Do I need to upgrade my ATI Radeon X800-XT PE video card??

[DontCountToday]

I currently have an ATI Radeon X800-XT Platinum Edition. It worked awesome for the past few years, but now ive been having some trouble on my computer and assume i need a new card. For one, I cannot play 720p videos i download on my computer, as it makes the image jumpy and the audio sync goes out of whack. I have tried every possible codec for this, so I have to assume its my video card (I also have 3gigs ram and a brand new yummy audio card so it shouldnt be those i dont think).
Also, as far as i can tell, the damn thing in all its awesomeness has only Shader version 2.0, which means that newer pc games cant really be played on it.

Here is a link to the specs on the card itself:
ATI Radeon X800 XT Platinum Edition Specs. Graphics Cards Specifications.

Here are my current computer specs:
Windows XP
2.67 gigahertz Intel Pentium 4
ASUSTeK Computer INC. P4S800D-X Rev 1.xx Motherboard
3gb of system memory (it was very cheap 2 years ago, probably not the best)
Razer Barracuda AC-1 Gaming Audio Card

I am already in the process of building a new computer, so the question is, if I need to upgrade my graphics card, what card should i be looking into that will allow me to play newer pc games on pretty high settings, and if you dont think that the 720p video ability is due to my graphics card, what is??

[Richard_Rahl]

I am busy with looking for "the right parts" too. It is depending on your budget and wheter you are a AMD / ATI or Nvidia fanboy
I should not choose for a Radeon HD 2**** card, since they are not sufficient anymore and some of them (like the 2900XT) use more power than a Radeon HD 3**** or GeForce 8. And the gurus here say that a GeForce 8 below the 8800 is not a great choice.

Myself, I am still doubting between a GF 8800 GT and a ATI Radeon 3870, when it comes to my own upgrade. It will not be below 512 MB, though!

Maybe the thread about the developments about my upgrade are interesting for you. Mission: Upgrade

[DontCountToday]

Honestly I am no fanboy lol, I am mostly interested in finding an all around great graphics card that will allow me to play HD content and hi end graphical games for under $300. Basically I will probably pick my processor based on my video card heh.
Thanks for the suggestions though

[Akherousin]

for around 230$ you can get nvidias 8800GTS 512MB (G92) which offers great performance at around 8800GTX levels as long as you don't jack up AA etc.

[DontCountToday]

Where do you see this for $230? lowest I found is amazon at 255 after rebate, and im not buying used on ebay

[Akherousin]

Newegg.com - MSI NX8800GTS 512M OC GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

D:

[DontCountToday]

well hot damn thats a nice deal. though it sucks i cant look at the specs for mine vs. this card and tell the real difference

[interman]

It's just a whole lot faster

You're going to need a motherboard with PCI Express though...