How soon to switch to PCI-E?

[dusty550]

I was wondering how soon should someone switch to pci-e videocards? Like in the future will it be like AGP where faster and faster versions of the PCI-E will come out? Or just wait until the next thing comes out after pci-e? I was just wondering because if or when ever my motherboard goes i want to know if i should spend the money to get a new motherboard with pci-e. I know it will be ATLEAST 1 more year before i decide to replace this motherboard. It all still works perfectally fine.

[AMD]

There is absolutely no advantage presented by PCI-Express at this point - it is just a marketing ploy to sell more motherboards. Today's video cards can't even take full advantage of AGP 8x. (check benchmarks - no performance improvement re: 4x AGP vs. 8x AGP vs PCI-E) Stick with what you have until an upgrade is necessary.

You should be good to go for a while with a P4 2.8Ghz.

[dusty550]

Yea if anything i might just add another 512 mb of ram and dont touch it for another year or 2, I can run all the latest games anyways, (Bf2 Low, with 2AA - NO LAG! i bet i can get med details with more ram, GTA San Andreas, Very High Detail)

[AMD]

You have a nice system - the only thing you might want to change later on is the video card. However, AGP cards are just as fast as their PCI-E counter parts.

More RAM will only result in a marginal improvement.

[Dr.Dan]

Hang onto what you've got as long as you can... upgrading before you need to is a waste of money.

[glitch]

AGP is on it's way out. If a motherboard upgrade was in your plans, I would go PCI-E...no question. :dsh:

[AMD]

Hang onto what you've got as long as you can... upgrading before you need to is a waste of money.

agreed

[Limey32]

When buying new, pci-e is the route. But definately not needed now. As AMD said, AGP is more than fine. If you need more performance, grab an ATI x800xl agp card. Just ask LBJGH. They kick bum. Your system is just fine.