Author Topic: Why is this FX 5700 so cheap? (Read 926 times)

Engine · « **on:** March 11, 2005, 08:58:59 AM »

It's been time for me to upgrade from my trusty G3 ti500. It's served me well, but can't keep up.

I've been on a budget, so originally thought about an FX5200. However, decided to spend extra for a card with decent performance so I can wait a while before upgrading again.

Anyway, the 5700 appears to be a big leap from the 5200/5500. Newegg has some good deals on 5700s for about $120 (about $140 for the 256MB version), though they're out of stock. Pricewatch, however, has a link to a site selling a 256MB 5700 for only $109. It's not an LE, as the clock speeds match up with other 5700s at 425 MHz, with a mem clock of 550/500 MHz.

I'm probably going to order this card today, and was wondering if anyone knew why this card would be so cheap. It doesn't say it's refurbished or anything, and I don't see any hidden catches. Am I blind?

Here's the link:
http://www.arsenalpc.com/Details.asp?ItemID=2454

Engine · « **Reply #1 on:** March 11, 2005, 11:36:16 AM »

Screw it, I just ordered it.

FOGOLD · « **Reply #2 on:** March 11, 2005, 11:39:35 AM »

Noo it'll be a boost from your 500. Get an Ultra if you possibly can. It's only cheap because it is an old card now.

Don't bother getting a 256 Mb of RAM. It won't make any difference. Spend the money on an Ultra, its a much faster chip.

A Radeon 9600XT has similar performance.

FOGOLD · « **Reply #3 on:** March 11, 2005, 11:41:08 AM »

Oh well.Enjoy!

JB73 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 11, 2005, 11:44:16 AM »

with the 6600 and the 6800's out, those FX cards are out matched and out classed big time.

mind you it shoudl be a decent upgrade from what you have... just be very careful of what driver version you are using.

IIRC skuzzy said dont use anything over 61.77 or something for the FX series cards.

aztec · « **Reply #5 on:** March 11, 2005, 11:54:16 AM »

Just bought one...no matter what I do...and I've done it all it locks up AH and Mohaa. Gonna upgrade it. See new thread to come, might help us both out.

Engine · « **Reply #6 on:** March 11, 2005, 12:02:38 PM »

Ah well, thanks for the responses. Do you guys know what the differences would be between the 6xxx series and the 5700? I looked at the 6200 as an alternative card for around $100, but saw it had a lower core clock and figured my framerates wouldn't be much better. Think I saw a review site that showed the 5700 outpacing it with framerates, too. I could be wrong on that, my memory stinks.

FOGOLD, this 256MB card costs the same (actually cheaper than) other 5700 128MB cards. I even called em up to ask why this is so cheap, and had it verified that it's not an LE, nor is it refurbished.

aztec · « **Reply #7 on:** March 11, 2005, 12:11:47 PM »

I believe it was Skuzzy...sorry if I'm wrong Skuzz, who said the 256 5700s had very cheap ram on them and were actually out performed by the 128s. Unfornuately I found this out the day after mine arrived. Stuff happens. Anyway mines goin back engine and I just posted asking Skuzzy and all for advice on some other cards. Stay tuned. az

JB73 · « **Reply #8 on:** March 11, 2005, 12:22:22 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Engine
Ah well, thanks for the responses. Do you guys know what the differences would be between the 6xxx series and the 5700?

read this:

http://graphics.tomshardware.com/graphic/20040414/index.html

here's a breakdown of ALOT of cards:

http://graphics.tomshardware.com/graphic/20041004/vga_charts-04.html

looks like the 5700 is right in the middle.

Callisto · « **Reply #9 on:** March 11, 2005, 12:39:30 PM »

If its too cheap it probabbly aint that good. Espeically if its 256mb. In anycase 5700 is mid to low range card, i'd pass.

Heres what skuzzy said:

Quote

Now, both companies have there share of oops! products. NVidia's FX5xxx line was/is the worst product they put on the market. Many things wrong in that family will never be corrected due to bad design choices. However, they recovered with the FX6xxx family nicely.

JB73 · « **Reply #10 on:** March 11, 2005, 12:42:18 PM »

since engine ordered it, no need to slam it LOL

it will be an upgrade from what he has, and probably will work for AH nicely (FR's 30-60 usually)

he will be able to use larger textures than he has now probably, and see more eye candy too.

it's not top-of-the-line as of what's out for all video cards, but sometimes we are on a budget.

Siaf__csf · « **Reply #11 on:** March 11, 2005, 01:04:22 PM »

He can still return it if he can make a better deal..

JB73 your avatard is driving me crazy. I'm constantly thinking why is this girl doing this motion while laughing and clapping.

Engine · « **Reply #12 on:** March 11, 2005, 01:15:54 PM »

I've got 24 hours to cancel my order... Crap.
Arrgh. Err. Bah.

Time to do some research. Any more information would be greatly appreciated.

Edit: Specifically, what are the problems with the 5xxx line?

Callisto · « **Reply #13 on:** March 11, 2005, 01:26:25 PM »

Sorry engine, didnt mean to slam your card purchase, i just wanted to pass you some info, so you can make a better decision.

Engine · « **Reply #14 on:** March 11, 2005, 01:29:02 PM »

I don't mind. I think the highest I can go is about $150, so I want to get the best framerate for the money.

I'm assuming it's a bad idea to buy refurbished cards off newegg?