Would this be a waste?

C

computernoob1

New Member
I currently have a Saphire ATI Radeon HD 3870 512 MB, and I am looking for an upgrade.
I am hoping to get a XFX ATI Radeon HD 4870 1 GB for 170$ (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150394), would I benefit from this card (computer specs in sig) or would it be a waste of 170$?
Also how much could I make off my current video card (on ebay or a similar site)? It is less than a year old, I got it in December (for 160$).

All prices are in canadian dollars.
 
Your system would probably bottleneck it, but it would be a good performance boost. If you don't plan on upgrading your rig any time soon, get a cheaper card instead, if you do plan on doing an upgrade or getting a whole new system, get the 4870 and use it in your next build.
 
CardboardSword said:
Your system would probably bottleneck it, but it would be a good performance boost. If you don't plan on upgrading your rig any time soon, get a cheaper card instead, if you do plan on doing an upgrade or getting a whole new system, get the 4870 and use it in your next build.
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I plan on getting a new CPU/Motherboard in the next two-three years (unless something happens to my CPU/Motherboard then it will be a lot sooner)
 
computernoob1 said:
I plan on getting a new CPU/Motherboard in the next two-three years (unless something happens to my CPU/Motherboard then it will be a lot sooner)
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In that case, I'd say spring for the 4870. You'll never see all its potential on your current system, but its 200 bucks you won't have to upgrade in the future, unless you want Crossfire anyway;)

On a side note, a RAM upgrade would probably do you a world of good too.
 
CardboardSword said:
In that case, I'd say spring for the 4870. You'll never see all its potential on your current system, but its 200 bucks you won't have to upgrade in the future, unless you want Crossfire anyway;)

On a side note, a RAM upgrade would probably do you a world of good too.
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Yeah I've been working on that since my old computer cr*pped out on me. Going to get a 1 GB stick.
Thanks for the replies :D
 
computernoob1 said:
Yeah I've been working on that since my old computer cr*pped out on me. Going to get a 1 GB stick.
Thanks for the replies :D
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Just make sure you're running uniform ram. Basically meaning you can't be running sticks with different speeds/capacity. Your best bet is probably to just buy 2x2gb of 800mhz RAM. It's really not much and you won't have to worry about matching your ram. If you are running sticks that are different, they will all clock back to meet the weakest link. Same thing as your entire system's bottleneck, except exclusively for RAM.

Just some food for thought.
 
CardboardSword said:
Just make sure you're running uniform ram. Basically meaning you can't be running sticks with different speeds/capacity. Your best bet is probably to just buy 2x2gb of 800mhz RAM. It's really not much and you won't have to worry about matching your ram. If you are running sticks that are different, they will all clock back to meet the weakest link. Same thing as your entire system's bottleneck, except exclusively for RAM.

Just some food for thought.
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Wouldn't 4 GB be a waste for windows xp 32-bit?
 
computernoob1 said:
I have no experience with RAM, will any stick fit into any motherboard?



I would, but I don't want to have to back-up all my files : P
And I've heard there are a lot of compatibility issues with games and 64-bit O/S
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Unless your playing the original doom or need for speed 1(cuz 2SE works fine on 64bit windows 7 for me) then there shouldnt be compatibility issues. Even games from 1999 like combat flight simulator still run fine in 64bit windows 7 for me.
 
computernoob1 said:
I have no experience with RAM, will any stick fit into any motherboard?
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Sorry no, each motherboard supports specific types of ram. According to this website your motherboard only supports DDR SDRAM DIMM modules and not DDR2.

At this point I would suggest to not upgrade your computer and rather, after you have saved up some money, build a whole new one. As it does not make sense to upgrade some parts for example 2Gb or ram for your motherboard would cost around 80$, if you went for the highest speed which is only 400mhz. And any new set of DDR2 800Mhz 2X1Gb ram would cost about 50$.

However it's your choice and my recommendation may not be right for your needs.
 
Respital said:
Sorry no, each motherboard supports specific types of ram. According to this website your motherboard only supports DDR SDRAM DIMM modules and not DDR2.

At this point I would suggest to not upgrade your computer and rather, after you have saved up some money, build a whole new one. As it does not make sense to upgrade some parts for example 2Gb or ram for your motherboard would cost around 80$, if you went for the highest speed which is only 400mhz. And any new set of DDR2 800Mhz 2X1Gb ram would cost about 50$.

However it's your choice and my recommendation may not be right for your needs.
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Only time that seems feasible is in December :(
But I think that is what I'll do.

bomberboysk said:
Unless your playing the original doom or need for speed 1(cuz 2SE works fine on 64bit windows 7 for me) then there shouldnt be compatibility issues. Even games from 1999 like combat flight simulator still run fine in 64bit windows 7 for me.
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If my next build comes before windows 7 is no longer available I think I'll get it :D
 
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