which ati video card?

[glagic]

I'm thinking of upgrading my video card in a little bit and want to go with an ATI card. Anyone have an suggestions? My budget is about $150 give or take about $20-30. I want to be able to play the new generation games i.e. Doom III and HL2. Should I wait to get a card until they come out? Also, is it wise to buy cards like these at computer shows? There are a couple near school and I'm thinking of stopping by.

[coleslaw]

The Radeon 9800 Pro is being tauted as the recommended card for next-gen FPS games, but that's only if you want to run at 60 FPS at full resolution, full detail and with FSAA turned on at the highest setting.

Honestly, if you're itching to buy right now, go with the Radeon 9600 Pro (128MB DDR with TV-Out and DVI). You should be able to find it for less than $200. The 9800 Pro is still around the $400 level but should come down in a few months.

[glagic]

are ati or nvidia going to be releasing new video cards around the release dates of the games?

[sbp]

Yeah you can buy cards at computer show-just be careful.

Radeon 9600 Pro is your best bet in that price range currently.

If you are going to be waiting for DoomIII to come out, you'll be well into next year.

Why yes, ATI will be announcing the Radeon 9800XT {speed bin} on September 30th.

There is also the RV360 planned. http://www.xbitlabs.com/news/video/display/20030819022350.html

btw Uttar does a good job of collecting info and rumors from various sites and forums: http://www.notforidiots.com/GPURW.php

[bachviet]

R9500Pro or R9600Pro is your best bet for the amount you want to spend.

[Cantacuzene]

9500pro > 9600pro. If you can find a 9500pro, get it.

[ceeka]

If you come across a 9800 SE for under $200 don't get too excited. It is just a slightly enhanced 9600. Canta is right that the 9500pro is a bit better that a 9600pro, but the 9600pro is generally a better overclocker to make them even.

[cheapchinese]

my cousin have always pushed nvidia when it comes to games...why's that?

[sbp]

Originally posted by cheapchinese
my cousin have always pushed nvidia when it comes to games...why's that? When 3d acceleration first began...it used to be 3dfx that was that way. But they faltered and Nvidia knocked them from their perch. Then for the last few years Nvidia was top dog in offering compelling videocard solutions while being most compatible. Thats no longer true. Over time, ATI slowly and surely caught up and surpassed Nvidia. ATI is now in the drivers seat. But the battle begins anew early next year. That is when ATI and Nvidia unleash their next generation parts. Who will win that fight? Stay tuned. :winkie:

[Cantacuzene]

Originally posted by sbp
will win that fight?

Consumers. ;)

[glagic]

Originally posted by ceeka
If you come across a 9800 SE for under $200 don't get too excited. It is just a slightly enhanced 9600. Canta is right that the 9500pro is a bit better that a 9600pro, but the 9600pro is generally a better overclocker to make them even.

well, im not going to be overclocking the card. not that good with that stuff. so essentially with the cards it goes:

9800>9500pro>9800se>9600pro

yes? no?

[iLLWiLL]

I didn't want to start a new thread, so I guess I'll ask my question here:

1. I really have no budget, but is the Radeon 9800 Pro 256 MB worth the extra money over the 128 MB version??? Will the 256 MB version be able to withstand new 3d games a year or so longer than the 128, or is the difference neglibile?

2. Also, are the All-in-Wonder versions of these cards slower for games (my primary use for the card)?

[bachviet]

Originally posted by iLLWiLL
I didn't want to start a new thread, so I guess I'll ask my question here:

1. I really have no budget, but is the Radeon 9800 Pro 256 MB worth the extra money over the 128 MB version??? Will the 256 MB version be able to withstand new 3d games a year or so longer than the 128, or is the difference neglibile?

2. Also, are the All-in-Wonder versions of these cards slower for games (my primary use for the card)?
2. The AIW card has the TV-tuner built-in so it doesn't do any better in game. Unless you want to do TV or video capturing, no need for an AIW card.

[sbp]

Originally posted by iLLWiLL
I didn't want to start a new thread, so I guess I'll ask my question here:

1. I really have no budget, but is the Radeon 9800 Pro 256 MB worth the extra money over the 128 MB version??? Will the 256 MB version be able to withstand new 3d games a year or so longer than the 128, or is the difference neglibile?

2. Also, are the All-in-Wonder versions of these cards slower for games (my primary use for the card)? 1.) Currently the extra 128MB of ram is not worth it. Will future games increasingly take advantage of it? Yes.

[Cantacuzene]

Problem is any game that takes advantage of it will need more gpu power than the card can provide. Its great to have all that ram, but unless you have the computing power to push textures that big, there is no point.

[glagic]

with the all-in-wonders, are they actually worth it? like the tv capabilities? or is it better just to get a tv capture card?

btw....thanx for all the help with deciding on a video card. i think im going to wait a while, at least till around thanksgiving or christmas when i finally get money. i put all my money into my apartment and a laptop...minimum wage paying jubs really suck when you want to buy stuff.:angry:

[bachviet]

It's actually better to get an add-on TV capture card (Asus 7133 with remote control).

[Jeffbx]

Originally posted by Cantacuzene
9500pro > 9600pro. If you can find a 9500pro, get it.

Just curious - what makes the 9500Pro better than the 9600Pro?

[pagemap]

Originally posted by Jeffbx


Just curious - what makes the 9500Pro better than the 9600Pro?

The 9500 Pro has eight pixel pipelines, whereas the 9600 Pro only has four. Think of the difference between an eight lane highway and a four lane. The 9600 Pro is clocked a lot higher than the 9500 Pro, but the 9500 Pro makes up for that because it has a lot more bandwidth.

[Jeffbx]

Nice - thanks!