9600 PRO memory issue

[jonesthewine]

Yesterday, a new Gigabyte 9600 PRO 128 MB arrives from Newegg, advertised as 400MHz core/600MHz memory...the core runs as advertised, but the memory runs at 400MHz (200 x 2) and my question is, is it worth it (performance-wise) to RMA the card for the 600MHz memory?

The card is used in my kids computer, has passive cooling stock, and pushes a 17 "LCD. Primary uses include web-surfing, gaming on a 7 year old level and DVD watching.

Will the slower memory decrease performance significantly?

Thanks for all replies.

 

[Avalon]

If your kid is just playing basic games, neither of you will notice a difference at all between the memory speeds. I'd only RMA out of principle at this point. Hope this helps.

 

[dguy6789]

It will decrease performance significantly, however, if it is on an old pc, the card even at 400mhz mem would be fast enough to play any old game.

 

[LTC8K6]

Yes, the memory will slow the card down a lot. A 9600pro should have 600Mhz memory. It's likely just a bad description from Newegg. That model card probably only has the 400Mhz memory.

The passively cooled Gigabyte card you say? If so, it has 500Mhz memory, not 600Mhz, and Gigabyte had to release a BIOS update that downclocked it to 400Mhz to keep it stable. I'd send that back and get a real 9600pro. You'll have to do more homework than just looking at Newegg's description to make sure you get the correct card.

Those descriptions can be way off, and I wouldn't rely on them no matter what you are buying.

 

[mastersommelier]

the card is being RMA'd..thanks for advice.

(same person, different account at work)