Need Advice - Should I upgrade to an FX5900?

[Cobra]

I don't know if this belongs in the computer forum or here - it is computer-related but I just need some help deciding.

In a nutshell, I have the opportunity to upgrade my GeForce4 Ti4600 to an FX5900 (not XT or Ultra) for £50. I will gain:

- DirectX 9.0 ability
- 128-bit memory bus (better anisotropic filtering and anti-aliasing)
- A marginal boost in framerates

I like playing games like UT2004 and Need For Speed Underground. Do you guys reckon it's worth the money?

This is the card I am looking at:

http://www.asus.com/products/vga/v9950ge/overview.htm

Thanks,

Cobra

[offline]

Many games look better with ATI. I play underground with an alcheapo
ATI 9200 256k at 1024x768 and it is visually stunning. Having said
that, the 5900FX is good value for money and you get DX9 support
but not much of a performance boost. If you can afford the extra, the
ATI 9800SE or ATI 9600pro might be a better long term purchase.

[Cobra]

I am only being offered a new FX5900. For £50, it isn't a bad deal to upgrade but it isn't a great deal either.

Thanks for the reply, offline.

[Capmaster]

Rather than vote anything, I'll have to abstain. I don't know enough about the two cards, and the ultimate decision really depends on your personal financial situation. If things are really tight, I'd say no. If you can swing it comfortably, I'd say sure - do it.

How's that for wishy-washy?

[Treebeard]

I would probably hold onto your 4600 card, and spend the $50 on something else. Performance increase wont be that huge IMO, but If you really want a DX9 card its not a bad deal.

[Doramius]

I also say go with an ATI card if you're going to upgrade. Might as well spend the money, but if you are on a budget and really want the upgrade capabilities, then go for it.

I'm a little biased, but I like the ATI AIW 9600. Very similar to the 9600pro, only it has VIVO, a tuner, and a good remote.

[rallynavvie]

I don't trust it for 50 GBP. I can sell my used 4400 for more than that. Only upgrade if you're going to upgrade to the latest chipset like the 6800 or the X800. The X600 looks to be the best deal so far.

[mujahid7ia]

GeForce4 Ti4600 is a great card, can beat FX5200s and some 5500s, i say keep it for a while...

UT2K4 runs fine on my comp....

btw, it's an excellent game..

nfsu, i dont no about, nfs is a supercar game, not tuner, now its messed up, just going w/ the popular stuff


computer forum is prob better, i hardly ever look in this forum...
but judging by the new posts, everyonelse does

[Cobra]

rallynavvie - It's an upgrade. I am selling my Ti4600 for £70.

Thanks for all the thoughts. I have taken the opportunity and upgraded. It should arrive tomorrow.

[Cobra]

My current benchmarks are as follows:

3DMark03 - 1,346
Aquamark: - Graphics = 2,190
- CPU = 7,223
- Overall = 19,023

I'm not going to change a thing on my PC (as far as I can) to see how the new card improves these benchmarks. I'm just posting this for reference and interest.