[Flumper]

Hi guys - I'm looking to upgrade the graphics card in my computer to something better able to cope with more recent game releases, such as GTA4, Rainbow Six: Vegas 2, etc.
Considering I have a Pentium D 2.8, is it really worth upgrading at all? At the moment GTA4 is unplayable - intolerable frame rates and some horrible looking textures, and games such as Neverwinter Nights 2 just about manage to stay playable.

I'm not looking to spend much more than £100 (which I know isn't going to get me a top of the line card).

I've had good experience with nVidia in the past, so my preference is for one of their cards, but I'm open to any suggestions.

Specs - HP Pavilion, Windows XP Media Center 2005 SP3, Intel Pentium D 2.8 GHz, 2Gig DDR2, nVidia Geforce 7600GS, VGA LCD monitor, Realtek HD sound

P.S. If I've left out anything important just let me know and I'll provide the info.

Thanks!

[Carbon]

Don't expect much from a Pentium D but lower sysreq games should run OK with a boost.

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/159719

Might also need a new PSU if the one in there isn't so great (stock OEM ones aren't)

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/150985

[Flumper]

Thanks for the suggestions - I have considered upgrading to a Core 2 Duo, but money is an issue. The Pentium D handles some things quite well - I suffer no loss in frame rate on CoD4 at medium settings, odd how computers handle things.

Do you think that graphics card will allow me to play GTA4? I'm not looking to run it at high settings, just make it playable. Is it, in your opinion, the best card in the price range for gaming?

Thanks
James

[Carbon]

GTA4 will probably not run. The CPU is too much of a hindrance.

It is the best card in the price range.

[Flumper]

Ok thanks.

For future reference what CPU would you recommend as an affordable(ish) upgrade? I'm told you generally need to buy an appropriate motherboard for each specific CPU, is this the case?

Also, do you think a 7600GS would manage better if I had a better CPU? Or would I be looking at upgrading CPU and graphics?

If I could afford to, I'd just buy a whole new computer..

[Carbon]

If your motherboard is doing a Pentium D now you will likely need a new one.

The CPU won't make the 7600GS any better.

You're kind of up against a wall here, sorry. The only thing I can tell you is to wait a little while: there's good cards coming out for cheap. If you play games other than GTA4, a new card will give you a boost, even if it's limited somewhat by the CPU.

[Flumper]

Yeah not playing it isn't anywhere near the end of the world, I have other games that could do with a bit more breathing space, graphics wise.

Thanks for your help!