128 bit 9800 vs 9600...?

[homestarmy]

No one ever benchmarks the 9800 with 128 bit... I understand why, but does anyone know how it compares to the 9600 pro or XT?

I can pick up a 9800SE (se means 128 bit automatically right?) for something like $120 and its tempting...

 

[Pete]

Quite a few people do, you just have to look for 'em. Try Neoseeker.com for links to h/w reviews.

If you're sure that 9800SE is 256-bit, I'd probably go for it over a 9600P/XT at the same price. If it's 128-bit, I'd go for the 9600P/XT (smaller, cooler, uses less power).

Your best bet would be to look for a used 9700/Pro for ~$100-125.

 

[furie27]

There is a powercolor 9800 se with a 256 bit memory interface. From what I've read it's got a 60% success rate of flashing it to a real 9800 pro, and you can use the Omega drivers to open the extra 4 pipelines.

 

[homestarmy]

Ah, I thought if it was 128 it had 4 pipelines and if it was 256 it had the 8, i didn't realize they were seperate items.

Also, what if you fail to flash the card to a pro?

 

[furie27]

My understanding is that if you flash and it doesn't work you'll get some weird artifacts and colors. You can "unflash" the bios and get it back to the original set up, though. So I don't think it's a permanent damage. I'm sure if you search the forums you'll find better instructions on it.

 

[homestarmy]

Thanks for the info... man, from the page linked earlier on this thread, I cannot believe how crappy the 9800SE card does in the benchmarks, the 9600XT kicks it butt majorly.

Are there any other differences besides the 4 pipelines being closed down? Clock speed major differences?

 

[furie27]

The 9800se has a much lower core and memory clock, not sure what speed, though. And the 128 bit 9800 is even lower. If you're looking at a 9600xt (I have one upstairs) go ahead and spend the extra $30 or so on a new 9800 pro while they're still around. I bought a BBA from fry's and it even came with a r360 core. Now to see if I can flash it to an XT bios.

 

[PrayForDeath]

If you're willing to get an SE, you should go for the PowerColor 9800SE "C3" with 256bit memory interface, it has like 80% chance for unlocking the other 4 pipes, plus it comes with the 9800Pro clock speeds at stock, so all you have to do is to unlock the remaining pipes (using omega drivers, and RivaTuner might do the job too) And you've got a 9800Pro, plus, if you get artifacts with the extra pipelines running, you will still have a good card, even faster than the more expensive 9600XT, but be carefull while you buy the card, if you get the PowerColor "C3L" model instead, you'll have a 128bit 9800SE whith lower clock speeds, and a lower chance for unlocking, which means you'll get a "9600 Pro" that is bigger, runs warmer and consumer more power than the original 9600 Pro

PowerColor 9800SE "C3" with 256bit memory at newegg.com