Name: Anonymous 2009-07-11 16:18
So I have a P4 3ghz / 1gb RAM / GeForce 5500 box. It can't handle playing dvds or anime at 1024x768 (using my tv, hence the low res) so I'm upgrading it.
I'm trying to keep the total cost ~$400, and have something that will last me for ~3yrs, for occasional gaming but mostly dvds/anime. So far I have a Gigabyte GA-MA790X-UD4P for $75, Phenom II X2 3ghz for $100, and 4gb of RAM for $50.
For the video card, I want something decent, but not much more than $75-$100. UT3 would probably be the only game that would push the card. I figure I'll go mid-range now, and in a year or so I'll get something better.
I really don't know where the cutoff is for performance. At what point would I stop noticing a difference on anything but UT3, but UT3 would still play reasonably well?
Also, would it be better to get a card with HDMI out, or just play media at 1024x768? It's a 720p tv. I'm also kinda concerned because some games are better widescreen (and there isnt much for widescreen at that resolution) but I guess that's what I get for getting a cheapo tv.
Sorry about the wall of text, but I'm completely out of the loop with this stuff.. especially since version numbers on graphics cards dont really mean shit.
I'm trying to keep the total cost ~$400, and have something that will last me for ~3yrs, for occasional gaming but mostly dvds/anime. So far I have a Gigabyte GA-MA790X-UD4P for $75, Phenom II X2 3ghz for $100, and 4gb of RAM for $50.
For the video card, I want something decent, but not much more than $75-$100. UT3 would probably be the only game that would push the card. I figure I'll go mid-range now, and in a year or so I'll get something better.
I really don't know where the cutoff is for performance. At what point would I stop noticing a difference on anything but UT3, but UT3 would still play reasonably well?
Also, would it be better to get a card with HDMI out, or just play media at 1024x768? It's a 720p tv. I'm also kinda concerned because some games are better widescreen (and there isnt much for widescreen at that resolution) but I guess that's what I get for getting a cheapo tv.
Sorry about the wall of text, but I'm completely out of the loop with this stuff.. especially since version numbers on graphics cards dont really mean shit.