ATI Radeon X1900GT/ Which Computer?

[wpurcell]

:confused: Hello! I've just bought an ATI Radeon X1900GT 256MB PCI-E Graphics Card. I run FS9 and Punch AS 4000 for games. I need some advice as to which computer I should install this card for maximum effect. I have a Dell Dimension 4700/Pentium 4 2.8GHz/2.5GB RAM, and a Systemax /Pentium D 3.2GHz/2.5MB RAM. Both are running WinXP Home. Any advice? Thanks in advance!

[Rob]

The Pentium D you have is significantly more powerful than the Pentium 4 you have, but your Pentium 4 is no slouch by any means.

I think the question your asking is which computer will be a bigger bottleneck for the video card. Although you'll get more fps using it with the Pentium D, I think the Pentium 4 combined with the video card will be able to handle anything.

If you need to get the absolute most out of the video card, such as because you plan to use it at the highest resolution you can or the highest AA you can, then you should go with the faster processor, which is the Pentium D.

If a second video card for the other computer is in your future then you should pair up the faster Pentium D with the faster video card.

[wpurcell]

Hello! Thanks for the quick reply! That graphics card deal didn't go through, but I was wondering about the Foxconn GeForce 7950 GT OC, and what I could expect from it in regards to FS9 and Punch AS 4000. I can pick up this card from bestbuy.ca for CAD$469.99, plus taxes. Thanks again!

[Rob]

I'm not familiar with FS9 and Punch AS 4000, but Foxconn is a good brand and the 7950 is a top performing model.

[wpurcell]

So Rob, would you reccomend the 256MB, or the 512MB card? The price difference is about $70.00.

[Rob]

Personally I would be fine with the 256MB. The 512MB will improve frame rates when setting the screen resolution for the game to be high, like 1600 x 1200. But I'm more comfortable at 1152 x 864 or thereabouts. But the frame rate of a 256MB video card may do just fine at 1600 x 1200 in many instances.

[wpurcell]

Thanks very much Rob! Now I need to make the decision whether to install the card on the Pentium D, which currently has all my apps and programs, or on the dell, which has only the flight simulator and architectural program. I want to keep the programs on the "gaming" computer to a bare minimum. Excellent website: I'll definitely keep you in my favourites list!