After a long battle with fighting the urge, the voodoo5 pci is getting a little bit slow at running the newer titles, so I'm looking to upgrade sometime soon. [xx(]
Now the question is what???? I've basically narrowed it down to a Sapphire Radeon, but I'm not prepared to shell out big $$$ to get a 9800XT. Here is AUS, they go for approx $700AUS, and considering I paid $150 for a spanking new Gamecube, I really don't want to spend that sorta cash on a vid card! [:0]
So the choice is basically a 9600 of some sort, or a lower end 9800. Is it true all the 9800 are 256bit/8pipelines or only the 9800xt?
Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated. :D
You must choice video card thinking before to your system: write me about your cpu, motherboard and ram.
System specs are:
AMD XP2800+ @ 2.4ghz
1 gb ddr 400
Asus A7X8-X
The 9800, 9800 Pro, and 9800XT all have 256-bit RAM. Some 9800SEs do also, but some don't, and some do but it's only effectively used as 128-bit, because the 9800SE only has 4 pixel pipelines as opposed to a standard 9800s 8. A 9600 is basically a renamed 9800SE, it also has 4 pixel pipelines and the same core, just higher clock speeds I think. I would go for a 9800SE, and see if you can get one with 256-bit RAM that softmods, you'll need to do some research into which ones do have the 256-bit ram, and some are more likely to softmod then others. That is, if you want to do a little research and take a small risk (there's a possiblity that it won't softmod, but even if so, still much faster than the V5). If you want guaranteed power, go for a 9800NP or Pro.
If you don't want to spend a lot of money and still want a fast Radeon card I think you should but the non-pro 9800. I bought that card and I'm very happy with it.
Thanks for your replies guys.....
Arch, is your Radeon ATI brand or something else? Also is it 128 or 256 bit?
I bought an Original ATI card but the Sapphire Tech cards are just as good. I got my card for the same price as the Sapphire Tech because of a sale. All 9800np and 9800Pro cards have 256bit memory, only the 9800SE cards use 128bit memory. (although some 9800SE cards have 256bit memory)
Thanks again for that Arch, will hopefully pick one up this weekend!! :D
Hi Guys,
yesterday I got my new Radeon 9800Pro. Its a Sapphire modell with 128MB DDR, 256bit and 8 pipelines.
I really can recommend this card, here in germany its sold for 215 Euros.