Hey I need advice on what display/graphics card whatever card is better. I don't know this AGL PAGA..blah language right so be kind. I would like to play games like sims 2 etc. age of empires 3 call of duty 1&2 you know most of the games that are coming out today and I'm worried because it is alot of money and I don't want it to be out dated by the time i wake up 2moro ok right so the specs are
P4 3.8 ,
512 RAM (can i add another 512 if i have 2xDDR slots?)
AGP x 8 (have no idea what that is)
Geforce FX5500

but i'm trying to get my hands on one of the 6 series right... so if ur still awake after all that can u help me out? I'd appreciate it, thanks

I don't have a clue with computers...

Try playing around with this interactive chart. The 6800 appears to be slightly better (depending on the game & the settings), but the difference is minor

http://www23.tomshardware.com/graphics.html?modelx=33&model1=293&model2=295&chart=79

There is also the 6800GS.

Computer Components

Now at least I know more than them Country folk eh? lol nice link, thanks for the advice people appreciate it.

I don't have a clue with computers...

I just recently bought a Geforce 6800XT and any game I throw at it, the card goes above and beyond its capabilities. I have maxed out (graphically) ever game that I have (i.e. Doom 3, F.E.A.R, Call of Duty 2, etc.) and it has never disappointed me. It requires at least a 450W power supply, however.

uh oh...you say you have an AGP slot, but the 6800XT requires a pci express x16 slot. Sorry.

I do not believe you did what you claim with F.E.A.R & have you played Oblivion with that card?

Computer Components

I kid not. I was surprised myself that it ran as well as it did. Sometimes it lags, but overall it performs well. I'm not dissappointed.

I've never played Oblivion before. I will have to check that out. Thank you for the recommendation.

yeap i know i cant get most of the geforce7 series cos they all need this pci thingymajig so im looking at the 6600GT or 6800. Thanks for you help.

I don't have a clue with computers...

So you know. AGP 8X is the name of the slot that your graphics card plugs in. Your current graphics card is probably in the AGP 8X slot.

Also 6600GT's and 6800's come in both AGP 8X and PCI-X (PCI-X is also a graphics card slot)So make sure you get the right one. If I were you I would go for the 6800.

Mattwizz3 : )

Sempron 2600+ @ 2.2GHz
1Gb DDR400
Asus A7N8X-E Deluxe
200GB SATA / 80Gb IDE
256Mb MSI 6800 Ultra

well i havent actually got the computer yet but a friend is buying the parts for it and buliding it up and it comes with AGP x8. So i was thinking 6800 because its the best i can get from what i've seen and heard plus most games recomend the 6 series to run. looking for the 256Mb you think that'll run the sims and age of empires 3?

I don't have a clue with computers...

It should run Age of Empires 3 fine. I have a 6800Ultra and it plays it at high settings, and Sims 2 is fine. Although AOE3 is quite demanding and I only get about 40FPS, which is good but dont expect huge framerates with the 6800...

Mattwizz3 : )

Sempron 2600+ @ 2.2GHz
1Gb DDR400
Asus A7N8X-E Deluxe
200GB SATA / 80Gb IDE
256Mb MSI 6800 Ultra

allot of cards will run those games^^ theyre not the most graphics demanding out there. and both cards are pretty similar if you chose the 6600GT its about the same as a 6800. i just chose the 6600GT because it sounds better tbh lol. so realy its down to you what to chose out of those cards. and theyre always coming down in price as new cards are brought out so i chose the 6600GT because its a pretty decent card that should last a few years, same for 6800 realy so its down 2 u. hope that helps, email me at x_ter_c@hotmail.com if u wana ask more! thanks

2GB ram
7900GT 256Mb
3.2Ghz pentium dual core
250GB harddrive
aspire x-plorer caseall black

if your friend is building this PC then tell him to pay an extra 50bucks and get a motherboard with PCI Express... Its a waste to buy an AGP motherboard if u want to play games.

Then go for the 7300GS which retails for about the same as a 6600GT. Well it did where i worked in the city... about 300 bucks. Prolly cheaper off the net or not in the city atleast (All prices australian... so it would be like 240ish american)

yaeh i've just asked him for a PCI as i see this is the "way of the future" and to save myself anymore upgrading hassles for a lil while at least im going for one of these 7 series. Thanks for all the help people.

I don't have a clue with computers...