AGP or PCI-X, building new computer help

[Itchy_c]

OK, I'm going to build a new computer with a Pentium 4 3.6 GHZ HT Prescott chip. I have the urge to build the fastest computer that I can, but I'm trying to take a wiser approach and go for the best bang for the buck.

This is where the Video Card comes in. It seemed that a few months ago the PCI_X video cards werent' that much better than the current AGP cards, so I'm thinking about sticking with an AGP card when I purchase a new one. Also, I'll be buying an ATI card for those wondering.

Also the card I choose affects the mobo I get because the PCI-X mobos are alittle more. I'll end up getting an ASUS board either way because I'm pretty happy with their boards.

Any thoughts?

[Midknyte]

You mean PCIe, not PCIX. PCIX is a different type of slot, usually found on workstation or server class boards.

http://www.pcisig.com/specifications/pcix_20/

PCIe is the way things are going to be, so it would be wise to invest a little more now. The newer ATI cards like the X850XT are only in PCIe. AGP will be around for a while more, but the writing is on the wall.

[Itchy_c]

Sorry, I meant PCI-E

[bob05]

PCI-E is the wave of the future, might as well get it now so you will have an actual upgrade future with your computer.

[Itchy_c]

The thing is, I won't upgrade for atleast a year, and will be in the same boat where I won't pay over 300 for a video card. I'll probably end up buying a new Motherboard at that time anyway. I want fast, but not necesarily the fastest. I'm looking for the best bang for the buck. The ASUS P5P800 mobo doesn't have every bell and whistle, but does everything I need it too. My main concern is that this board won't take full advantage of my 3.6 prescott chip.

What do you guys think?

Also, I can't seem to find a good benchmark for all the PCI-E cards in comparison to the top AGP cards. Anyone know where one is?

[Midknyte]

There is very little difference right now. The X850XT is probably the fastest card out there, but it is only PCIe.

[Itchy_c]

Yeah, I want that really bad, but it is like over $600 and doesn't support VGA.

Unless there is a huge Prescott performance difference, or someone really convices me otherwise, I'm gonna go with the ASUS P5P800 AGP board.

[AllGamer]

just get a good AGP that you can affort

PCI-E is still brand new, you'll regret it getting it a year or 2 down the road

remember AGP? we have now AGP v3.0

old AGP are not compatible with new AGP

etc.. etc..

so same thing will happen to PCI-E

[Itchy_c]

Thanks man.

[RockNRoll]

Agreed. PCI-E is too new and it's going nowhere fast at the moment.

Just go for AGP and see what happens with PCI-E in a few years.

[cyber_gubat]

and technology is a fast changing business.....

[Damins]

With video cards they make alot of money off people upgrading and they arent gonna cut a huge chunk of their income by rushing into something that needs a new mother board ie. pci-e. I mean its been over a year and I still see new 939 mother boards with agp so I guess my point is I think agp will still be around for a good while.

[ShadeZeRO]

AGP 8x has yet to be 100% used to its full potential. Sometimes even 4x will do...