I'm quitte having an old monitor, so here's some data: [ Medion MD1772LD ] Monitor Properties: Monitor Name: Medion MD1772LD Monitor ID: MED2713 Model: MD1772LD Monitor Type: 17" CRT Manufacture Date: Week 6 / 2001 Serial Number: 1066A2194 Max. Visible Display Size: 32 cm x 24 cm (15.7") Picture Aspect Ratio: 4:3 Horizontal Frequency: 30 - 72 kHz Vertical Frequency: 50 - 120 Hz Maximum Resolution: 1280 x 1024 Gamma: 2.88 DPMS Mode Support: Standby, Suspend, Active-Off Supported Video Modes: 640 x 480 - 120 Hz 800 x 600 - 110 Hz 1024 x 768 - 85 Hz 1152 x 864 - 75 Hz 1280 x 1024 - 65 Hz
How about an onboard video card: Type Graphics Media Accelerator X3000 Speed: 667 MHz Shader Model: 3.0 Uses 256MB of RAM as shared memory RAMDAC: 400 MHz
since you're using a small monitor, you will only need a relatively basic graphics card to play Call of Duty with high graphics settings, I would go for a Radeon HD4670: http://www.pixmania.nl/nl/nl/1637126/art/sapphire-technology/radeon-hd-4670-pci-expres.html which will save you €48. I suggest you keep the same processor, as it's the best value option for DVD encodes. If you really do need to save as much as possible, you can save another 8 euros by downgrading to this, but you will have to reduce a few of the graphics settings: http://www.pixmania.nl/nl/nl/1909417/art/sapphire-technology/radeon-hd-4650-hdmi-512-m.html You could also save money by using this basic motherboard: http://www.pixmania.nl/nl/nl/729340/art/msi/p31-neo-f-socket-775-voor.html
Ok thanks for your help, I'll put a q6600 with a HD4670 in my config. And 4GB DDR2-800 RAM is good i think, or should I choose DDR2-1333?
DDR2 1333mhz doesn't exist to my knowledge. Even if it does, it's way overboard for your purposes. 800mhz will do fine.
if youre budgeting consider the Ati 3870 or the 4670 the 3870 is better but slightly more expensive, vary waht you need on your budget. but from what ive read those are quite good gfx cards. at your max reolution heres the benchmarks for gfx cards for Call of Duty 4. without AA - http://www.tomshardware.com/charts/gaming-graphics-charts-q3-2008/Call-of-Duty-4-v1-6,741.html with 4xAA - http://www.tomshardware.com/charts/gaming-graphics-charts-q3-2008/Call-of-Duty-4-v1-6,744.html you can check how the above two gfx cards preform
There's just been a discussion in another thread on how mediocre the HD3870 was due to all the problems it had that benchmarks didn't show. It was an acceptable purchase at the time, but the HD4670 is as fast, uses half as much power, is quieter and far more reliable than the 3870 ever was. Also, the tom's hardware VGA charts are pretty naff. I refer to driverheaven.net, techreport.com and bit-tech.net for graphics reviews now.
ah right thanks for the helpful update sam. i was actually considering getting it. ive not saved up the money, but i did make it my number 1 card. few i didnt buy it. probs go for a 4670 or something else when ive got the money.
The HD4670 is my top 'sub $100' gaming card. The HD4830 is the next one up, which is around $120 if I recall correctly.
im saving up but this i reckon would be in my budget. http://www.aria.co.uk/SuperSpecials...deon+HD+4830+512MB+PCI-E+2.0+?productId=34287 good card? i only buy from aria or microdirect. (or is this better: http://www.aria.co.uk/SuperSpecials/Other+products/Sapphire+HD+4830+512MB+PCI-E2.0+?productId=34031 or http://www.aria.co.uk/SuperSpecials...adeon+HD4830+512MB+PCI-E+2.0+?productId=34721
Why only Aria and MicroDirect? I assume you live in Manchester. Scan are only in Bolton, not far away, so you would be wise to have a look there too. Of those three cards, I'd take either the Sapphire or XFX.
Yer Manchester, well bolton is about 30mins away. so not really worth it when Microdirect is 5mins from my college and arias pretty close to. so i have to limit. id buy online, but an extra fiver-tenner delivery isnt worth it. but with scan i haeard u can get free delivery if your a member of AV forums. usually scan are more expensive than MD and Aria.
