Final PART! ti4200/9500pro/9700pro Can't Decide

[FFactory0x]

Well This is the final part i need to order for my system upgrade listed
xp2100 or 2400+
sk-7
antec 835ii
epox 8rda+
512mb hyperx pc3000


I cannot decide on
Best Buys Ti4200
Radeon 9500 pro
Radeon 9700pro

I want something that will last will give me good performance in the future.
I have enough money for 2400+ and 9700 pro but do i need to spend all that cash.

 

[Pacfanweb]

If you can get it to work right, the 9700 can't be beat. Took me awhile and 2 RMA's from ATI, but mine now works like a dream.

 

[WarSong]

but do i need to spend all that cash

well, that depends on what you plan on doing with the box...

 

[FFactory0x]

I plan on playing games. Im in college. I have lots of time.
Basically it will be to play games, watch movies, surf Anandtech Burn stuff. Encode. My computer gets lots of use

 

[Fingolfin269]

2100+ and 9500 Pro. The 9700 Pro only nets around 10% faster in benchmarks yet it costs like $100 more.

So, if if paying $100 for 10% more performance is what you're into then go for it. I'd personally just use that $100 and buy 2x512 PC3000 instead of just 512.

 

[FFactory0x]

i hear ya. Will 1gb be too much? Also retial or oem. Excaliber or newegg. What a good stepping

 

[Grakatt]

Hmm..the 9700 is a bit more than 10% faster than the 9500 pro, surely ? Since I can't figure out what he is gonna do with 1Gb of RAM if he isn't a 3d-artist or a truly great multitasker, I'd say; if you're gonna spend that money on the extra RAM; don't , buy a 9700pro instead. Of course the smartest thing would be to buy a 9700non-pro, no ? They can usually be clocked to 9700pro stock speeds, and are a tad more priceworthy. Just my opinion, take it with a few bands of lettuce.

 

[sambao21]

how good are the chances of a 9700 np overclocking to 9700 pro speeds? It's mainly the memory difference right? pro is rated at 2.8ns and nonpro is 3.3ns? correct me if i'm wrong.

 

[Grakatt]

Yes I guess it is mainly the memory keeping the Radeon9700np from going as high as the pro can.
As for percentage of oc'ing Radeon9700np-owners getting their cards to pro stock-speeds..I do not really know, but from all i've seen indicated on forums, radeon9700np's generally clock well, even without extra cooling.'
Would be nice to hear actual experience talk though.

 

[Fingolfin269]

I totally disagree. On the system I am currently building I went 9500 Pro and 2x512 PC3000 for the reasons I already stated. I know of plenty of games (mainly mmorpgs) that the more ram you have the better your gaming experience.

I do suppose it would help if you mentioned what specific games you have in mind.

 

[FFactory0x]

UT2k3
cc generals
sim city4
unreal 2
ANY NEW GAME THAT COMES OUT

BTW, is a oem or retail better. Newegg has the 9500 sapphire oem for $178 shipped+
Any other place that is cheaper and has oem or retail in stock?

 

[chizow]

Window is closing for you to get your order shipped today. Better pull the trigger soon.

 

[WarSong]

I think the 9700 non-pro is an excellent suggestion for you. You should be able to clock to Pro speeds or better. Read the user reviews at newegg. As far as the memory goes... I don't think there is a large benefit to having over 512MB yet. But it's nice for bragging rights

 

[Grakatt]

Yeas, coming to think of it, Eq does require a helluva lot of RAM..to say it's a hog wouldn't to it's bristly hairs justice.
All good then that eq is aaggh

 

[Smilin]

Hey bro it's a bad day to buy video cards. I'd say if you are going to buy do one of two things:

1. Get a 9700pro and be done with it.

2. Get a lower end 4200 to get you by until the next round of cards comes out just before Doom.

I would NOT try to compromise. Get the High end or Get the low end (and then wait)...don't try something middle of the road or you'll spend a fair amount of money and then be disappointed in a few months.

 

[FFactory0x]

You right. Screw it. Im gonna go get a Geforce 4 4200. If BB doesnt have it, im getting a 9500 pro from Google gear for $181.

 

[Smilin]

Originally posted by: FFactory0x
You right. Screw it. Im gonna go get a Geforce 4 4200. If BB doesnt have it, im getting a 9500 pro from Google gear for $181.

4200 is not a bad choice at all. I've got a 9700 Pro and honestly it's overkill for 95% of my games That 4200 will run todays stuff great and save you enough money that you'll be able to get a better card than me pretty soon! (Just don't rub it in when you do)

 

[nippyjun]

What about a ti4600. You can get one for under $200 shipped.

 

[FFactory0x]

hmmm. well 4600 or 9500 what to do what to do

 

[Schadenfroh]

4200 128mb is the same card as a 4600 and is a whole lot cheaper. just overclock the 4200 to the 4600 levels

 

[FFactory0x]

all out at my Best buys god damnit. Should i order online????? Or should i just go 9500 pro oem at googlegear for $181

 

[PING]

FFactory0x, use BB's online ordering system that's available at their computer department. PNY's ti 4200 will show up as $79.99, if there's a Compussr nearby. More info is available at the hot deals forum.