What Would You do?

[Damnidge]

This is not an attempt to be anti-computer geek (we all know who we are =), but isn't a lot of this stuff overkill? Please keep in mind I am more inquisitive to know the real answers, than saying I have my mind made up.

I have a very simple system I built in October of 2004. It has 1 gig (2x 512) of cas latency 3 Kingston value ram, a socket 754 3200+ Athlon 64, and an ATI Radeon 9800 Pro card (ATI brand) 128 DDR ram, 256-bit interface. I run UT2K4 perfectly fine. The only time I get lag is the same time everyone else is getting it (server side). I rarely seem to have any problems whatsoever, except for that crappy gigabyte board giving out on me (knock on wood).

I guess what I am saying here is when does a lot of this stuff go overboard? I understand that when 2K7 comes out my system needs an upgrade, but it seems to me that if I get 30-50 fps with what I have, then why is everyone out there seem to have 2 graphics cards, 2 gigs of ram, dual core processors, etc.??

I guess for me my budget is very tight, and if it wasn’t I’d have all that stuff, but part of me wonders where the line is for a computer’s “strength” vs. its “bragging rights.”

[DW_Wraith]

I know for UT2004 what I have is perfectly fine. However, future games need more videocard horsepower, and as long as I can afford it now, I figure I better get the best I can. A year later, things may change and I may not be able to afford high end parts. Plus after this update I don't intend on upgrading for at least 2-3 years if I can help it....

2 gigs of memory really makes a difference with some of the newer games out there. For UT2004, no, 1 gig is enough.

Anyhow. Thanks for all your input. I just ordered the final pieces. I decided on getting the dual core AMD64 4800 (2.4ghz) with 1 meg cach for each core. I got a great deal with ordering that plus one video card (discount of $100.00) so I opted to buy the 7800 GTX 256 MB version. I also just ordered a 650 watt power supply (85% efficency rating) and once that all comes in I should be set! I don't plan on buying a second video card until I see I actually need it. I hope I don't.

I'm excited about this, yet at the same time it really put a dent in my wallet, but computers are my life so to speak, and its a hell of alot less money spent buying these things and I have something to show for it than my vacation last Sept. where I "donated" to the Indian casino's and all I got was a "thank you for coming" .....lol.... it was fun, but I wouldn't do that again....

[jrv2kgt-s]

Presently, I would go with the GTX.

While on the subject of video cards. Has anyone heard if Nvidia is going to release a 7 series card for AGP based systems? I really don't want to buy dual processor board just to use a 7 series based card.

[jrv2kgt-s]

damn.... I was kinda hoping to get a few more miles out of my tyan thunder K8W (s2885). :-\