Buying new video card and want suggestions

[{LLC}Jaroom]

When UT came out I played like crazy for a couple of years and haven't touched it since. I just got an OK computer from a friend: Win-7, Pent 3.4 dual, Nvidia 7800GT . . .

However, I only really want to play this game and the video card is killing me! I can only play at 800 X 600, everything turned to low, and I get a miserably unplayable 30-40 FPS.

I'm ready to buy a new card, but really only want to spend $100-$150 (tops).

Here are my questions:
1-Am I better off with Nvidia or ATI, or does it depend on the card. I thought there was some PhysX protocol or something that is in UT3 that Nvidia supports.

2-I want to be able to turn everything on high detail, run at least 1680 X 1050 (or higher), and get decent frame rates (90+). SO, can you all give me advice and tell me what you get with different cards?

Thanks!

[Sincreator]

I wouldn't worry too much about Physx in UT3. It's only 3/4 maps that use it, and no servers host them anyway. Here is a guide for recommended video cards for the different price ranges: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-graphics-card,2464.html

[{LLC}Jaroom]

Thanks, Sin!

I'm hoping to get some idea of frame rates. I noticed you have the ATI Sapphire HD5870 (way too expensive for me) what screen res. do you run and what's your average fps (I realize your other components are much better than mine)?

[Zerglings]

Try looking at the 200 series of the Nvidia range they have some average to good graphics cards in the low to mid prices range.

[Sincreator]

Thanks, Sin!

I'm hoping to get some idea of frame rates. I noticed you have the ATI Sapphire HD5870 (way too expensive for me) what screen res. do you run and what's your average fps (I realize your other components are much better than mine)?

Copied from another thread:

As promised, here is 1080p and 720p benched with my 5870. (No overclocking on the GPU)


The benchmark started at 11/9/2009 9:45:12 AM

System Information
Operating system: Windows 7 Ultimate
System memory: 4095 MB
CPU: AMD Phenom(tm) II X3 710 Processor
CPU speed: 3450 MHz
Graphics card: - 0 MB ATI HD5870 1GB
Benchmark Information
Benchmark type: Flyby
Demo: vCTF-Corruption
Motion Blur: Disabled
Hardware Physics: Disabled
Anisotropic filtering: 16×



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Resolution: 1920×1080 (HD WideScreen)
Score = 207 FPS
Score = 208 FPS
Average score = 207 FPS

Resolution: 1280 × 720 (Custom)
Score = 274 FPS
Score = 279 FPS
Average score = 276 FPS

Not bad for only one HD5870. I'll post more benches with overclocks, and I'll add some AA as well.

EDIT: Sorry I benched the map we all did at first, now I'll do the right one. lol.


The benchmark started at 11/9/2009 10:19:56 AM

System Information
Operating system: Windows 7 Ultimate
System memory: 4095 MB
CPU: AMD Phenom(tm) II X3 710 Processor
CPU speed: 3450 MHz
Graphics card: - 0 MB ATI HD5870 1GB
Benchmark Information
Benchmark type: Flyby
Demo: vCTF-Containment
Motion Blur: Disabled
Hardware Physics: Disabled
Anisotropic filtering: 16×



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Resolution: 1920×1080 (HD WideScreen)
Score = 151 FPS
Score = 152 FPS
Average score = 151 FPS

Resolution: 1280 × 720 (Custom)
Score = 156 FPS
Score = 154 FPS
Average score = 155 FPS


Strange that it appears that this map was CPU bottlenecked. Which is exactly what I thought would happen, but why only this map, and not corruption? Strange.

PS: Here is that thread: http://utforums.epicgames.com/showthread.php?t=680572 If you want, take a look at what others are using for hardware, and what their average FPS is. Try to find something similar to your own specs.:)

[Sincreator]

It would help also to know the rest of your computers specs. If you are using an older cpu, you may have to look at upgrading that as well. UT3 is highly CPU dependant, and it is very easy to get bottlenecked by it in this game. To get a constant 90fps you will need a pretty decent CPU, and GPU, but really all you need IMO is 45fps+ to be smooth.

I have a good system because I try to keep it up to date, and I sell the parts that I replace just before they go obsolete/not worth much $$$ anymore. Best way to do it, IMO.;) My next upgrade will be a Phenom II 965 quad AMD chip(200$), and I allready have a buyer for my Phenom II x3 710(60$), so I will get my new CPU for only 140$. :D

[Andrewbean90]

Dont forget sometimes a monitor cant go higher then 800x600 unless its newer so get a newer monitor while your at it

When UT came out I played like crazy for a couple of years and haven't touched it since. I just got an OK computer from a friend: Win-7, Pent 3.4 dual, Nvidia 7800GT . . .

However, I only really want to play this game and the video card is killing me! I can only play at 800 X 600, everything turned to low, and I get a miserably unplayable 30-40 FPS.

I'm ready to buy a new card, but really only want to spend $100-$150 (tops).

Here are my questions:
1-Am I better off with Nvidia or ATI, or does it depend on the card. I thought there was some PhysX protocol or something that is in UT3 that Nvidia supports.

2-I want to be able to turn everything on high detail, run at least 1680 X 1050 (or higher), and get decent frame rates (90+). SO, can you all give me advice and tell me what you get with different cards?

Thanks!

[Nightmare85]

Hi man,
I think you should really think if it's worthy to buy a new GPU.
I tell you why:
- your CPU Pentium Dual Core 3,4 GHZ is very old and extinct.
- you have not mentioned your RAM so far - if it's 1 GB, forget it
- you don't know if your power supply will be fully enough for a new GPU

Furthermore, what monitor do you have?
I guess it's a 22" widescreen, but a confirmation would be okay.

Forget nvidia's PhysX support - just look which card is better (for your budget).

About the power supply:
Open your pc's case and check out how many amperes your PSU gives out on the 12V rail.
(If there are several values, count them, also the -value to be sure.).

Cheers!

[{LLC}Jaroom]

Thanks everyone for the advice so far!

Here are more specs:
Win-7
Intel mobo 3.4 dual core CPU
2-gigs RAM
Nvidia 7800GT
500W Power Supply
19" Mitsubishi CRT (getting a 22" LCD for Christmas)

Is that good enough to make it worth my while to buy a nice new GPU OR do I get an OK one (since my CPU might be a bottleneck) and just wait until I upgrade the CPU (which won't happen for a long time)?

In other words, at what quality point (of the graphics card) will I not see any difference with my system and where is that point?

[Nightmare85]

I think it's not worthy to invest much in a graphics card.
Maybe a GeForce 9800 GT would be fully enough for you.
It costs less than 90 € (not sure about $).
The most important thing is a balanced system.
(No bottlenecks at all.)
Your 2 GB RAM is not bad, but Win7 needs more RAM than XP (for example.)
I was not able to run UT3 with 2 GB under XP.
However, I have many background processes because of my hardware.

Just check out the GPU I suggested and decide if it makes sense.

And it's not always easy to upgrade all parts.
You must be 100% sure that your mainboard supports very new cpus.
Forget any Intel Core i's!
And even the Core 2 Duos could not work for it.

About graphics and quality:
You can turn on everything on maximum - that's not the matter.
The matter is if it runs smoothly and how many fps for you are enough.
I cannot imagine to play at less than 50 fps.
Getting 60 fps is very important to me.

P.S. 500 Watt can be okay, but it's very important to know the 12V rail anyway!

Cheers!

[Benfica]

To check out which component is the largest bottleneck, I'd underclock one at a time and benchmark with that utility Sincreator linked to