So I've got a pretty old mobo, and buying a new one and thus a whole new rig is far outside of my price range right now. I'm currently running a 6600GT, which, while it has served me well, is fairly outdated. My only problem is I can't get a PCI express video card, as my mobo doesn't have any slots, only the good old AGP.

I've been looking on Newegg, and there are some AGP video cards that I can get for around $50 or so, but I don't know which one to get, as I've long since stopped keeping very up-to-date on computer tech. There are some 7000 series Nvidia cards on there, but I heard the 7000 series really sucked and didn't give you much better performance then the 6000 series. I also noticed some Radeon card, such as the X1650, but I've always had Nvidia card, and know next to nothing about Radeon. So what would you guys recommend?

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=45&threadid=2268571&highlight_key=y&keyword1=agp

2 GeCube Radeon X1950XT 256MB GDDR3 AGP 8x Dual DVI Video Card with Zalman VGA HSF and Memory Heatsinks - $60.00 OBO

Save your money, buy a PCI-e motherboard.

Youd need a mobo, processor, ram, and a video card. You could get those for 400 bucks, easily. I just picked out parts for a friend whos upgrading and the total came to 560, but with a case/power supply and $65 of mail in rebates. It doesnt cost much to upgrade since you already have so many parts that can be reused.

Ah, I wish I had the money to buy a whole new system. Sadly, since I just bought this I'm afraid I don't have the money to do that. Even $400 bucks. That's why I'm trying to see if I can just upgrade the video card for cheap and leach some more life out of this comp until I can afford to buy a new one.

Used E2180 - $35ish
cheeep board (OOS, but it might come back)
RAM

[edit] I like JLee's X1950XT suggestion. [/edit]



A new computer? Sorry. Sadly you end up paying a premium for AGP nowadays. I think you have already figured out your best options - ATI X1650 or higher, Nvidia 7600GS or higher. I would keep an eye on newegg.com's openbox deals. Right now, there is this 2600 PRO for $51.25. Those ATI 2600's are pretty power hungry tho, make sure your PSU can handle it.

If I were you, I would try checking Ebay as well.

i got a HD 3850 on newegg for like $75 for my fiancee's family's computer recently...

Just suck it up and save money for a real upgrade. I had a tnt2 until about a year ago. A full upgrade is a better investment than spending almost as much for a tiny performance increase.

^- The current KING of AGP.

Wow


I have a gently used 9800 Pro fresh from when it was the best card on the block if for some reason you don't take the suggestions above <_<

$500 vs around $50 or $60? Your idea of almost as much is interesting.

If you don't mind rebates, see my links above. $10 RAM, $35 CPU (check Anandtech FS/T), $25 motherboard (or if you have a Fry's, buy a $100 motherboard/CPU combo). It'd be a bit more, yes, but would breathe new life into your computer.

60 now is 560 in the end. You work a steady job? Set aside $25 or 50 a week. In not to long you could do a full upgrade.

Thanks for the links JLee. I'll check em out and see what I can do with them.

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=45&threadid=2267181&highlight_key=y&keyword1=E2180

I have the same setup- an IP35-E with an E2180. With an Arctic Freezer Pro, I'm running the processor at 3Ghz.

I'm actually in the market for a new AGP card too, I just found a 7600GT 256mb ddr3 for $30 on craigslist.

My 6600gt fan is loud and annoying, I also want something with component out capabilities.