ATI 9800 128MB or 256MB for Doom 3?

[Ferrari]

I know it's a n00b question, but here goes: I'm upgrading my computer to a P4 3GHz and I've narrowed down my vid card choices to the ATI 9800 Pro with either 128MB or 256MB ram. For playing Doom 3, would the 256MB vesrion be significantly better than the 128MB version, and would it justify the $100 price increase?

Thanks

 

[aakerman]

There won't be much visual difference in Doom3.. the game would just use uncompressed textures in places it wouldn't before - it's explained in the PC Gamer article on doom3.

 

[blazerazor]

Well, alot of ppl are going to say, What for the game to come out,.... But., I think it doesnt matter...now. In 1-2 years it will be mandatory to have 256 for the precision in games like the new unreal engine due in 2 years. Id go with the 9800p 128meg. There isnt much increase in performance. Id say get a 6800nu if you can. Its 128 meg and Rocks 30% faster than the 9800p. Any thing else (6800gt/x800) is just showing how big your nuts are and how much expendable income you have.

 

[apoppin]

If it is between those two choices and you are willing to spend the extra $65, go for the ATI 256/256MB Pro. NewEgg has it for ~$265 (i got it last month for $223).

I have one and it took 30 seconds to flash it's BIOS into a true 9800XT with ~10% more performance than a stock 9800Pro-128MB in newer games. You will automativally enable the disabled thermal diode and take advantage of the new base core of 418Mhz with automatic O/C'ing.

Just to keep it running extra cool - i added an Arctic-Cooling VGA silencer rev3 yesterday for $11 - dropped the GPU temperatures by more than 10 C.

 

[CRXican]

werd, I have big nuts and income, fear my 6800GT OC

 

[Ferrari]

Thanks for the replies. I've decided to go with the 128MB version (256-bit) since I got a good deal on it, and the deal wasn't available on teh 256MB version. I'm in Canada so unfortunately can't take advantage of the US deals.

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: Ferrari
Thanks for the replies. I've decided to go with the 128MB version (256-bit) since I got a good deal on it, and the deal wasn't available on teh 256MB version. I'm in Canada so unfortunately can't take advantage of the US deals.

Good choice and excent bang-for-buck!

BTW, it can STILL be flashed to an 'XT' although it is more 'limited'.



What If I Have A 128MB Radeon 9800 Pro? (page 13)

 

[blazerazor]

go for the ATI 256/256MB Pro. NewEgg has it for ~$265 (i got it last month for $223).

Lucky you, I saw that too, and unforunately waited, *dreaming of the 12pipe 6800 thats linux friendly for future life after its out of date in 1 yr.* I hate how fast they jack the prices of stuff the second ppl start to buy. You'd think they just sell'um all and make the $$$ fast. I bet on body buys them at new price when you can get a 6800nu for only a few more dollars.

werd, I have big nuts and income, fear my 6800GT OC

If I had big nuts and income, I'd be building a custom chopper : merch Performace engine/trany, paul yaffe frame, jesse james fenders and tank, big ole avon rear tire, house of Kolor paint job, ... etc.

 

[Marsumane]

Good choice on your purchase. I just got the same card for $167. Its definately an upgrade over my oced GF3ti200 lol