4 different GTS cards, which one?

[kangster]

Hi,

I know this is a popular question but getting the answers is not always so easy...

Ok, forget the currency for now, if you have a choice of:

Chaintech GTS Pro 64mb with TV Out for 401 guilders (NLG)
MTEK (?) GTS Pro 64mb with TV Out for 409 NLG
MSI Geforce 2 Pro 64mb with TV Out for 449NLG
Asus 7700 Pro 64mb with TV Out for 560NLG

100guilders is about a difference of 45 dollars I guess....

What is important to me primarily is playing the odd game and more frequently as we hit winter, DVD Output. I used to have a Leadtek Winfast GeForce 256SDR and that was fine, aside from Max Payne on the last level when i had to drop to 800x600/32 (I have a Duron 700 BTW), but that card had no TV Out....

Another question if I may, is the ASUS or MSI version of WinDVD *really* any better than the normal WinDVd (or PowerDVD which i have) , is the AsusDVD/MsiDVD software region locked?

Cheers all...
kangster

 

[ADxS]

Careful with the ones labelled "GTS Pro" - you may find that the "Pro" addendum to "GTS" is just a marketing trick.

GeForce2 GTS: 200MHz core/333MHz memory
GeForce2 Pro: 200MHz core/400MHz memory

GeForce2 GTS "Pro": very likely to be 200MHz core/333MHz memory

 

[Smbu]

You might also want to consider the 64MB Gainward/Cardexpert Geforce 2 Pro/450 card. This has TV-Out, but most importantly it uses 4.5ns DDR RAM. Most Pro cards use 5ns, or slower DDR RAM. The card is spec'ed to run at 200mhz core and 450mhz RAM. Which is just slightly below the 460mhz RAM speed of GF 2 Ultra cards. If you read reviews of the card it you will most definately be able to increase the RAM speed higher than standard clocked Ultra cards and RAM speed is pretty much the biggest performance bottleneck on GF2 cards. Most Ultra cards use either 4ns, or 3.8ns DDR RAM. I just ordered one of the Cardexpert GF2 Pro/450 cards to put in the new 1.4GHZ Tbird computer I am building. If you do buy one make sure it is the Pro/450 version as there are Pro/400 cards that have the standard specs of 200 core/400 mhz RAM.

 

[ADxS]

Also: to further confuse things, Asus has MX cards they labelled as "Pro" too.

 

[rogue1979]

Gainward Geforce Pro 64MB 450! Look at newegg.com very reasonable price, superior overclocking and 2d image quality.

 

[kangster]

Hmmm.. NewEgg is a US site!

Ok, I cant get the Gainward anywhere, so... out of those 4, what would you folks get? Is the Asus really worth the extra 40 odd US dollars?

And the DVD questions, what's peoples opinions?

(and thanx BTW guys)

 

[classy]

Hmmm. That is a tough call to make. They all should perform about the same. I would say the Asus is probably the better one, but maybe not for $40 more. Here's a link to many geforce reviews. They are sorted by brand. So you can read reviews about each of those cards and decide for yourself. Geforce Reviews

You have to make sure whatever card you buy it has 5ns or lower on the ram. If I was a buying I would probably go for the Chaintech. I believe all their Pro cards are real Geforce2 Pros. Its a shame you can't find the Gainward. But the Chaintech should fit the bill. The MSI is a mixed bag. I have never used one, but many complain about the MSI having the poorest 2d. Barring overclocking potential, they will all perform about the same. And they all will use reference drivers with no problem.

 

[kangster]

Thats a nice site, thanks for the info!...

 

[kangster]

Latest info... Dutch Pricewatch shows a retailer has dropped pricing and has now carries the Gainward Gf2 Pro / TV Out with 4.5ns mem, for 499NLG... I'm there!.... cheers all.... (you can still be smug with your US prices though :disgust: ;-)