9800np or wait for 9600xt...

[em1]

Hi folks,

I just recently bought an ATI 9800np (made by ATI, retail) for $250.00 at Compusa. My question is, should I return it (not open yet) and wait for the 9600xt or just keep the 9800np? I'm having a hard time deciding, would appreciate any advice. Thanks.

 

[Blackroot]

Well according to an article i think on anandtech, the 9600XT out preforms the 9700pro in every way, which would make it a pretty impressive card for 200 w/HL2, it comes out sometime next month, i would say to wait, also with the overclocking if low heat in comp thing, is a nice feature thats only on the 2 XT cards, i myself, am still on my original Geforce 2 mx, and am going to get the 9600XT once it is on the market.

 

[Robor]

Unless something has changed HL2 is delayed until April '04

 

[DoobieOnline]

That's the question everyone wants to know the answer to. Unfortunately, no one can say for sure until we see some benchmarks with the 9600XT. Rumor has it that the 9800np is on the endangered species list and whatever stock you can find is the last you'll see of it. I love my 9800np that I picked up from BB, even with the Infineon chips instead of Samsung. It can easily do 380/320 and that's close enough to the 9800 Pro for me. If you're willing to OC the 9800np even a little bit, I can't imagine the 9600XT will be able to match it in performance.

 

[Blackroot]

the november release date is for the 9600xt, hoping that HL 2 will be near that.

 

[kza]

I bought the 9800np from Best Buy too. I also bought the BFG 5600 Ultra. I'm planning on returning my 9800np tomorrow. The 5600 Ultra is a good enough performer for me. The only game that I play is Neverwinter Nights and the 9800np is just a little faster than the 5600 Ultra in this game so that's why I'm keeping the 5600 Ultra. Also, because the 5600 Ultra was only $105 compared to $240!