Upgrade to PCI Express?

Question

Is it possible?  I have a Dim 4550, Pentium 4, 3.06 Ghz, 1.00 Gig RAM, XP Professional SP2, Video Card - Radeon 9700 Pro with 128 MB DDRAM.  This system doesn't seem to be able to run the graphics-intensive games that I play at full potential.   I've been looking at the newer ATI cards (850X) and they require a PCI Express slot.    Is there any way to upgrade my 4550 to use this new card other than get a new motherboard?  Or.... can anybody point me to a link to get the best performance out of the system I have?   Thanks, in advance

herb366 · Answer

The X850 series comes in an AGP version too.

Daddyjaxx · Answer

Also, to upgrade to PCI Express you would need a new motherboard, PSU, CPU, memory, and new video card....in reality, a new computer.

morbidman · Answer

Get a 6800nu or 6700LE and unlock the pipes.

Govnor · Answer

As was said before. You can get virtually all the cards in AGP still. No need to upgrade....yet.

Spinny318 · Answer

Thank you all for your prompt answers! You most likely save me a lot of money .... for now!! When I had this computer built in 2002 it was pretty much the best gaming configuration I could get. Looks like we'll be waiting a little longer and get a new computer eventually:womanvery-happy.

One other question.... You mentioned unlocking the "pipes" -- how does one do this? Can you send me a link with instructions?

Again, thanks!

herb366 · Answer

I got this courtesy of morbidman when I didn't think you could unlock the 6800LE. http://www.doomedpc.com/drupal-4.5.2/?q=/node/9

I always tell people that unlocking the 6800, and 6800LE :smileywink:, is not guranteed. You'll get ~10% performance boost in the 6800 and a lot more for the 6800LE because stock performance is so much lower than the 6800.

_______________________________________________________________________
Dimension 8200 (July 2002)
3.06Ghz P4 w/HT 533fsb---------------------------------------768mb pc800 rdram
128mb BFG GeForce 6800oc (16 pipes enabled)--------Dell 250W PSU
Sound Blaster Audigy2 ZS -------------------------------------Logitech 5300E 5.1 THX
P992 19" Flat Screen Monitor----------------------------------Floppy Drive
40X CD-RW--------------------------------------------------------80GB Ultra ATA HD
Intel 10/100M PCI Network Card-------------------------------USB Keyboard & Mouse

Daddyjaxx · Answer

But that will end.  I don't believe any of the next generation cards as in the 7800 and the next ATI heavyweight will be available in AGP.  I'm guessing what is available now is the end.

herb366 · Answer

LOL. :smileyvery-happy: Hey morbidman, get a grip. :smileytongue:

morbidman · Answer

Wohoo I got cited :smileyhappy:yay:smileyhappy: (tnx herb:smileytongue:)). It would be a good idea to max out your system right now and make it compatible with most current and future applications. Unlocking the pipes is not a certain thing, but it's worth it seeing how much money you will save. The 6800 has 12 pipes, unlockable to 16. It also costs about $100 less than a 6800GT and will basically achive similar performance to a 6800GT minus the higher clock speed and ddr3 memory clock. In other words, if you get this card you will be happy with it. If you get this card and unlock the pipes, you will be even happier. Message Edited by morbidman on 07-20-2005 06:06 PM

morbidman · Answer

:smileywink: okokokok :smileytongue:. Message Edited by morbidman on 07-21-2005 10:22 AM

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Upgrade to PCI Express?

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