<DV8>mrbucket]

Re: Best AGP card out there?????

I second that, if I didn't already have the X850xt PE, I would go pci-e. Really its worth it for a little extra. You can track down a motherboard thats compatible with what you already have and just transfer all your current stuff over with the new card.

[IndianScout]

Re: Best AGP card out there?????

NVIDIA 6800 Ultra AGP are great cards

love mine..

[Jofaba]

Re: Best AGP card out there?????

the 6800 is definately a great card, roughly the equivilant of the ATI X850XT PE. If you're looking for BF2 compatability, you're obviously going to do better with an nVidia because that's what it was specifically developed for. But a lot of nVidia people are having problems too.

The reason I suggest spending a little more money and getting a 7800 or a X1 series is because although they are about 50% more expensive, the extra power is actually a steal. For example, if you told me that for $150 I could buy a PCI card that would allow my X850XT PE to reach a core speed of 625 and a memory speed of over 1.5ghz, I'd be there in a heartbeat.

Considering the way hardware prices don't always match the peformance increase (as in, I can clock my $190 processor to $500 processor speeds at stock voltage and cooling), it's an amazing deal. I would have gotten the x1800xt if it was out when I got my card, and also if I had pci-e. If Crossfire wasn't so new, I would have probably waited.

Still... I'm happy with my rig. Can't wait to get a second job and finish it though (finish?)

[Random Fire]

Re: Best AGP card out there?????

I'm thinking of getting an X800 PCI-e how would I find out whether my mobo supports PCI?

[Arcipello]

Re: Best AGP card out there?????

Cheers for the really great advice guys

im actually going to be getting a new PC next march from Dell so im not going to really go to town on my current rig and upgrade the mobo etc so im sticking with AGP on this one:)

anyway ive found this card for just £220

http://shop.norskit.de/nit/default.asp?PageNo=DEFAULT&DeepLink=PE10000D%2CHardware%2CGRAKA%2DATIC%2DATIX850110023849

tell me what you think?

also i was under the impression that PE cards were slower than the general cards... ive got a 9800pe and ive read that theres stuff you can flash it to make it think its a standard 9800 or pro....so i guess i just assumed the PE meant base model, although i have no idea what PE stands for :o

[NoSoup4You]

Re: Best AGP card out there?????

No, PE standss for Platinum Edition. It will have higher clock speeds. The best AGP card is the X800XT PE. But I don't think they make it anymore due to the X850 series.

[signa]

Re: Best AGP card out there?????

Just saw this today:

Micro Center has the RADEON X850 XT 256MB GDDR3 8x AGP Video Card for $299.99 - $50 rebate = $249.99 + Ship($5.99)

>link<

>rebate<

[Arcipello]

Re: Best AGP card out there?????

SCORE!!! thats just £170

and i notice that rebate has a specific code.... does that mean it can only be used once by someone and thats it?

edit, oh i know i get it you just mail away purchase details and they send you back $50

[Jofaba]

Re: Best AGP card out there?????

Wow that's pretty freakin good. Are they a reputable company? I just paid around $420 on Newegg a couple months ago. The PCI-e version is $450 on there right now. Better check out how reputable this Micro Center is.

A 512mb 640stock core (but not pe) x1800xt is going for $579. It's mem clock is more than twice my x850xtpe... at 1500mhz! I can't wait to get a second job so I can upgrade to pci-e and get that card. (or it's replacement by the time that happens).

And I just checked. I ordered this videocard on October 4, so I've had it 8 weeks and it's already out of date. Ya gotta love it.

[nathanmack]

Re: Best AGP card out there?????

They seem to be reputable as there are a few stores in the USA. Will they ship 2 UK thats what i need 2 know ???????

[SteManCorps]

Re: Best AGP card out there?????

When I bought BF2, I then learned that my old card wouldn't work so I upgraded to a GeForce 6600GT 128mb...it's made an amazing difference to my machine and the games I play.

[FTA-mdk]

Re: Best AGP card out there?????

I cannot seem to find any AGP graphics cards online that ship to the UK..i am looking for the 6800GT 256..anyone know where i can get one from?