Best Card for around $150??

[Mavtech]

I have an option to get a Visiontek Xtasy 9600 256MB for $120 on a warranty trade in. Should I do that or is there a better option for around that price range? How about a Asylum GeforceFX 5600? I haven't purchased a video card for quite a while. Thanks.

 

[Evdawg]

Dont get any of the FX line unless youre getting a 5900NU or above. I suggest a 9600 Pro 128MB version only, the 256mb verion has slower Ram. Or, spend another 50 bux and grab a 9800Non pro... which can be modded to a 9800 Pro. Depends what gaming youre gonna be doing and what your system is... list those specs so we can better help you identify =)

 

[Mavtech]

I guess that would help a little.

P4 2.4 800 FSB
Asus P4C800DX Motherboard
1 GB Crucial Ram
WD 120GB 8MB HDD
Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS
An out of place Cirrus Logic 8MB Video Card (Was a Geforce4 Ti4600 but died on me the other day)

Thanks for your help.

 

[modedepe]

As evdawg said, the 256mb version has slower ram, so I'd avoid it and get a 128mb pro clocked at 300mhz on the ram. And I would only get the fx5600 if it was an ultra rev 2.

 

[xSkyDrAx]

Also avoid the 'EZ' or 'lite' versions of the 128mb 9600 pro

 

[Mavtech]

How about the BFG Asylum Geforce FX 5600 Ultra? They are the old Visisontek aren't they? And they have a lifetime warranty.

 

[JammingJay]

BFG FX5600 Ultra (flip chips) are decent cards. I personally had one myself and the card was relatively quiet (alot more quiet than my PNY TI4200), and the performance is about on par with a Ti4200 with AA/AF off, and definitely faster with AA/AF enabled. Its performance will probably be on par maybe even a bit faster than a regular Radeon 9600, but definitely slower than a Radeon 9600pro.

 

[Mavtech]

Right now I'm looking at the BFG Asylum 5600 Ultra and possible the 5700 Ultra. I kinda like what I have read about the BFG cards.

 

[nick1985]

9600 pro. end of discussion

 

[Mavtech]

I was comparing the 9600 Pro and the 5600 Ultra. Seems the 5600 Ultra has faster RAM and the same speed on the GPU.

Ok, how about this one: I found a Gainward Geforce4 FX 5600 Ultra with VIVO for $150. That would replace all the features I had with my Ti4600. What do you think?

 

[FacelessNobody]

Dude, look at the benchmarks and see for yourself. 9600 Pro all the way. $150 shipped from newegg.com.

 

[FacelessNobody]

Dude, look at the benchmarks and see for yourself. 9600 Pro all the way. $150 shipped from newegg.com.

 

[Pete]

$150 ATi 9600 Pro @ CompUSA, includes HL2 according to the pic in this week's circular (it's hard to see in that shot, though).

 

[hurrikaane]

POWERCOLORPOWERCOLORPOWERCOLOR

If you want a 9600 pro, you'd be crazy not to get the Powercolor make as it includes 2.8ns Samsung ram (as opposed to the 3.3ns stuff everyone else uses).

 

[Mavtech]

OK. Looks like most are leaning towards the 9600 Pro. I'm waiting to hear what Visiontek has to say about the price with my trade in. If its not a good price, looks like I will go with the one from CompUSA.

 

[Mavtech]

I don't know why it post twice again.

 

[McArra]

Go with 9600pro, It's quite faster, specially in DX9.

 

[Mavtech]

Ok. Thanks everyone. I purchased the ATI Radeon 9600 Pro from Compusa for $149 and then I have a $20 mail in rebate. Thanks Pete for the Compusa ad!

If anyone has any last minute suggestions, feel free. Thanks.