Video Card Suggestion Please

[Creosote]

Hey guys,

I haven't been in touch with current hardware much the past year or so. But, I'm about to put together a whole new system.

I'm really confused now as to which model number means what. Sometimes a lower number is better than a higher number, etc.

What I had before was a Radeon 9500 Pro. I understand they don't make these cards anymore. I would guess I got this card about a year and a half ago.

I would like to find a card with at least the performance of the 9500 Pro, or something with the same performance by today's standards.

I don't do much gaming, but I originally got the 9500 Pro because Sim City 4 was unplayable on my original Radeon 64 MB.

So if someone can suggest a card that will give me equal to or greater than the 9500 Pro performance at around $150 I would appreciate it kindly.

Thanks

[nwo75200]

Nah, there really isn't a better card right now for $150 bucks, unless you want to get a refurb 9800PRO for about 155

Another alternative would be a geforce 6600 which is $150 but it is currently available only in PCI-e version, the AGP version should come out in a month or so, and this card should be a lot better than your 9500Pro. So the only thing you can get right now for $150 that might be a little better than your 9500Pro is a geforce 5700Ultra.

[Creosote]

Hmmm, I noticed that 9800 Pro on that sticky link above. They have a Powercolor OEM card at NewEgg for $155. I've never got an off brand, however.

Thanks.

[Overclocked412]

Definately get a Radeon 9800 Pro. Right in your pricerange, and best bang for the buck:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...131-278&depa=1

Or you can get a *Brand New* Radeon 9600 XT with DirectX9 (just like the 9800 pro), but a tiddlebit slower, for only 134 plus a few bucks shipping.. (good buy imo)
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...164-008&depa=1

[Overclocked412]

And if you do go for the $155 pro at newegg, be rest assured with newegg's great return policy / customer service!

[Creosote]

Thanks as well, Overclocked. I will take a look at that 9600 XT as well. I'm glad you guys are up on your info, because I'm sure not.

[noony]

that 9500pro isn't too shabby. you're not going to get much of an upgrade for 155. your 9500 pro performs very similarly to a 9600xt. A 9800pro would be a great improvement but most i've seen are in the 200 dollar range. Here is a slew of benchmarks which show how well the 9500pro performs compared to other cards: http://graphics.tomshardware.com/gra...004/index.html
you will see that it's neck n' neck with a 9600xt. In fact, I'd prob. just keep your card for a while since you said you don't do much gaming. Oh, and those 9800 pro's that are only 155 dollars are 128bit and not 256bit. The 256 bit one's are around 200. It makes a big difference. I would just keep your card until you have about 200 saved up and by either a 256 bit 9800pro or a 6600gt which will be available around christmas time, i believe. (or you could get a refurb. 256bit 9800pro for around 155 like nwo suggested).

[HeadBand]

that 9800 Pro is only 128-bit so its not as good as the benchmarks, but its better than a 9500 pro

depending on your time frame, the x700 standard will run about $150 and the performance should be better than the 6600 standard and about equivilant to a 256-bit 9800 Pro

[nwo75200]

Originally Posted by Overclocked412

Definately get a Radeon 9800 Pro. Right in your pricerange, and best bang for the buck:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...131-278&depa=1

Or you can get a *Brand New* Radeon 9600 XT with DirectX9 (just like the 9800 pro), but a tiddlebit slower, for only 134 plus a few bucks shipping.. (good buy imo)
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...164-008&depa=1

both of those are bad cards, the 9600xt is just a little bit faster than a 9500pro in newer games, while they are evenly matched in old games. I dunno about that 9800PRO you suggested, but all I heard about it is crap, first of all; it's an EZ model=very crappy and second it's only 128bit!!! And third, it's out of stock right now and it probably won't come back in stock-EVER AGAIN. I heard that the 9800PRO 128bit is nothing close in preformance to the real 9800PRO.

If you do want to upgrade right now I would recommend that you get a real refurb 9800PRO

[nwo75200]

Originally Posted by HeadBand

that 9800 Pro is only 128-bit so its not as good as the benchmarks, but its better than a 9500 pro

depending on your time frame, the x700 standard will run about $150 and the performance should be better than the 6600 standard and about equivilant to a 256-bit 9800 Pro

hey headband, do you have any info on the x700 regular and pro? All I know is it's clock speeds, price, and memory info... But I know a lot on the x700xt
http://tech-report.com/reviews/2004q...t/index.x?pg=1

Looks like the x700xt is gonna be a terrible card, since it will be $250 and worse than a 6600GT which can be had for $200