9700 Pro vs non-Pro Need some help.

[Stephan28]

I've decided that I would like to get a 9700 Pro. Now how do you tell the difference between the two? I know that ATI only made the Pro model and they let the 'other' manufacturers make Pro & non-pro versions. I also know that the main difference seems to be the use of faster and slower memory? Are there any physical differences? Can you tell from a part number? This is the number from a 9700 Pro version according to ATI 100-434003. Are there any particular models that are preferable? I heard something about different revision numbers?!!? I plan on using the board in a Epox 8RDA+ board with an Athlon XP 1700+ or better CPU. Any and all information would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Regs]

Goto newegg.com, search out the vendors under graphic cards and look at the pics between pro's and non pro's.

Like powercolors:

http://www.newegg.com/app/Showimage.asp?style=album <-- Pro
http://www.newegg.com/app/Showimage.asp?style=album <-- Non Pro

Ati's

http://www.newegg.com/app/Showimage.asp?style=album <-- Pro
http://www.newegg.com/app/Showimage.asp?style=album <-- non pro


You also have the "All-In-Wonders" that have all the extras attached that some might not need. Like Stereo TV tuner, and svideo. Does not mean a non-all in wonder has slower performance, just that the all in wonder has more media functionality.

The non-pro also has a slower core clock and ram speed.

I would either buy one from ATI or Sapphire. I heard powercolor uses cheaper RAM and are not very good OC'ers .

 

[Mem]

Are there any physical differences?

I did read that on the Sapphire models the 9700 NP is black while the 9700 Pro is red in colour,I personally would buy the Sapphire 9700, PM Insane3D since he has just received his Sapphire 9700NP card(you should then be able to find out if it`s true or not about the colour difference on the Sapphire models).

Remember Sapphire make a lot of cards for ATi so quality is top notch.

 

Nope, I have a Sapphire 9700 np and the PCB is red using the same fan/hs as ATI. In fact, I think that this is an
ATI board rebranded as sapphire on the box. No difference in pics down to the last resistor.
Anyways, the difference between the pro and non pro is clock speed and mem speed. Nothing more. Nothing less.
I think the non pro core is 275 and mem is 270. The pro, I believe, has a core of 325 and mem of 300. Something like that. Dont quote me on the speeds I may have reversed it on the pro. But that is it.

GM

 

[Pete]

Some early 9700P's had trouble with certain AGP8x motherboards, but that probably shouldn't be something to worry about now.

9700P is 325/210MHz, 9700NP is 275/270MHz. The only difference should be speed, though obviously warranties and add-ins (DVI-DB15 adapter, video cables, games) and heatsinks differ.

 

[Stephan28]

Alright, It seems as if there is no physical difference between the two that can be seen in a picture such as one being sold on E-Bay. I suppose what I was looking for was a way to tell the two apart at a glance so I wouldn't pay for a pro version and get stiffed with a non-pro.

Ok, now for another question. Is it worth it to pay the extra money for a pro version card when I plan on purchasing an OEM version in which I would like to bump up to pro speeds? In other words....Would it just be more cost effective and more intelligent to purchase a non pro model and adjust the settings? I've heard that not only is it possible but it is simple to do. Are there any special tricks needed to do this or can it all be done with software?

 

[Mem]

Here`s what I read about black 9700NP Sapphire,

The Atlantis RADEON 9700 closely resembles the more powerful 9700 Pro with one exception -- it utilizes a distinctive black PCB versus the red PCB used on Sapphire?s Atlantis 9700 Pro card. Apparently Sapphire is using red PCBs? for its ?Pro? line of cards, just like ATI, and the black PCBs? for non-Pro boards.

Link .

As to your question I would go with the 9700NP especially if you`re using any AMD CPU below 2400+ since the PRO version really likes a lot of CPU power.

You`ll be able to OC the 9700NP but like all things no guarantee what results you`ll get.

 

[Pete]

Originally posted by: Stephan28
Ok, now for another question. Is it worth it to pay the extra money for a pro version card when I plan on purchasing an OEM version in which I would like to bump up to pro speeds? In other words....

Compare prices between the two types at reputable online stores like Allstarshop, NewEgg, GameVE, and Mwave, then decide based on the info I gave you above.

Would it just be more cost effective and more intelligent to purchase a non pro model and adjust the settings?

More cost-effective in terms of price/performance, yes. More intelligent in terms of relying on OC'ing to achieve the speeds you desire, not really. But it seems you can be reasonably sure to hit near-9700P speeds with a 9700. OTOH, you can surely OC a 9700P even further.

I've heard that not only is it possible but it is simple to do. Are there any special tricks needed to do this or can it all be done with software?

OC'ing more cards is fairly simple now, as there are even driver sets (like Omega's) that incorporate OC'ing tabs. It's preferable to OC via software, as that's extra protection in case the card starts to malfuntion at that speed--just disable the software. Check Rage3D for more info.

 

[Stephan28]

Mwave seems to have an OEM 9700 for $199 but they don't stipulate if it is a Pro or non-pro version. I have to assume that it is non-pro. The strange thing is that the number that they list as the manufacturers # 100434003 is an ATI number for the 9700 pro. They then give a link to ATI's web site. What gives? I emailed them 2 days ago but they have not replied as of yet.

 

[Kung Lau]

I called. That $199 9700 is a Sapphire 9700 NP. It's still a decent deal imo since I'm trying to stay away from Powercolor ones.