Some tech advice needed!

[Kaelas]

I'm thinking about getting a new GFX card for my outdated PC with the following specs:

PIII 933Mhz (socket 370 MoBo)
512 MB RAM
Geforce 2

Now, the question is if this system would actually profit from a new graphics card. I've heard people saying that slow processors (like mine) cannot use newer graphics cards to their full potential. Would a new card make a noticeable difference?

I'm usually only playing Infinity Engine games (BG, IwD, etc.) and Neverwinter Nights with my PC and it would be nice to have a little more performance especially when playing NWN.
Oh... and I've been playing KotOR, too, and it ran rather well at lowest settings. Playing KotOR 2 somewhat fluidly would be a great treat.

I don't want to spend much more than 50-60€ on the card and any advice you guys (and gals) have will be greatly appreciated.

[Harkoliar]

well.. i think its true that you may want to buy a whole new computer instead .

having a new video card would mean new drivers and direct x requirements on your processor would be a little tough.

still im so outdated with computers so dont take my comments too seriously.

and you can get a gf4 graphics with that money

[RoSs_bg2_rox]

You should pick up a Radeon 9550 very cheaply of ebay. You can then softmod it to 9700 standards, and you will have yourself a fairly decent graphics card; ok so it's old by today's standards, but it's by far the best deal for that money, and it will run NWN perfectly.

[Bahamut]

Harkoliar is right. GeForce 4 would do the trick. If you are to buy better video cards it is better for you to upgrade your entire system.

[Animal]

Nope, your motherboard, memory and CPU are holding you back.

Remember most of todays games don't even come close to taking advantage of the newer GFX cards, they are still FSB and CPU limited.

[Kaelas]

Thanks for all your input!

I was aware that my system would not take full advantage of any 'newer' graphics card. I had hoped, however, that I could get that last little push in performance I needed to play my RPGs at max settings (especially NWN and KotOR, which run fine but only at low to medium graphics settings) by upgrading that single component.

So, would there be an actual, noticeable increase in performance with a new GFX card or would it be rather insignificant due to my slow CPU and RAM?

[Variol (Farseer) Elmwood]

Hey Kaelas!
It just depends on what you're playing. I have 2 PC's and the old one is an 866Mhz with 448ram and I think 64mb video. That darn thing works great and it's got to be 5 years old. Even new programs work very well on it.

If the card is a good price, I would go for it. I'm actually tempted to buy a Radeon 9000 for my old one 'cos I get 50% off today for employee discount day at Staples.