Debating whether to return my ATI Radeon 9500 Pro for PowerColor 9700 NON-Pro - Suggestions Please

[thatsright]

Okay Please help me decide here (of course this is probably already self evident but..........)

For the record, I'm building a new system with a ABIT IC7 & P4c 2.4GHZ Overclocked to 3.2Ghz and Kingston HyperX PC3500 512MB X 2.

I got a Retail ATI 9500 Pro Video card for my new system I'm building; in fact it's still sealed in the plastic so I could still return it without penalty. I paid full retail price for it, $219, plus tax (haven't mailed in the Rebate yet). Well I was just on NewEgg and I saw the PowerColor 9700 Gold, NON-Pro card for CHEAPER than I paid. Now I'm thinking about returning the Radeon 9500 Pro and getting the PowerColor 9700. (The only annoying thing about this is I would have to wait about a week to put my system together.)

BUT;

1.Does anyone have this EXACT Card on a system like this? What is your experience with it, good or bad?

2. Can anyone say how much more performance I'd get out of the card over the Radeon 9500 Pro?

3. If I do get this card, Can I use the ATI Catalyst drivers for 'Built by ATI' from ATI's website, or is it 'Powered by ATI', or do I have to download drivers from the PowerColor website Only?

4. BTW; I don't play games that much. I will mostly use the PC for Internet, File sharing, CD Burning, Photo Editing, Movie watching and some gaming. But the games I do want to play, are BF1942, Max Payne, UT2003, Enter the Matrix, and a few others. I'd say gaming would consist of maybe 15% of my time, other wise I'd be gunning for a Radeon 9700Pro/9800Pro.

Suggestions/Opinions/Comments please.

Thanks guys

 

[EdipisReks]

if you aren't playing much in the way of games, just keep the 9500 Pro.

 

[adlep]

I would say return the 9500 pro...
I mean even the bare 9700 is more "future-proof" than 9500 pro...
Lol, you will get a better card for $12.00 less than you spend..:Q
And you should be able to bring the regular 9700 to 9700 pro spects easly...

 

[DevilsAdvocate]

Originally posted by: adlep
I would say return the 9500 pro... I mean even the bare 9700 is more "future-proof" than 9500 pro... Lol, you will get a better card for $12.00 less than you spend..:Q And you should be able to bring the regular 9700 to 9700 pro spects easly...

Bingo. Do what the clown says.

 

[selfbuilt]

Although it's hard to argue with price, you might also want to consider if you want any of the extras that come with a retail card. By definition, the 9700non-pro is an OEM card, and I don't know what Powercolor bundles with it (typically not much in most cases). But my retail 9500 Pro came with a DVI-analog converter, several different kinds of video cables, and ATI's full software suite including DVD player. Granted, none of these are earth-shattering by any means (and no guarantees ATI is still bundling them) .... but if they matter to you, you might want to consider it. You also have the value of your mail-in rebate.

As for performance, the 9700non pro will definitely be faster with the eye candy maxed out (i.e. AA and AF cranked up), but not by that much really (max 20-25% or so, at the top end of the range when the cards are really stressed). But at lower or mid-range settings, the cards are really indistinguishable. It also depends on the game ... in many cases, you wouldn't realistically see much of a difference.

 

[kurt454]

I've got the Sapphire 9700np, and I absolutely love it. I say, exchange it.

 

[dfloyd]

Definatly get the fastest card possible. So yes I would go with the exchange and get the 9700np.

 

[Mem]

Well I was just on NewEgg and I saw the PowerColor 9700 Gold, NON-Pro card for CHEAPER than I paid.

A faster model that`s cheaper,no brainer here .

 

[Creig]

The OEM Sapphire 9500 Non-Pro I received from Newegg had everything included. DVI to Dsub connector, driver disc, WinDVD, s-video cable. I'd definitely do the switch. Listen to the clown. Even if you don't need the power of the 9700 right now, it's more than likely you'll need it in the future as games/programs use more and more graphics. You'll thank yourself later.

 

[k1114]

no brainer, get the 9700 non pro! although you might consider spending $46 more to get the sapphire non pro, which newegg is shipping with 2.86ns ram right now (which is a guaranteed 9700 pro when you update the bios)

 

[squidman]

Powercolor is only 30 dollars more expensive...For 256 memory interface? Well, when mobos are quicker, in a year or 3, this card would have its full potential. I just ordered mine 2day!!! So happy! Replace my steam powered GTS!!! Play UT2K3 at highest graphic settings! *sobs of joy*.
To put it in other terms: 9500 Pro is as fast as GF4600, but is more future proof cuz it has DX9 support...9700 non-pro IS SO CLOSE TO PRO (performance wise) that not only its the best bang for the buck, but also is an EXTREMELY fast card!!! 4500 3dmarks with GTS, or 13000+ 3dmarks with 9700 Powercolor? hmm...