What Gfx Card...

napinapi Join Date: 2003-03-01 Member: 14172Members, Constellation
<div class="IPBDescription">Come on techies give me info!</div> Well, with the impending release of Doom3 and the likely release of HL2 at some point soon, I'm looking to get a new graphics card - I think the ol' GeForce MX 400 has had it's day of giving me 30fps in HalfLife mods.

So, what do I get?

First thing first, my budget: I simply can't spend more than £150 GPB (British Pounds) on this - I just don't have any more money.

Ideally if possible I want some thing that supports dual display - I've wandered the various 'overclockers' websites, and there are plenty of options - but none of the jargen about them makes sense to me!

Help! <3

Comments

  • SwiftspearSwiftspear Custim tital Join Date: 2003-10-29 Member: 22097Members
    I don't really know how the pound converts... But you can get a 9800 pro for about 180$ if you look in the right places... 9800 pro would definately be the recomendable video card for all lower level systems that want to run HL2 and DOOM 3.
  • NuubNuub Join Date: 2004-01-05 Member: 25059Members
    With 200€ (about 150£), you can get a Radeon 9600XT (in Finland at least). But that Radeon 9800 Pro is a good card nevertheless.
  • RaVeRaVe Join Date: 2003-06-20 Member: 17538Members
    <!--QuoteBegin-shanks+Aug 4 2004, 05:47 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (shanks @ Aug 4 2004, 05:47 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Ideally if possible I want some thing that supports dual display - I've wandered the various 'overclockers' websites, and there are plenty of options - but none of the jargen about them makes sense to me! <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    I believe some people here know the said tech jargon. Ask them to help translate.

    That doesn't mean I know how though. All I know is that some people here can read said jargon.

    But I'll admit that if you find a Radeon 9800 Pro, buy it asap.
  • MalevolentMalevolent Join Date: 2003-08-03 Member: 18842Members
    I like ATI myself, but this time I got a GeForce 6800GT since it suposedly performs a little better than the ATI X800 Pro (at least in Doom 3). Now in Half-Life 2, it would make sense for the ATI cards to do a little better. Oh, and a GeForce 6800GT is about $400 USD. Same goes for the X800 Pro.

    The GeForce 6800 Ultra is better than the 6800GT, but goes for about $500+ since they're so hard to find. Same goes for the ATI X800 XT (better than the X800 Pro), but hard to find.

    There are also the X600 line of ATI cards and the GeForce 6800 that are even cheaper than the 6800GT and X800 Pro.

    These are all the new cards coming out.
  • jumpingjodajumpingjoda Join Date: 2003-12-14 Member: 24367Members, Constellation, Reinforced - Shadow
    Same as the posts above:
    If you find some Radeon 9800pro BUY IT!
    If not, then the Geforce 5600xt is a good buy (about 100euro), same as Radeon 9600XT.
  • QuaunautQuaunaut The longest seven days in history... Join Date: 2003-03-21 Member: 14759Members, Constellation, Reinforced - Shadow
    <!--QuoteBegin-jumpingjoda+Aug 4 2004, 08:50 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (jumpingjoda @ Aug 4 2004, 08:50 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Same as the posts above:
    If you find some Radeon 9800pro BUY IT!
    If not, then the Geforce 5600xt is a good buy (about 100euro), same as Radeon 9600XT. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    no.

    never get nvidia ever.

    ever.

    I have the 5600 xt 256mb version.

    ...it sucks. Badly. Terribly. Just get a radeon, okay?
  • NumbersNotFoundNumbersNotFound Join Date: 2002-11-07 Member: 7556Members
    <!--QuoteBegin-Quaunaut+Aug 4 2004, 11:22 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Quaunaut @ Aug 4 2004, 11:22 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> <!--QuoteBegin-jumpingjoda+Aug 4 2004, 08:50 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (jumpingjoda @ Aug 4 2004, 08:50 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Same as the posts above:
    If you find some Radeon 9800pro BUY IT!
    If not, then the Geforce 5600xt is a good buy (about 100euro), same as Radeon 9600XT. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    no.

    never get nvidia ever.

    ever.

    I have the 5600 xt 256mb version.

    ...it sucks. Badly. Terribly. Just get a radeon, okay? <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Why would you get a 5600? at least get a 5900, even if it has less RAM.
  • BijiyBijiy Fantastic Damage Join Date: 2003-11-28 Member: 23697Members
    The 5600 is the worst FX series card, I've seen a Ti4200 do better than it.
  • Seraph1Seraph1 Join Date: 2004-08-02 Member: 30310Members, Constellation
    So, ATI cards are better than nVidia's?
  • im_lostim_lost TWG Rule Guru Join Date: 2003-04-26 Member: 15861Members
    <!--QuoteBegin-Seraph!+Aug 4 2004, 09:58 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Seraph! @ Aug 4 2004, 09:58 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> So, ATI cards are better than nVidia's? <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    From what I have heard, they are about the same, in general. However, one can be better than the other for a specific use.
  • Seraph1Seraph1 Join Date: 2004-08-02 Member: 30310Members, Constellation
    Hmm OK because when purchasing a computer, nVidia was suggested, but I went with ATI (which is what I had on my old comp and I was happy with it)

    Just curious because there have been only ATI suggestions
  • spinviperspinviper Join Date: 2003-05-08 Member: 16151Members
    Shanky, just PM tailsin. You'll know what to do then.
  • MulletMullet Join Date: 2003-04-28 Member: 15910Members, Constellation
    9800 Pro for the win...
  • CreepieCreepie Join Date: 2003-02-19 Member: 13734Members
    edited August 2004
    I've just bought a card: an ATI 9800 pro 128M for £135 (inc VAT) from <a href='http://overclockers.co.uk' target='_blank'>overclockers</a>. That was a 256-bit memory interface (don't get the 128-bit version). I was assured that it has the R360 core which means that it should be flashable to an XT. The cheapest was £125 from <a href='http://www.microdirect.co.uk' target='_blank'>MicroDirect</a>. I went for overclockers because I had other bits to buy from them, I can drive there and they seem to know what they're talking about. Incidentally, I wouldn't buy from <a href='http://ww.scan.co.uk' target='_blank'>scan</a>, they're far too expensive these days. <a href='http://www.dabs.com' target='_blank'>dabs</a> aren't too bad in terms of price.

    In terms of ATI, the 9800SE starts at around £100. The 9800 Pro 128M starts at £125. The 9800 XT 256M at £195. £300 plus for an x800. The SE is a waste of money as its crippled. The Pro is an excellent card for the price. The XT 256M is not too bad for the price, although a lot of games don't gain from the extra texture memory (Doom3 does though). The x800 is a great card, but expect to pay through the nose for it.

    As for GeForce, I found the whole product range to be very confusing. For each chip revision, there are many versions and clocks speeds. I couldn't sort the mess out. The 5900 with 128M start at £110. The 5950 with 256M around £200.

    For Doom3, it would be nice to get a 256M version, but you're getting into £190 territory.

    For your price range, I would advise you do what I did. Get a 9800 Pro from overclockers with an R360 core (ask them, they know which ones - the Sapphire Lite Retail). Then flash it to an XT for those extra points. I haven't done mine yet because I don't think my case is cool enough or my power supply powerful enough. Flashing information <a href='http://www.overclock.net/forumdisplay.php?f=16' target='_blank'>here</a> (Mods: modify this paragraph if it doesn't conform with board policy re: flashing).

    Alternatively, you can try ebay. I've been watching over the last month, and the auctions for the 9800 Pros come up at around £130, which is simply stupid given that's the price they're selling the shops. You might be able to pick up a 9800 Pro 256M for about £170 if you can stretch that far. A bunch went yesterday around that price mark.
  • eedioteediot Join Date: 2003-02-24 Member: 13903Members
    Does anybody here in australia have a radeon 9800 pro [and bought it recently], and can tell me where they bought it from, and for how much? It shouldn't be costing $AUD600 from these internet sites <!--emo&:(--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/sad.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='sad.gif' /><!--endemo--> I'm looking to spend around $400, less is better, but i don't want to settle for crappy quality... argh <!--emo&:(--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/sad.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='sad.gif' /><!--endemo-->
  • MulletMullet Join Date: 2003-04-28 Member: 15910Members, Constellation
    <a href='http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-102-286&depa=0' target='_blank'>ATI RADEON 9800PRO Video Card, 128MB DDR, 256-bit, DVI/TV-Out, 8X AGP</a> ....only $223.

    Go for it! <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif' /><!--endemo-->
  • eedioteediot Join Date: 2003-02-24 Member: 13903Members
    why not just get the 256mb for a bit more?

    <a href='http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-102-361&depa=0' target='_blank'>http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc....-102-361&depa=0</a>

    and is newegg.com australian? or delivers to australia? [specifically sydney]

    mullet i think you're australian.. it's so hard to tell <!--emo&:(--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/sad.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='sad.gif' /><!--endemo--> ok.. i shall administer THE TEST... saturday's are best with:

    a) polo
    b) chess
    c) baseball
    or
    d) barbeques
  • MantridMantrid Lockpick Join Date: 2003-12-07 Member: 24109Members
    Wouldn't that entirely depend on the proximity of hypothetical shrimp (and their probablity to be thrown on to) said barbeque?
  • eedioteediot Join Date: 2003-02-24 Member: 13903Members
    That's not helping mantrid... <!--emo&:(--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/sad.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='sad.gif' /><!--endemo-->
  • raz0rraz0r Join Date: 2003-07-24 Member: 18395Members
    <!--QuoteBegin-Bijiy+Aug 5 2004, 06:52 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Bijiy @ Aug 5 2004, 06:52 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> The 5600 is the worst FX series card, I've seen a Ti4200 do better than it. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    My Ti4200 does better than my FX5600XT

    5600XT <Ti4200<a turd
  • eedioteediot Join Date: 2003-02-24 Member: 13903Members
    Newegg.com does not ship internationally, Mullet. I'm pretty sure you're Australian though..? I'm looking for something cheap, that can get to Australia <!--emo&:(--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/sad.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='sad.gif' /><!--endemo--> A radeon 9800 pro 256 mb for under $400 [i know its possible <!--emo&:(--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/sad.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='sad.gif' /><!--endemo-->] to Sydney..
  • LockNLoadedLockNLoaded Join Date: 2002-09-05 Member: 1282Members
    i'm thought about getting this card too. I read that this card requires additional power or something? Does it take up additional mobo space? (PCI slot?)

    I'm not too familiar with the power feature...can someone explain how to set it up?

    *coming from a gf2mx400 user <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif' /><!--endemo-->
  • MelatoninMelatonin Babbler Join Date: 2003-03-15 Member: 14551Members, Constellation
    edited August 2004
    im currently torn between the 128 or the 256 9800Pro.
    money is an issue, though i will able to afford either at the end of the month.

    my old clan mates tell me to go for the 256, but the guy in my local PC shoppe informs me theres very little differance as far as hes concerned and recommends the 128 as it costs ~£80 less.

    can anyone tell me the differance between the two in terms of Halflife2, Doom3 and UT2004.

    *edit*
    nevermind, Ive had the chance to pick up <a href='http://www.tul.com.tw/global/productlist.aspx?folderid=1&cat1=12&cat2=1&cat3=104' target='_blank'>a 9800XT 256Mb</a> at discount, and have snapped it up.
  • MrPinkMrPink Join Date: 2002-05-28 Member: 678Members
    ATi still severly has the upperhand over Nvidia in the middle range field, so I highly recommend going with them. The only places where Nvidia>ATi are in the extreme high end (6800GT/ultra) and extreme low end (GF4's)
  • SwiftspearSwiftspear Custim tital Join Date: 2003-10-29 Member: 22097Members
    <!--QuoteBegin-LockNLoaded+Aug 6 2004, 11:28 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (LockNLoaded @ Aug 6 2004, 11:28 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> i'm thought about getting this card too. I read that this card requires additional power or something? Does it take up additional mobo space? (PCI slot?)

    I'm not too familiar with the power feature...can someone explain how to set it up?

    *coming from a gf2mx400 user <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif' /><!--endemo--> <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    You take the a 4 pin plug that comes out of your powersourse and hangs all over the innards of your computer, and you plug it into the 4 pin receiver that comes out of the 9800 pro. It's not a whole lot harder than plugging something into a wall socket, the plugs just look a bit different.
  • SvenpaSvenpa Wait, what? Join Date: 2004-01-03 Member: 25012Members, Constellation
    Is a x800 XT worth the extra money or is a pro not far behind?
  • douchebagatrondouchebagatron Custom member title Join Date: 2003-12-20 Member: 24581Members, Constellation, Reinforced - Shadow
    on the ati site there is a radeon9800 pro 256 for $299 US. im sure they would ship internationally.
  • BigMadSteveBigMadSteve Join Date: 2003-02-12 Member: 13472Members
    edited August 2004
    <!--QuoteBegin-Bijiy+Aug 5 2004, 05:52 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Bijiy @ Aug 5 2004, 05:52 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> The 5600 is the worst FX series card, I've seen a Ti4200 do better than it. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Really? I'll need to tell me boss this. He has one and is wondering why is PC runs like crap.

    I got a Radeon 9600 Pro 128mb for £140 (about). Not top of the range or anything but it runs the new games decently and has support for all them fancy shaders and stuff <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.natural-selection.org/forums/html//emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif' /><!--endemo-->
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