7600GT how long will it be enough?

codral

New Member
Hi, recently i upgraded to a 7600gt (had a 6300gs which was ok for games like fear on medium graphics but struggled alot on higher graphic levels and better games) and i was just wondering how long this card will be fast enough for (could only afford a $200 card at the time and the next card up was a $350 7800gt). I know there are already alot of cards nicer but from a gaming viewpoint, what should i upgrade next? I was thinking maybe go a dual core processor, but then i think i will need a new motherboard for that, so graphics card might be a better idea

Or will this setup be enough to run most new games on reasonable graphics levels?
PC:
2 GIG ddr3200 ram (best my mobo supports)
k8n diamond SLI motherboard
7600GT card
ATI 3700+ San diego
Thermaltake PSU
350 GB Matrox HDD

thanks
 
How much is "enough"? As long as you don't use AA, maybe run the detail around medium/high, you should be fine. I know Test Drive Unlimited was a little rough on my PC(maybe it was just the beta...that would be nice :P)

If you can, I'd return the 7600 and get an 8000 card. Something like an 8600GT would be much better than the 7600, and they shouldn't be too much more. I have considered upgrading myself, but I'm still happy enough with my ol' 7600... Hehe, I even considered trying SLI with the card just for experience.
 
7600GTs should only be around $100... $150 at the very most... I'd return it regardless and buy something online, from Newegg if you can.
 
Ah, australia here, we are pretty behind on technology (probably 6months behind you guys) especially when it comes to graphic cards and ram. I remember looking in some compusa catalogues and drooling over the prices.. My 7600gt was actually a decent price at the time (read recent as 3 months), some of the larger companies wanted 300+ for them (harvey norman, dick smiths). Next time i get a card it will be from the USA for sure, just wasn't sure if i should upgrade card or what next. Guess a new card is on the line, i have the cash.. will $450 US get anything decent though? Or should i upgrade mobo and cpu with that money and stick with the 7600gt

Thanks guys
 
Ah ok, Any idea whether the MSI K8n Diamond SLI (not SLIX16) will support a dual core processor, or a faster processor than my 3700+?
 
What socket is it?
939 and AM2 support dual core, would suggest AM2 though. DDR2 is better and more futureproofed.
 
It's a socket 939, so will it support for example a 4200 or 4500 dual core?

Doesn't support DDR2 Ram unfortunately, only DDR
 
I would try finding another motherboard, It might support a 4200 or 4500 but it really is dependant on the socket of the processor, I think that they sell both of those in both the Am2 and 939 varieties which means that you could be out of luck if you dont look carefully when you buy one.
 
Yes, it supports the X2 lineup of chips. Your RAM is fine for now.. DDR2 isn't much better than DDR1 despite popular belief.. My Diego is an alright overclocker and seeing as most games still only take advantage of single core i think your CPU is alright for now. The first thing i would upgrade is your graphics card.. as said the 8600 gtx is good but i'd shoot for an 8800gts.
 
Ah, i had heard about dual core processors not being utilised for gaming, wasn't sure how beneficial it really was. I'll look into some us pricing on a 8600gts..

8600gts from one of our cheapest shops = 260 - 299 (256mb)
8800gts = 385-435 (320mb)
8800gts = 579-609 (640mb) (alot more for twice the memory!)
8800gtx = 748-888 (768mb)
 
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Multiplier 10x, HTT clock speed 270mhz, ht link multiplier 3x, i have a 5/6 divider on the ram.. I didnt even have to touch the voltages either! Anyways Amd CPU's don't utilize a FSB, they Use Hypertransport, or HTT (what you called the host clock). So it's multiplier (10x) by 270mhz (HTT) equals 2700mhz. Make sure you put a 5/6 divider on the ram, and reduce the ht link multiplier as the HTT gets higher.

Try this:

http://www.short-media.com/articles/overclocking_on_754939_platform

if you have the time. It's pretty big but it's the best overclocking guide i've read for our platform. :D
 
Ah ok thanks, this mobo is confusinggg, and i thought only pentiums had hyper transport for some reason lol.

I'll try your settings out tonight, and have a look through that guide, cheers, thanks for all your help :)
 
Pentium 4's use Hyper threading (sounds like....hyper transport??).. and yeah it confuses me sometimes too! Good luck though. :D :D
 
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