ATI or Nvidia - Which should I get next??

krazy1 · Jul 28, 2003, 10:16 AM

Ok I am looking at getting a new video card since my Ti4200 is a little behind the times.

If I am going to drop $400+ on a card I want to get a decent card. I know it is user preference on what card to get but I would like to hear input from both sides of the line. Am I better off going with a 5900 ultra or a 9800 256? Give me your feelings on both..... Unfortunatly I have to find a way to buy a $400+ card with out the "boss" finding out...hehehe but still want to hear what people think of both cards or for that fact any other cards.... figure it is time I get in step with everyone in stead of always being 1 gen behind.......

tek · Jul 28, 2003, 10:22 AM

I dont suggest you go with any of those...

Why would you want a ATI 9800 PRO 256MB? Why not just go for the 128MB and save like $50 and buy some fans or something....

DEF. dont go with the FX5900, the 9800 PRO will suit you better, but the thing is.. I wouldn't even get the 9800 PRO!!! Even if I had 400 dollars for a vid card, I'd buy a 9700 PRO and keep the rest of the money for something else...

just my 2 cents

krazy1 · Jul 28, 2003, 10:25 AM

Hmm.. good point.....very good point......... gonna have to look the 9700 up and check that out.......thanks

studbagel9 · Jul 28, 2003, 10:25 AM

Why not wait till september until newer solutions arise?

Kgentatszu] · Jul 28, 2003, 10:31 AM

then why dont ya' wait forever for the best stuff to come out??? ~LOL

tek · Jul 28, 2003, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Maxxypoos
then why dont ya' wait forever for the best stuff to come out??? ~LOL

VERY, VERY, VERY GOOD POINT - smartest thing you've ever said maxxy

toddsmack2k · Jul 28, 2003, 10:43 AM

Got $400 to spend huh? With that budget you can get some of the best out there. All of the choices you have gave so far are excellent. The 9800 is the choice if you want to run your games at 1280 or higher resolution and will last a bit longer upgrade wise. The 9800's also overclock like demons. The 256MB version is one that might serve you better for longer. The 9700 is still a top notch performer and hard to beat for the money. You can even consider the AIW 9700 Pro if that is your fancy! The 9700's also overclock well. It is a hard choice which I think anyone would be glad to be having. If you want the best go 9800 if you want a very strong performer and a close second speed and performance wise go 9700. Have you maybe even thought about a 9500 non pro and modding it to a 9700 pro? We have a nice guide here for doing it!

krazy1 · Jul 28, 2003, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by toddsmack2k
Have you maybe even thought about a 9500 non pro and modding it to a 9700 pro? We have a nice guide here for doing it!

What are the chances of messing up the 9500 card doing the mod? My buddy has a 9500 but hasn't modded it yet for worry of messing it up..... I guess what I am looking for is a DirectX 9 card that will last me a while. I have always been 1 gen behind in video cards due to the price tags but have now decided to just go for it......

toddsmack2k · Jul 28, 2003, 10:56 AM

Hey the article is HERE . Check it out is is very simple and the chances of messing up the card are very slim if any. There is always a chance i guess when you mod something but it is highly unlikely in this case. The article was done by WyreTheWolf our Mod team leader and believe me he know what he is doing.

Also since you have said you are going to go for it, well go for the 9800 then!

krazy1 · Jul 28, 2003, 11:06 AM

Thanks for the link...... it isn't the same thing my buddy found on modding his. I will have to show him this mod. Well I would love to go for it... like I said earlier I have to get the $400 by the "boss" at home...hehehehe

The only thing with the modding article is it is never really stated which cards are able to handle that mod. I understand it is by the PCB board but I won't know if I have the right one till I get it home..... I have heard from some people that the Saphire board is the best one....... know if this is true??

toddsmack2k · Jul 28, 2003, 11:14 AM

Your welcome! To get the right 9500 non pro you will have to see the pic if possible of what you are buying. The memory must be in the L shape on the board. The ones with the memory chips straight across, all on one side cannot be done. As far as the Saphire's being the best I think the reason is that more of those particluar cards were avalaible and are the easiest one's to find. To determine the better cards it is dependant on the type of memory the card has. It usually goes around 2.8, 3.0 and such. The lower the better. As the memory can be overclocked to reach 9700 pro speeds or exceed them when compared to stock.

Also I understand about getting money from the boss. I have 1 big boss at home and 2 little bosses

. I am fortunate thought that usually she could care less what I spend.

krazy1 · Jul 28, 2003, 11:34 AM

hehehe yea I have 1 big boss and 1 little.... usually she does not care what I get as long as I let her get stuff for her gardens.....at the rate she is going I won't have a lawn to cut.......heheheh I will have to let her get more flowers and stuff to get $400... If I go the 9500 way $133 is easy to get by her......heheheheh