What video card to get?

Krule

I have been trying to decide on a video card for a few weeks now

I'm stuck between: Radeon 9600 XT vs GF Fx 5900

I will be playing mostly: HL 2, World of Warcraft, And thats really it.

I want to spend as little as possible (Some links to sites that sell cheap are also SUPER appreciated) and i live in canada :|

Also, Whats with the different brands hitting different benchmarks? Hows that work?

CDsDontBurn

Between the two, i would take the 5900. the extra memory bandwith will make gameplay much better than the 9600xt. An ATI comparable card to the 5900 would be the 9800 series.

TJ-

id get the 9600xt.... only cause ati is better than shitvidia, and the 9600series is awesome i got no problems playing those games on mediam or hig settings...with the xt

CDsDontBurn

i wouldn't base a decision on getting a video card based entirely out of bias, but out of performance. The 5900 will walk all over the 9600xt for sure. 9600xt is about as good as a 5700 Ultra. Go to toms hardware, or do a google search on the two cards (type in something like 9600xt vs. 5900), and see for yourself which card is a better performing graphics card.

pr0digal jenius

I'd see if you could perhaps strecth yer dollars and get a 5950

CDsDontBurn

at that point, i'd start looking at the 6600GT or 9800XT

pr0digal jenius

oh geez...nvm.

I didn't remember them being that much mroe then the 5900s


go with the 5900

CDsDontBurn

Here's a 5950, and a 5900XT. Considerable price difference there for simply higher clock speeds. As you can see, the 9600XT is nothing more than a 128bit card. Like i said earlier, the 5900 will walk all over the 9600XT.

EDIT: working on getting the links to work right.

Callandor

Well, different brands hit different benchmarks scores coz most benchmarks are designed to give higher scores on a specific card brand these days. Not to worry though, there are a few benchmarkers out there that still provide very honest scores such as 3D mark and Aqua (not sure about Aqua though).

If I were you, I'd go with the 5900, coz the 9600XT is not good value for money.

However, I am still, and will ever be a PURE ATi supporter!!! So don't anyone think any different!!

BWX

Don't get either- get a 9800pro or something like that. Get at least a 256bit 8 pipe card and if you can't, wait until you can.


like one of these.

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...102-362&depa=1


http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...131-213&depa=1


http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...164-025&depa=1


http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...102-281&depa=1

BWX

Only one of those links work.

clicker666

I'm using a 9600 NP w 256 megs RAM. Although I can't get a lot of AA, and AF out of some of the newer games, I can play them in 1024x768 no probs. I myself am considering an upgrade to a 6600 GT AGP, around $300 CDN. Looks like a nice card at a good price point. I would prefer to stay with ATI, but I'm not sure if they have a competitive card in that price range.

Callandor

Yep, I agree with the above^.

Though I took your post to mean you're really pressed for cash and might only have some when the next gen next gen cards are out!

Krule

I just can't seeem to really come to terms with spending anything more than 300$ on a card. I mean i've seen how the games I play on both cards look, and feel, and it's amazing on both..so why so much more for 1 more generation up

CDsDontBurn

if you don't want to spend more than $300, then get a 9800pro or a 6600GT. Both are awsome cards for around your limit.

Krule

6600 = pciex..I ain't buying a new board.

Dyre Straits

Check out Micro Center. They're having a 20% off sale through January on select products.

Right now, for example, you can get a XTasy 9600 256 MB AGP card for a final cost of: $79.99 US. Comparatively, a FX5500 256 MB AGP card is available for: $87.99 US.

Check out the website here:

http://www.microcenter.com/hierarchy...=D4F+D7B9+D7K9

clicker666

6600 GT AGP = AGP... no new board.

nuG

just buy a 9800pro

Sandok

Cheaper and good, get the 9600 XT. My bro runs HL2 max on 1024x768 and runs WoW on max except draw distance 1024x768 perfectly!

BWX

9800pro kicks the 9600xt's ass.

Callandor

It's all to do with a wonderful little thing called "lifespan" my good man. Some things have long ones, while others have short ones. Nvidia, I'm afraid, is one of those that have shorter.

If you don't believe me, then try pitting an o/cd FX 5200 against an o/cd 9500np with only the Hercules BIOS hack done, and tell me what your results are.
Either that, or you can just walk about your neighbourhood and see out of all your friends, who keeps their card longer (and not due to insufficient funds might I add) - ATi users, or Nvidia users. Your pick!

edit:

nuG

hmm...... when are the x800 no pro coming out?????

tastyweat

out of those two... 5900

Powercolour

6600gt
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...130-220&depa=1
don't really see how its more expenseve than an 9800pro

BWX

Is that faster than a 9800p?

Powercolour