AGP 3850 worth it?

[M-Bonez]

Ok, so I would like to update my old agp systems video card (9800 pro) to a HD3850 AGP. I know someone selling their card for $60 CAD. I also know someone willing to buy my 9800 pro for $30 CAD.

The system I am looking to install it in is:

CPU: Intel P4 2.8c HT
RAM: 2x 1 GB pc3200
MOBO: ASUS P4C800-E Delux
PSU: Antec SmartBlue 350W PSU

Now I have heard it will run on a 350w PSU... But should be run on a better one. If I do indeed run it on this PSU what are the problems that could happen?

also, for the price ($30 CAD) is it worth the upgrade?


Note: Buying a new core 2 system is not an option.


thanks!

[ratbuddy]

Well, I think that old Antec has Fuhjyyu caps which are known for failing. Add the strain of a bigger video card and they just might give up the ghost. Assuming the PSU is out of warranty, I'd at least open it up and visually check for bulging or leaking capacitors before even considering adding the card. Since you know the person selling it, you could always just have them let you try it out, and run some benches to see if it holds up.

If it'll run, sure, it's worth it. $30 isn't that much for a card that'll run rings around the old one.

[EarthDog]

I would be concerned about that PSU as well. How many amps does it have on the 12v rail?

[ratbuddy]

Yikes, only 16A on the 12v. The 3850 AGP I see on Newegg calls for a 450w with 30A... Probably a bad idea :beer:

[CharlieCS]

Edit:Scratch that ... about the whole worth it , to me it wouldn't be , putting more money in an old machine with intentions of improving gaming experience is just a bad idea .

[Bobnova]

I'd be surprised if a 478 p4 2.8 could keep even an AGP 3850 fed. I have a 775 P4@4020 that can only keep my 4830 half fed.

You'd be better off saving the money for a whole system upgrade IMO.

[jobrien2001]

You already used your system as long as you could.

Save your money and buy something new down the road.

[The Coolest]

I think that if you would be much better off selling this system and building a new one.
Even the low end systems of today will run circles around the P4 you have, and should be able to run off your existing PSU.

[jmdixon85]

I think that if you would be much better off selling this system and building a new one.
Even the low end systems of today will run circles around the P4 you have, and should be able to run off your existing PSU.

I wouldn't run any modern system on that PSU, exspecially if ratbuddy is right about the caps.

[EarthDog]

Yeah no way that PSU would run anything new. 16A 12v rail.....lulz people lulz!

[The Coolest]

Yeah, I guess I didn't really notice the low amperage.
Even though the P4 probably uses more power than a low speed C2D chip.

As others have suggested, saving up a little and getting new parts will get you a much better result than upgrading the graphics.
P4 is just way too slow for newer games.