7900 GT compared to 9500 GT

[XBoxLPU]

I am getting conflicting views that the 9500GT will be slower than a 7900 GT but than I found this:

http://forums.overclockers.co....wthread.php?t=17970815

And it seems performance is near even and sometimes even a little bit better

The reason I ask is because I am on a tight budget and my 7900GT is dying and I can get a 9500 GT 512MB DDR3 for $39 after MIR

Unless you guys can recommend something better around or below $50, no offense to ATI but I was hoping to stick to a Nvidia card (better Linux support)

Thanks

 

[Arkaign]

Sell some blood or old DVDs, spend $20 more and get a WORLD of a better card. The 9500GT just isn't going to be worth messing with.

9600GT is $64.99 at newegg

and a 9600GSO is $49.99 after rebate, free shipping http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814130437

 

[Insomniator]

Yeah, would go for the 9600gso for 50 or a 9600gt for 65ish before spending anything on a 9500gt. The 9500gt is just awful compared to those cards, even if it is 10 dollars less.

Frys currently has the 9600GSO for 39.99 AR but is not in stock (preorder), so if you can hang around and catch one of those deals that would be good.

9600's are actual gaming cards (much like your 7900GT used to be)... the 9500gt is more like say a 7300gs (not in terms of performance but in rank)

 

[AndroidVageta]

I'd have to agree with above post...9500GT is more suited for HTPC use or light older gaming...the 9600GT although an older card by now is still more than capable on all games. I owned one for almost a year and can honestly say that while I could not play all games a 1680x1050 max everything...all games were playable at high-highest settings. Definitely a good card and well worth the money...

I would also recommend checking the FS/FT section here, as you can usually find some pretty decent bargains.

 

[OCGuy]

Originally posted by: Arkaign
Sell some blood or old DVDs, spend $20 more and get a WORLD of a better card. The 9500GT just isn't going to be worth messing with.

9600GT is $64.99 at newegg

and a 9600GSO is $49.99 after rebate, free shipping http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814130437

Yep there is also a promo code that takes off another $6 so I would go with that...

 

[vj8usa]

nvm

 

[cusideabelincoln]

In newer games the 9500GT should pull ahead of the 7900GT. In older games the 7900GT will be competitive and probably faster. So those numbers make sense.

And I think some people are being a little too hard on the 9500GT. It can get by in a lot of games. But if you can spend more, then the 9600GSO will get you a bit better performance - probably about 30-40% more performance. A 9600GT would probably get you about 80-100% more performance. I might be a little conservative on those numbers, too.

 

[BlueAcolyte]

Be warned, that 9600GSO linked above is the neutered 48-SP version. The 9600GT, PROPER (384mb or 768mb) 9600GSO, HD 4670, or HD 4830/4770 are all better choices.

 

[razor2025]

9500GT is no slouch, as long as within reasonable expectations. I have a low-profile 9500gt that handles L4D fine at 1680x1050 with medium-high setting with minimal slow-down. It's not "OMG CRYSIS", but it's still a recent and popular FPS. However, with 9600GT and GSO being near the same price level, I can't recommend 9500GT,

 

[LokutusofBorg]

Here's a comparison of all the nVidia cards. Just find the ones you're interested in and compare the numbers for a raw comparison, of sorts.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C...phics_Processing_Units

The 9500 does appear to be a weaker card.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: XBoxLPU
The reason I ask is because I am on a tight budget and my 7900GT is dying and I can get a 9500 GT 512MB DDR3 for $39 after MIR

The DDR3 version would be comparable. Might actually be slower in some older games, but will be faster in more recent titles.

The DDR2 version will be slower all around.

If you game much, you should really consider saving up for at least a 9600 GT.

 

[XBoxLPU]

Thanks for all of the help!

I had my eye on the FRYS deal for a 9600 GSO for $39 AR but sadly they appear they will never be back in stock online so I pulled the trigger on a HD 3850 at the Egg for $49 shipped AR

 

[XBoxLPU]

And the 3850 is in

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814102794

Seems like I got the the fan of death mentioned in the reviews, IE it wouldn't start at POST or randomly stop and spin. So I slapped the ZALMAN VF900-CU off the debunk 7900GT and couldn't be happier!

 

[FalseChristian]

I'd go with a used 9800GT or 8800GT. You'll be disappointed with the underpowered 9500/9600GT/GSO.

 

[cusideabelincoln]

3850 is a good choice. I have one and compared to the 8600GT (little brother of the 9500GT) it's much faster.

 

[jandlecack]

As FalseChristian said, go with 88 or 98 series. Everything else, you will be severely disappointed even from a 7900GT. I upgraded from a 7800GTX to an 8800GT and while it was "good", it wasn't groundbreaking either. So keep that in mind. Then again if you're just looking for a replacement you will be more than fine with a 9800GT or 8800GT.