Graphic card etc. issues
 

Here's what I have:

P4 1.5 GHz with 640 MB RAM
Windows ME
Raedon VE 64 MB DDR with Updated drivers

I would really like to get out (and stay out ) of the low FPS that I seem to be getting lately. What's a decent graphics card? Should I switch to XP? I have the XP update, but haven't installed it yet. I'm waiting until I have time to reformat the hard drive.

Any ideas/thoughts would be great!

Well, obviously a better vid card would help a lot. I'm a big fan of the Ti4200 series of cards. They aren't too expensive, but do offer very good performance. A switch to windows XP would help as well. Is it a dell that you have there? If so, I wouldn't recommend trying to upgrade too much else other then the vid card. You'll run into a variety of headaches and expenses, and probably should consider a totally new box is you're thinking of switching to a faster processor or anything like that. Is it running on regular SDRAM??

Well, upgrading your OS will not show a significant (if any at all) increase in performance in the form of FPS.

I would reccomend you say away from new ATI cards because take it from me, I've had nothing but problems with them. It took me forever to make mine stable.

I'd suggest you get a GeForce 3 at minimum if you are looking for a decent upgrade. You can usually get good prices herE: http://www.newegg.com

they have some pretty off the wall prices (cheap *blingBling*). I'd stay away from all GF4MX cards because they aren't that great, and if I can recall the GF4 Ti4200 uses the GF4MX440 chip basically so there is little difference in performance between the two. For futerh information I suggest you look at some reviews,
http://www.amdmb.com
http://www.hardocp.com
-www.rage3d.com (for ATI scoop)

Run a google for hardware reviews.

I build comps too but not for moola :P

Oh yeah, that was kind of an aside. I just haven't heard much about XP other than that huge security leak after it was released. I just wondered about system stability etc.

Thanks for the great info...Off to do research!

You might as well just get a Ti4600 right away...

[url:1ef9c]http://www.pricewatch.com[/url:1ef9c]

You won't have to upgrade for a helluvalong time.

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Well, XP is totally different than Win98, win98 runs on the VxD module, and XP doesn't. XP is based on NT tech, win98 is not. WindowsXP is a lot more efficient than 98 too.

Like AMD, and Pentium, Pentium has superior memory management, but AMD can pump out more power at lower clocks. So there are a TON of variables involved with making a sleek machine.

You have a TON of ram! :P I wish I had that much.... I only have 256! :(

YES PRICE WATCH! I forgot... stupid me... use them rightously for good prices....

It's RDRAM

Not a Dell, but a Gateway. I know, I know. I got a really good deal on it, but I need a new GC it appears...

Gross! A gateway! :P <JK> Hey, can you sendm e the cow box it came in? I've always wanted one! <JK> :P

if you have the *bling*bling* get a ti4600... you'd be good for a L O N G Time.

Brand?
 

What about a particular brand of ti4600 card? Does it matter?

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?submit=VGA

Honestly... No... LOL I mean sometimes there are slight differences in cards, and how their made. But overall the performance will be -roughly- the same.
Good card makers:

-MSI
-GAINWARD/CARDEXPERT
those are the best IMHO

Yeah, look for the best software package with it!!

I dont' build comps for money, btw...just a hobby

New card on the way!
 

Just ordered the MSI ti4600 for $230! Thanks for the help...!

hake: