$100 to spend...what should I buy

[TStep]

the 9700 np someone is selling in the FS/FT forum ---- hurry it won't last long

 

[orangat]

Originally posted by: Delorian
My 9800 pro (SE) is no hotter w/softmod or w/out. I get a 15/20 OC either way (cheap fan limits me from more I'm sure). I don't think it makes a bit of difference as you're using the same core as the 9800 Pro which is run at 8 pipes 380/680 anyhow. RAM shouldn't run any hotter than spec either. Remember, this card really is a 9800 Pro (depends on the model/brand/speeds), just has some pipes disabled that possibly won't work. I think it's a helluva deal for a $150 9800 Pro!

I read a few reviews here and there that the softmodded 9800SE->PRO runs hotter. The problem is that the stock h/s with the SE is smaller than the stock PRO h/s. Its makes logical sense that the core and memory will run hotter when you open up 4 pipelines. The core will run faster and more data will get pumped through the memory chips.
I made the decision to get a used 9500pro because of this.

 

[carpenter]

The 9500Pro by far. It can be had for about $100 used and is a better card than the 9600's or the Nvidia 4 series cards. For about $125 you can find used 9700Pro's that would keep you in a video card for a long time.