Author Topic: Little vid card help please (upgrade) (Read 465 times)

Saurdaukar · « **on:** October 23, 2003, 11:06:06 AM »

Did a search here and found alot of great information.

As a byproduct, however, Ive been introduced to many more choices. I initially was going to go with an NVidia card, but I think Im leaning more toward ATI now. These are the two Im looking at:

ATI Radeon 9600 Pro 128MB 8XAGP w/TV and DVI out (OEM) $147.00

ATI Radeon 9600 Pro 256MB 8XAGP w/TV and DVI out (OEM) $155.00

Im coming from a 64MB GeForce 3 (first gen) so either card is going to be a big step up, I think.

BUT

I dont understand why a card with twice the memory is only $8 more expensive? What am I missing?

They both seem to have similar features and in all other ways appear to be identicle except for the memory amount. Is there some sort of problem with the 256MB card that Im not aware of?

Background:

The card will be installed into a P4 2.0 that started life as an office machine. Ill be going through the process of turning it into a gaming rig and this is the first step. Assuming Ill end up with at least 512MB RAM, and more than likely double that, would I actually be better off with the 128MB card because the processor speed is already a year off of its prime or should I jump on the 256MB card?

Thanks

Saurdaukar · « **Reply #1 on:** October 23, 2003, 11:13:44 AM »

Update: Apparently, after fighting with Windows XP for information (I wish DOS was still around...), Ive discovered that the machine Ill be 'comandeering' is equipt with a GeForce 4 MX420 64MB DDR card.

Shall I just assume that this card is equally as obsolete as the GeForce 3 installed in my old rig?

(Sorry, Im a hardware n00b)

Pfunk · « **Reply #2 on:** October 23, 2003, 12:20:36 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Saurdaukar
Update: Apparently, after fighting with Windows XP for information (I wish DOS was still around...), Ive discovered that the machine Ill be 'comandeering' is equipt with a GeForce 4 MX420 64MB DDR card.

Shall I just assume that this card is equally as obsolete as the GeForce 3 installed in my old rig?

(Sorry, Im a hardware n00b)

Your assumption is correct MX cards suck.

Skuzzy · « **Reply #3 on:** October 23, 2003, 12:28:54 PM »

The 256MB 9600Pro uses slower RAM and thus, slightly lower performance than the 128MB version. It is why the cost difference is so small as well.

Saurdaukar · « **Reply #4 on:** October 23, 2003, 01:08:06 PM »

Thanks guys - so the recommendation is that I go with the 128MB card then?

Skuzzy · « **Reply #5 on:** October 23, 2003, 01:23:33 PM »

I would, between those two choices.

Saurdaukar · « **Reply #6 on:** October 23, 2003, 02:12:14 PM »

cc Skuzzy - unless you have another card to recommend that doesnt cost a meeeellion dollars Ill go with the 128.

Eagler · « **Reply #7 on:** October 23, 2003, 02:21:43 PM »

You're more than half way there

Just drop another $100 and get a 9800 Pro and be done with it

BB Gun · « **Reply #8 on:** October 23, 2003, 02:48:43 PM »

I can't find a 9800Pro for less than 300 dollars anywhere. he'd have to drop another 150....

BB

Skuzzy · « **Reply #9 on:** October 23, 2003, 03:17:23 PM »

The 9600XT is the only other one in that price range I would take a look at Saur.

Guess I should have posted about the MWave special last month (might have been the month before). They had a two week special selling the 9800Pro 128MB cards for $275.

Pfunk · « **Reply #10 on:** October 23, 2003, 03:59:59 PM »

newegg has 9800 non pro which is easily modded/overclock to 9800pro and higher speeds for $243 but if your not comfortable flashing the BIOS to the pro I guess its not a good deal.

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?DEPA=1&submit=Go&description=N82E16814102292

Skuzzy · « **Reply #11 on:** October 23, 2003, 04:27:39 PM »

Yes, that is a good deal, if you are up to spending a little time to mod it.

bloom25 · « **Reply #12 on:** October 24, 2003, 12:18:49 AM »

Circuit City was also selling the retail 9800 standard 128 MB card for $249.

Saurdaukar · « **Reply #13 on:** October 24, 2003, 11:31:49 AM »

Hmm... maybe I should just spring for the 9800 then...

Danke for the advice guys.

acetnt-2nd · « **Reply #14 on:** October 27, 2003, 03:04:27 PM »

Newegg sale till Oct28th --- -9800pro at $295...

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?description=14-102-304&DEPA=1

May be too late for you though

Rgds

Acetnt