Hey everyone,
I'm creating this post with the intent of hopefully figuring out which graphics card I should buy for my new computer. First off, I don't want to spend more than $130 (CAD) on a video card, and from what I've read / heard, ATI seems to be the top choice over comparable Nvidias.
The two cards that caught my eye include:
- Asus A9550-GE Radeon 9550 128MB DH Video Card w/TV-OUT, Retail $100
- Sapphire Radeon 9600 PRO Advantage 128MB DH Video Card w/TV-OUT, Retail $132
From what I gather, here are the specs for the two cards:
- Radeon 9550: 250/400/128bit
- Radeon 9660 Pro Advantage: 400/446/128bit
Now, in my reading, I've come across that the 9550, the 9600 and the 9600 Pro are all based on the RV350 chipset. I also have come across mixed feeling on the overclockability of these cards (either via some software tweaks or by flashing the 9550 with 9600 firmware -- if that's possible).
So.. here's where I need help: Should I get the Radeon 9550 and can it be easily overclocked to run at faster speeds (comparable or better than default 9600 speeds) OR should I get the 9600 Pro Advantage for $32 more, and again, explore its overclocking potential.
Please NOTE that I don't plan on buying any fancy fans or heatsinks for my vid card. If overclocking the card will cause a significant increase in heat or cause any other potential damage to the board, please advise me as I won't bother going down the overclocking route). I just figured that since they're using the same pretty much everything, it sounds like the 9550 is just an underclocked 9600, and with some tweaking, it could run at its full potential.
That's it from me. Thanks in advance for your opinions,
Matt
I'm creating this post with the intent of hopefully figuring out which graphics card I should buy for my new computer. First off, I don't want to spend more than $130 (CAD) on a video card, and from what I've read / heard, ATI seems to be the top choice over comparable Nvidias.
The two cards that caught my eye include:
- Asus A9550-GE Radeon 9550 128MB DH Video Card w/TV-OUT, Retail $100
- Sapphire Radeon 9600 PRO Advantage 128MB DH Video Card w/TV-OUT, Retail $132
From what I gather, here are the specs for the two cards:
- Radeon 9550: 250/400/128bit
- Radeon 9660 Pro Advantage: 400/446/128bit
Now, in my reading, I've come across that the 9550, the 9600 and the 9600 Pro are all based on the RV350 chipset. I also have come across mixed feeling on the overclockability of these cards (either via some software tweaks or by flashing the 9550 with 9600 firmware -- if that's possible).
So.. here's where I need help: Should I get the Radeon 9550 and can it be easily overclocked to run at faster speeds (comparable or better than default 9600 speeds) OR should I get the 9600 Pro Advantage for $32 more, and again, explore its overclocking potential.
Please NOTE that I don't plan on buying any fancy fans or heatsinks for my vid card. If overclocking the card will cause a significant increase in heat or cause any other potential damage to the board, please advise me as I won't bother going down the overclocking route). I just figured that since they're using the same pretty much everything, it sounds like the 9550 is just an underclocked 9600, and with some tweaking, it could run at its full potential.
That's it from me. Thanks in advance for your opinions,
Matt
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