ATI 9600

[Codyz28]

I am going to put together a system adn wondered if the ati 9600 non pro or 9500 non pro would be any good? I hate to go the xtra bucks for a 9800, and I have no other options but those or gforce, which is outa the question. Thanx.

Cody

 

[GTaudiophile]

What is your budget exactly? You can get a Radeon 9600 PRO for ~$140 at Newegg these days.

 

[Codyz28]

Well the system is an ABS that I am getting, and I know nothing about installing anything. The options for a card are sapphire 9800 pro, 9600 non pro, 9500 non pro, and the rest are gforce. They dont have a 9700 for some reason, and they do not have a 9600 or 9500 pro, which is odd. I also know nothing of overclocking video cards and would be terrified to go into a brand new $1800 to $2000 dollar pc ( which I would like to stay around $1800) and start messing with things I know nothing about. Thanx =)

Cody

 

[GTaudiophile]

ATi Radeon 9500 Non-Pro specifications:

4 Pipelines (compared to the PRO's 8)
128-bit memory interface
Core speed: 275Mhz
Memory speed: 540Mhz (2x270)

ATi Radeon 9600 Non-Pro specifications:

4 Pipelines
128-bit memory interface
Core speed: 325Mhz
Memory speed: 400Mhz (2x200)

My guess is the 9500NP has an edge on performance, but most likely a small one. I have no doubt the 9600NP will overclock much better if you ever decide to do that. The 9600 also runs cooler and does not require the second power connector. Future drivers may also benefit the 9600 more than the 9500. So, I'd go with the 9600NP I think.

 

[BlvdKing]

I just upgraded to the 9600 NP from a Ti 4200 64MB. The performance is about the same except that I can turn on 2x AA and AF without as much of a performance hit like on the 4200. Another added bonus is the passive cooling on the 9600 NP. The 4200 added alot of noise to my case and the computer is overall much quieter.

The memory is 5ns with no room for overclocking on my card. I'm quite satisfied with the performance at stock.

 

[wetcat007]

With the plumeting 9800 Prices, you might wanna consider one of those, there's a big speed difference between them and the 9600's

 

[GTaudiophile]

Originally posted by: wetcat007
With the plumeting 9800 Prices, you might wanna consider one of those, there's a big speed difference between them and the 9600's

He's ordering a machine, and he has to choose. My guess is he doesn't have the $$$ for a 9800 PRO, or that would be the obvious choice.

 

[Codyz28]

Hey thankyou for all your replys! I would realy like to get the 9800 pro, but if I do, I may settle for the lower end P4 2.6 800mhz. I had my heart set on the P43.0 800mhz, but if I get that, I will have to go with the lower end vid card such as the 9600. The 2.8 is only 50 dollars cheaper than the 3.0 on ABS website for the Ultimate X5 gamer, so for $50 more, I may as well get the 3.0. This is the big decision thats keeping me from purchasing my new rig. I hate to go $2100+ for a PC. The more suggestions on this situation the better. Thanx again for all your help. =)

Cody

 

[Codyz28]

Oh another thing i forgot to mention above. Would I be better off waiting another month or two for prices to drop on the ati 9800? I hear they are making a new card like a 9900 if thats even true or not? Thing is I hope my old pc will last that long since it is on its last breath now.

Many thanx!!! =)

Cody

 

[Dolemite76]

go with the 9800 pro and the slower processor... you can always upgrade in a few months when prices are down... the 9800 pro is worth it's money... the 3.0 P4 is priced a little too high for it's performance/price ration over a 2.6 P4, but that will change in the next few months, weeks even... the 9800 pro will scale really well with the CPU upgrade... 2.6 P4 can be overclocked to the 3.0 level and the 9800 pro overclocks very well also... honestly, if they offered a 9600 pro i'd recommend that with the 3.0 P4... but you gotta give and take a little on each end when you don't have better options...