128 or 256?

[pukemon]

Originally posted by: PCTweaker5

Originally posted by: conorvansmack
I'd like to keep the video card under $160.

My wife hates my computer and thinks I've already spent enough on it. I've given up trying to explain upgrading and the reasons for it.

You should hear my dad! Everytime I add things to it he says Im messing it up. Everytime I have a problem he says its because I keep adding crap to it which may be true to some extent but he just doesnt understand this hobby.

Well, if it's a "family computer" then it's understandable (his part). If not, then well... he's just being a parent with dissimilar interests than yours.

 

[conorvansmack]

Originally posted by: pukemon

Originally posted by: PCTweaker5

Originally posted by: conorvansmack I'd like to keep the video card under $160. My wife hates my computer and thinks I've already spent enough on it. I've given up trying to explain upgrading and the reasons for it.

You should hear my dad! Everytime I add things to it he says Im messing it up. Everytime I have a problem he says its because I keep adding crap to it which may be true to some extent but he just doesnt understand this hobby.

Well, if it's a "family computer" then it's understandable (his part). If not, then well... he's just being a parent with dissimilar interests than yours.

Easy there Dr. Phil. j/k

I'm the only one that accuses me of screwing up my machine by tweaking with it.

A 9700 or 9700pro is looking like the way to go for me. I'd probably better get it soon or else they'll be gone.

Thanks again for all the advice guys!

Conor

 

[PCTweaker5]

Nah its 100% my PC but he just gets tired of me ordering stuff and sending a few things back which I have only done twice which is still in the works with my MB and Memory.

 

[VIAN]

My dad, who just uses it to go online for an hour, my PC, his cable subscription:

You are always messing with it.
(I break something)
It's from all that messing with it.
Can't you just leave it alone.
It worked fine before.
(I get it fixed)
Now don't mess with it.
(It breaks on it's own, software or online server problem)
What did you do to it now?

They just don't understand. Making sure temps are good. Experimenting new ways to try to make temps lower. Cleaning. Getting better performance. Preventing certain mishaps. It's called computer MAINTENANCE.

 

[Pete]

conor, I think either the Powercolor or Gigabyte 9600 Pros @ NewEgg for $132-141 or the Sapphire 9700 @ Allstarshop for $165 (price went up :\) are your best bets. I'm not sure I'd take a chance on a refurb 9700 Pro, as if it doesn't work, I believe you'd have to pay for return shipping, which would jack up your overall cost. The 9600Ps have better game bundles and cables/adapters, whereas the 9700 comes with minimal software and accessories but will be faster in games (faster than even a 9600XT).

Let us know how you like the card you buy, and maybe how upset you made your wife.

 

[conorvansmack]

I'll definitely do that. I'll probably buy it at the end of April.

 

[conorvansmack]

I bought a Sapphire 9700 (softmodded to a Pro) through a guy in the forums today. I'll let you know about it next week after I've taken it dancing through some games.

 

[nick1985]

Originally posted by: SneakyStuff
128MB, the RAM is usually faster. Exceptions would be cards like the 5950, 5900, and 9800pro and XT models.

 

[VIAN]

Unless you plan on playing atleast with 1280x1024 with 4xAA, don't get it.

 

[conorvansmack]

That's pretty much the reason for upgrading a video card, isn't it?

If I wasn't looking for better performance, I'd stick with my current one.