GeForce3 Ti200 DVD playback

[Spike]

Ok, I have been using ATI graphics cards ever since I started building computers (5 years ago) I recently bought a Radeon 8500 from newegg.com and am kinda dissapointed with the 230/460 default speed. I can only overclock it to 250/500 and have it remain stable, and higher and it dies. I am going to RMA it back to newegg as it has started showing artifacts when running at default speeds. Anyway, to get to the point of my question, I am looking at buying the Gainward ti450 golden sample (I guess just a ti200 with a fancy name) Alot of people say this can be overclocked easily to ti500 speeds and beyond. I am wondering, though, how well does it do DVD playback? I would love to get a retail Radeon 8500, but I cannot afford it at this time and I do not want another 230/460 Radeon LELE version from newegg. I am not a ATi fanboy nor will I become a nVidiot, I am just looking for the best card for my money.

If the Ti200 can deliver near as good DVD playback (and 2D quality) as the Radeon 8500 and be overclocked to ti500 speeds, then I will go for it. If not, then forget it, I will pay $4 more and get a regular Radeon LE (250/500 default) from another site. thanks

-Spike

 

[MilkPowderR]

The fact is: No GF3 or any GF lines can compete or wipe Radeon in DVD playback and the rest of 2D features and quality. So don't waste your time and click on the Radeon 8500LE purchase button, it's that easy. Btw, Im an nVidiot. I own GF cards and now I have GF3Ti 200 because I mostly game.

 

[Luke727]

It's true. If DVD playback is your main concern, stick with ATI. I've got the card you're looking at (Gainward Ti 450 golden sample). Even at default speeds it owns you, but ATI owns DVD playback. Get the ATI.

 

[toadstool]

I think you should get a card based on everything you want. I bought myself a Radeon 8500 , and upgraded froma Gefroce 2. I really do not see much difference in DVD playback between the 2 cards. And , to be honest, I found some of the earlier Radeon drivers made the playback look "grainy".

I've upgraded to Win Xp, since and haven't tried running any movies yet, so maybe they will look better now.

But , overall, I don't there is much difference in the look of the DVD's between the 2.

What i DO think the Radeons do better, is the 2d. I think pictures and colors on the internet look better. So, since i'm on the internet a lot, I appreciate the clarity and look of the card.

But on DVD's I didn't see as big a difference.