AGP vs PCI? Need to get it straight. Created 19 years ago2005-03-10 01:32:38 UTC by Griz

I've got a AMD system up for design and have a 939 Socket processor (3200+ - 3500+), a (still under discussion) graphics card, and a Nvidia NForce 3 Ultra Motherboard (939).

Now the computer is for equal gaming and editing (video/rendering). I would like to keep this computer to be as future compatible as possible (easy upgrading in the future). Now, there is the AGP and the PCI. Is one better than the other or is one more future compatible?

It would really help because this will be my first custom PC so I don't want to mess up. And if you have any thoughts as to NVidia vs ATI ($260-$320 price range). Thanks!  :)

Do you mean PCIe?
Thats up to 16x speed now snort
I suggest that!

PCI is dead slow and it sucks for gfx cards. AGP goes up to 8x and PCIe goes to 16x. AGP is still pretty good if you dont wanna spend too much.

word to the wise: drop PCI now. if you can get anything better, like an AGP or PCIe, do so with due haste. this GeForce MX 5200oc barely renders doom 3, but its the best i can find with a PCI slot.

put simply: PCIe>AGP>PCI

PCIe motherboards = Expensive.
Gotta change AGP to PCIe soon (couple years) but not now.

PCI is not a graphics bus really. Definitely use AGP or, perhaps if you're feeling more adventurous, PCIe.

There is the PCI Express X1 and X16. Is there a big difference or is it just a step up in performance?

And if I go with a PCIe, would it be best to go with Radeon or NVidia Geforce? Thanks.

Heres a list of my components (no motherboard):

KINGWIN Mutant X Silver/Gray Gaming Case With 420W Power Supply and clear acrylic window, Model "MTX425SW" -RETAIL
Specifications:
Case Type: Mid Tower Case
Color: Silver/Gray
Material: Steel
Drive Bays: 5.25" x 4/0, 3.5" x 2/5 (external/internal)
Expansion Slots: 7
Front Ports: 2 x USB2.0, 2 x Audio, 1 x IEEE1394
Power Supply: 420W
Cooling System: 1 x 80mm rear fan, 1 x 80mm front fan, 1 x 80mm LED side fan
Motherboard Compatibility: Baby AT, Micro ATX, ATX
Dimensions: 16.2" x 7.9" x 20"(HxWxD)
Features: Exclusive Mutant X front panel design, 2 front blue led lights more info-> N82E16811170020 $62.99

MSI nVIDIA GeForce 6800 Video Card, 256MB DDR, 256-Bit, TV-Out/DVI, PCI-Express, Model "NX6800-TD256E" -RETAIL

Specifications:
Chipset/Core Speed: nVIDIA GeForce 6800/325MHz
Memory/Effective Speed: 256MB DDR/700MHz
BUS: PCI-Express x16
Ports: VGA Out(15 Pin D-Sub) + TV-Out (S-Video) + DVI
Support 3D API: DirectX 9, OpenGL 1.5
Max Resolution@32bit Color: 2048X1536@85Hz
Cable/Accessories: S-Video Cable, DVI to VGA Adapter, Manual, Driver CD, Games and Software
Retail Box (See pics for details)
*Note: Due to manufacturer revisions, PCB color may vary. more info-> N82E16814127149 $329.00

AMD Athlon 64 3200+, 512KB L2 Cache, Socket 939 64-bit Processor - Retail

Specifications:
Model: Athlon 64 3200+
Core: Winchester
Operating Frequency: 2.0GHz
FSB: Integrated into Chip
Cache: L1/64K+64K; L2/ 512KB
Voltage: 1.5V
Process: 90nm
Socket: Socket 939
Multimedia Instruction: MMX, SSE, SSE2, 3DNOW!, 3DNOW!+
Warranty: 3-year MFG
Packaging: Retail(with Heatsink and Fan) more info-> N82E16819103502 $191.00

Corsair Value Select (Dual Pack) 184 Pin 512MBx2 DDR PC-3200 - OEM

Specification
Manufacturer: Corsair
Model: VS1GBKIT400
Speed: DDR400(PC3200)
Type: 184 Pin DDR SDRAM
Error Checking: Non-ECC
Registered/Unbuffered: Unbuffered
Cas Latency: 2.5
Support Voltage: 2.5V
Bandwidth: 3.2GB/s
Organization: two 64M x 64 -Bit
Warranty: Lifetime more info-> N82E16820145440 $104.67

Hitachi 160GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive, Model HDS722516VLSA80 Part# 13G0254, OEM Drive Only

Specifications:
Capacity: 160GB
Average Seek Time: 8.5 ms
Buffer: 8MB
Rotational Speed: 7200 RPM
Interface: Serial ATA
Features: Lowest power requirements, Optional low acoustic and power modes
Manufacturer Warranty: 1 year
Packaging: OEM Drive Only more info-> N82E16822145051 $93.00

Logitech Cordless Comfort Duo BLACK USB/ PS/2 105keys -RETAIL

Specifications:
Interface: USB/ PS/2
Number Of Keys: 105 keys + 12 function keys
Wireless Technology: RF
Mouse included: wireless optical
more info-> N82E16823126121 $71.00

ACER AL1912b 19" Black LCD Monitor - Retail

Specifications:
Panel Type: TFT Active Matrix LCD
Native Resolution: SXGA 1280 x 1024
Pixel Pitch: 0.294 mm
Brightness: 250 cd/m2
Contrast Ratio: 500:1
Response Time: 16 ms
View Angle: 140 (Vertical)
Input Connectors: 15 pin D-SUB
Dimensions & Weight: 16.6" x 17.1" x 6.9" (W x H x D), 12.1 lbs
Manufacturer's Warranty: 3 years warranty
Dead Pixels Policy: Replacement or Refund for 8 or more DEAD PIXELS ONLY! more info-> N82E16824009022 $305.99

NEC 16X Double Layer DVD?RW Drive, Black, Model ND-3520A BK, OEM

Specifications:
Write Speed: 16X DVD+R, 8X DVD+RW, 4X DVD+R DL, 16X DVD-R, 6X DVD-RW, 48X CD-R, 24X CD-RW
Read Speed: 48X CD-ROM, 16X DVD-ROM
Interface: ATAPI / E-IDE
Buffer: 2MB
Packaging: OEM (see pictures for details) more info-> $61.49

This is Newegg.com by the way.

should have the ram as two 1gig sticks instead of four 512Mb sticks, from what ive heard that would be better.

and about the PCIe issue, get a mobo with slots for it, just for better upgradeability

I'd definitely get the monitor from somewhere else. There's a 17" TFT with 12ms response and double the contrast on aria.co.uk, here. That's $262 for a much better monitor ? plus Aria have a dead pixel check service for $25ish to make sure you don't suffer any!

I'd get RAM with a CAS latency of 2 if you could, too, as opposed to 2.5.

I think PCIe 1x is solely intended to replace the bus for things like network adapters, sound cards, whilst 16x is primarily for 3D accelerators at the mo'.

You dont need 2gigs of ram.. Just a waste of money.
Everything else sounds.. Great! You little rich bitch!

2gb is pointless unless you are building a server or a rendering box. PCI Express is very pointless at this time as no cards have saturated the potential of AGP v3.0/8x as of now. The only reason I can think of to use PCI Express is for SLi rigs with dual nVidia cards. Otherwise, it's a complete waste.

I only intend to get (512 x 2) MB. I think I just about have everything situated. AGP instead (not enough choices with PCIe). I'm still not sure I want the Geforce 6800 or the Radeon X???.

If you have any preferences or personal experiences with either NVidia or ATI, do tell. Once I get my next check I should be good to go. Thanks lots for the info and suggestions everyone. :)

GeForce 6800 is better in my opinion, they are fairly equal in stats though. if prefer the GeForce becasue my friend got a X800 and the drivers that came with it were faulty

What should i get if the only thing i can get is a PCI?

With a budget of about 200 dollars?

I think I'm going to with the Geforce but I'm still a little skeptic of the price. 1350 without the moniter. Its very similar to the list I have above, but I didn't have the operating system, shipping, and tax. For a computer with a AMD 64 3200+ and a Geforce 6800, do you think that is reasonable?

PCIe defenantly! Probly will be better to upgrade in the futer

ps: How do you spell probobly?

What should i get if the only thing i can get is a PCI?

With a budget of about 200 dollars?

A new motherboard, and other components if they're not compatible. Spending any money on a PCI graphics card is stupid. Start a new thread if you want more advice.

For a computer with a AMD 64 3200+ and a Geforce 6800, do you think that is reasonable?

Only a bare system, or drives, sound card, etc., too?

svendude, you are the perfect stereotype of a 12yr old with no knowledge. PCI-Express is pointless for the time being. The next offering from ATi is AGP and PCI-Express, and that obliterates the GeForce 6800. 512mb of buffering GDDR RAM, 24x pipelines (last time I heard). The AGP version, from the test results I have seen, is no less powerful than it's PCI-Express brother. Take that, noobsticks.

Really? I think ill just wait for the new Ati.

The next offering from ATi is AGP and PCI-Express, and that obliterates the GeForce 6800. 512mb of buffering GDDR RAM, 24x pipelines (last time I heard).

wow. just wow.

I'm finaizing my pc and want some more function from my case. I'm looking for something that displays things like performance and fps. All I've been able to find was tempurate displays and fan controls.

If anyone has included any of these sort of functions to their case, let me know.

I found a really nice 2 slot 5.25 drive bay insert for fan speed/temp/time/sound control. But I just thought there might be a performance display of some sort. Usually these plug into a 5.25 or 3.5 drive bay.

Try a Matrix Orbital LCD display. You can get em to fit 1, 2 or 3 5.25" bays and there are many variants. I myself have a single bay, 2x20 LCD, small, but does it's job, although you can get huge 50x20 displays and small TFT's from them too. There are several different compatible programs, and many plugins including WinAmp info, clockspeed, network info, etc.

I was looking at a Gatewatch from Aerocool. Really nice, roughly $55. The cheaper graphic lcds (http://www.matrixorbital.com/index.php?cName=lcd-graphic-lcds), what sort of knowledge do I need to configure them or is it included in the software.