Should I get a V5 5500???

***Xool Vular*** · January 2nd, 2001

First off I'd like to say I know about the whole thing about Nvidia buying 3Dfx out, and that they most likely won't have any updates from here on.

First here are my system specs:
AMD K6-2/400 MHz w/ 3DNow! technology(I'm also gonna get a new processor soon, but I'll get into that later)

256 Mb RAM
23 Gb total HD space
Windows ME
A POS SB 16 or something(getting the Live! Platinum 5.1 in the mail in a few days though)

I also currently have a Viper V770 Ultra 32 Mb card(I've had f*cking problems with this card the day I installed it)

Anyways, I was wondering if I should get the Voodoo 5 5500? I'd like the FSAA features, and it seems like a nice card, but I'm hearing a lot of different opinions about it from different people. They either say it absolutely kicks ass, or it blows a chunk for many different reasons. I know it sells retail for about 210 bucks where I live(after taxes and what not), and I wouldn't have much of a problem spending that much for a good card. Then we have the ATI Radeon 64 Mb card, which has DDR-RAM, which kicks ass. I know there are other good cards out there, but whats everyones opinions on this? Which should I get?

I want to be able to run games like Quake 3 and what not at at least 1024x768 res with graphics/eye candy settings as high as possible, while at the same time get kick ass FPS.

Also, on to my processor. I plan on getting a new one soon(obviously), but I dont know exactly the prices for them and where I could get them. I want a pretty fast new processor that will give me a VERY noticable difference over my current AMD K6-2/400, but I dont want to spend way too much money on it. Can someone help me out here?

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Xool Vular
ICQ# - 42320078
"Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get me"!

***racer2c*** · January 2nd, 2001

I got a v5 from axiontech.com for $169, $183 with s&h. It's OEM and doesn't come with a cd. It stopped working after two minutes, but Treadmarks and Quake 3 looked and played incredible. Now I'm returning it. I'm ****ed.
I want my V5 as I've always supported 3dfx, but this situation, not to mention the fact that they are GONE, makes me want a Ge-Force 2 GTS. It's only a couple of bucks more.

***racer2c*** · January 2nd, 2001

Oh, and try to get a Celery 566. I did and I'm overclocking it to 850mhz! It's rock solid stable and the difference from my old 300A @ 504 is night and day. It cost me $93 with an awsome Golden Orb fan, and slocket adapter and s&h! Can't beat it.
upgradeplanet.com is where I got that.

***asus[importedFF]*** · January 2nd, 2001

Yeah, get the OMEGA drivers from www.omegacorner.com much better FPS

***Xool Vular*** · January 2nd, 2001

Yeah I was planning on getting it at ebay for around 150 bucks. So then I SHOULD buy the v5 5500? Also I know absolutely JACK about overclocking. LoL

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Xool Vular
ICQ# - 42320078
"Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get me"!

***apacide*** · January 2nd, 2001

Well, I'll tell you this. Don't buy a Voodoo 5 until you upgrade your CPU. The V5 needs a powerful processor, or else it will kill your computer! Games will be very slow, because of the V5's dependence on CPU speed.

About upgrading, if you want to keep the same PC/motherboard, you will have to get another AMD chip. First you need to determine what form factor you have (for AMD I think there's Slot A and another one, not sure). If you don't know this you can probably find out from whoever manufactured your PC. Then just find a processor that is compatible. AMD chips are very cheap, you can get into the 1GHz for a little over $200 I think.

Your best bet is to order the new processor online... Outpost.com has some, but not for too cheap. Go to www.pricewatch.com and you can find very cheap prices on anything computer related. Also, I bought my newest processor from www.dynastyexpress.com they're pretty cheap and have very quick service, check them.

[This message has been edited by apacide (edited 01-02-2001).]

***OctaviusGouki*** · January 2nd, 2001

Since you said you know jack about overclocking and I doubt you wanna screw up new hardware, let me recommend and Athlon 850.Better FPU than a Celery, Pretty Cheap, and FAST. Oh, and I would NOT go V5. Not worth it unless you can find one for <--$120. Go for a Geforce 2 GTS 32mb for <--150, or an MX if money is tight for <--90. Oh, and if money is tight and you can't pick up a Thunderbird(Athlon), go for a Duron 600 or Celery 566-->. They are like budget Athlon's and P!!!'s(respectively), but you would most definitely get solid performance with a Geforce. All can be found on www.pricewatch.com .

Cheers,
Octavius Gouki

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-_-_-Lead Foot-_-_-

***Lucifer Haze*** · January 3rd, 2001

Racer2c, you are a man after my own heart. You know about computers! I got the exact same setup as you and, I tell ya, it rocks! Get the Voodoo5-5500 AGP. It blows the doors off the GeForce2 MX.

January 4th, 2001

he has a Socket 7 mb since he has a K6-2

he can go up to a k6-2 500 (550?) mhz if his motherboard will do it... otherwise a new board is in order.

***Xool Vular*** · January 5th, 2001

Ugh... then a new board it is - because I NEED more [processing power. LoL.. I remember when my 400 MHz was basically top of the line one and a half or so years ago... lol

Now theyve got processors up to almost 5 times faster now lolol...

I guess I'll buy a whole new motherboard altogether and a new processor... any recommendations? prices?

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Xool Vular
ICQ# - 42320078
"Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get me"!