9500 Pro - Questions/Concerns

[Bakan]

Hi there, yet another newbie posting about the 9500 Pro .

I've just recently upgraded my system in several steps. Currently I'm running:

Motherboard: Asus A7V8X
Processor: Athlon XP 2000
RAM: 2 Strips 256Meg PC2700
Video Card: GeForce4 Mx 420 64 Meg
OS: Windows 2000

All but the video card has been updated, and now I'm seriously thinking about the Radeon 9500 Pro. Are there any issues with me changing to a Radeon after running my GeForce there? Also, I've read of a lot of problems with the Asus A7V8X mobo and the Radeon 9700's, are there any similar issues? Finally, is that a good card to get, I really just want something that will last me for a while (The GeForce was a emergency upgrade last year on my old rig, does the job but looking for something better)?

Thanks.

[Slight Update]

Just got my tax returns, and now I'm thinking of investing in the 9700 Pro. Again, the same question above apply. Any advice/comments are welcomed. Also, is the 9700 Pro worth the extra money? Thanks.

 

[CurtCold]

There was another thread here about Radeons and the A7n8x, there seems to be no problem, as long as you aren't overclocking anything. If you want a card that's going to last for a while, then go ahead and get the 9700 pro, as its life span will be longer than the 9500Pro.

As far as switching cards, all you should have to do it uninstall the nvidia drivers, then get detonator destroyer, or edit the registry yourself. Then reboot, installing the ATI card, and install the 3.1cats, then the cntrl panel. I've had success going from nvidia to ati, ati to nvidia. Some people claim that a fresh OS install is neccessary, I haven't had to do that yet.

I think you'll be well pleased with either card, as it should be a nice improvement over your GF4.

 

[IdBuRnS]

You shouldn't have any issues. I went from a GeForce4 Ti 4200 to my Radeon 9500 Pro and didn't even remove the nvidia drivers.

 

[Bakan]

Cool, thanks for the comments there.

I'm seriously leaning towards the 9700 Pro there, mostly due to it's longer lifespan plus more bang for the money I'll be investing into it.

And yeah, I know my current card is kinda crappy by today's standards, it was a emergency replacement last year, and I wish I had gotten something better since then.

Anything else that you recommend there, for I'm planning to head out and buy one of those cards today.

 

[CurtCold]

Crap I forgot! Welcome to AT Bakan!

If you search some of the threads around here, you'll find that overclocking with the 9700 is limited because it can't handle high fsb. But if your not extremely overclocking then you won't even have to worry about it.

Also enjoy if you get either card. *wants a 9700pro, but who doesn't?

 

[Bakan]

Heh, thanks for the welcome.

As for overclocking, not really to interested in that.

I'm thinking more towards the 9500 Pro, mostly due to the prices :-\. Otherwise, the 9700 Pro is what I would like.

Let me put it this way, is the 9700 Pro worth a extra $200.

 

[Bakan]

Hey all, after reading your comments, I went out looking at cards.

CompUSA: $400 for a 9700 Pro. Decided to look at some other places.

Best Buy: Walked in, went to their cards, saw one being offered for $340ish. Said it was pre-opened, so took a look. NONE OF THE CONTENTS HAD BEEN OPENED!! I quickly bought the card, went home, and installed it without a problem :-D :-D :-D

Just wanted to say thanks for the advice/comments there.