video card upgrade

[studboy1]

I have a Alienware pc w/ pent 4 2gb processor, 512 mb rdram(pc-800) 340 watt ps...80 gb seagate hd 7200..directx 8.1...Intel d850gb board and a nvidia gef 3 ti500 64 mb 4x agp video card. I would like to upgrade the card to a Radeon 9800 video card.
does any one know if this card will work in this pc and if there are any problems in the installation of, or operation of same in this pc. what can I expect for problems? Or, should I settle for another card? Any recommendations?? thank you, studboy

 

[paparazi]

I don't know of any particular incompatiblity issues with the Radeon 9800 and Intel 850 chipset motherboards, the GPU will only run at 4X (it is backward compatible) the older P4 2gig core may not allow the Radeons full performance but that would be the same for all but the newest platforms.
Think The Radeon 9800 requires an extra power socket (same as floppy)
Use the latest Catayst drivers and control panel.
Martin


Replying helps further our knowledge, without comment leaves us wondering.

 

[studboy1]

Thank you, Martin for your reply, that is helpfull. However. Your last line has me puzzled, what do you refer to by control panel? Removal of drivers for the old video card?
If I wouldn't get full benefit of the 9800, would I be better off with a card that would give me full performance, and poss. save me some money? Recommendations? Thanks again for your input Martin. I appreciate the help! studboy

 

[jpm121]

studboy, he was referring to the software "control panel" that you download from the ATI website -- it's on the same page as the latest Catalyst drivers. Not the Windows Control Panel.

The 9800 is fully DX9 compliant, so you'll want to upgrade to DX9 anyhow (most newer games are requiring it).

Your CPU won't cause problems; it may just keep some games from flying at their absolute highest speed.

Also, if you have the cash, the 9800 is a card that will last you a couple years, even if you choose to upgrade to a faster CPU/mobo in the future.

 

[studboy1]

JPM121; thank you very much for the comeback. I understand now and I thank you-all for your help and info on this question. studboy

 

[teknikal]

CPU speed isn't as important to overall performance from a video card once you get to 2GHz and beyond. The real concern is if you had say a Pentium II or III running less than 1GHz. In that case, the CPU and RAM would greatly bottleneck the video card.

However, in faster configurations like the one you have, I wouldn't worry about it too much. You will still see a world of difference in newer 3D games moving from a GF3 Ti500 to a Radeon 9800 Pro.

It's also worth mentioning that the most expensive video cards today ARE the budget video cards of tomorrow. It might be worth waiting a few months for prices to drop or simply go with a 9700 Pro instead.

 

[studboy1]

That makes a whole lot of sense teknikal. I think I will wait for a little while. You guys have opened up my eyes to some things I didn't know. It will make my purchase easier to make. Thank you..studboy