Have a video card dilemma, need some help

[jeccleston]

Ok i'm building a New system from scratch letting my system now become my kids computer. Old system is A7V133, XP 900, 512 pc133 ram, and Geforce2 GTS 32 ram and my new system is A7n8x, xp2100, 512 pc2700, nad video card undecided. i was looking at 9700 but i was having problems finding one for sale anywhere so i was checking my other opinions. I found a ASUS 9280TD 128 ram on newegg for 149.99. Well i read abunch of reviews and this card can clock into 4400-4600 range. Well i place my order for that card and 2 hours later they get in stock Powercolor 9700 for 248. Ok first off the $100 dollars IS NOT an issue, i can afford it and i have my wife's permission . I'm trying to justify spending 100 more dollars to myself. How much am i going to gain really. I mostly play games: sports games, online RPG, offline RPG and will be playing Unreal II.

My thinking behind the 4200 is with all the new cards coming out the next few month the prices should be coming down a good bit. I was planning using the 4200 until Xmas then putting the 4200 in my kids puter as an upgrade and looking for a new one for my main rig. I would guess that by X-mas the 9700 pro might be in the 200-250 range depending on how awesome the next set of cards are. What do you guys think of this plan? Or should i just say the heck with it and get the 9700?


Oh yeah i have about 2 hours to decide before the 4200 is shipped.

Thanks
Jon

 

[CurtCold]

Welcome to AT....

"I have my wife's permission..." LOL----->getting permission is a good thing.

What about this option, get the 9700pro, then when christmas comes around get the 9800, or 9900, and give the 9700pro to your kids since money is not an option here.


The dif between the 4200, and 9700 is going to be pretty decent especially with AA, or AF

If your only into light gaming, then the 4200, might be your best bet. Up to whatever you want to do. I would get the 9700pro, but that's just me, especially if you have the dough.

Why buy the 4200 for that price, when you can get the 9500pro for a about $15 more, and it's DX9 ready, plus better performance. Especially with the setup you have. Go for the 9700, for $100 more, you'll be glad you spent the extra money, esp a year from now.

 

[jeccleston]

Ok if i get a 9700 NON PRO i will be keeping that in my system for atleast a yr or so. By me saying money isnt an object i mean the $100 difference isnt a issue but i'm trying to decide which will be better in the long run. Buy the 4200 now then upgrade in december to a 9700 PRO, giving my kids machine the 4200 then. I have the feeling i bet alot of you have here. Coughing up $250 now wondering what $250 will get you in 9 months LOL.

I guess i'm wondering how much of a performance hit am i going to take going with the 4200 vs 9700. Oh i know it will be huge difference but i ahve read a few threads where players are havig issues with the 4200 playing Unreal II. I dont really want issues playing games.

 

[CurtCold]

This might help you make your decision. The 9700 non pro would be a good option, if you know your going to upgrade anyway, and give you great performance. If your wanting to wait to see what $250 will get you in 9 months, then going with the 4200 would be good too. It's up to what you wanna do. Right now, the 4200 is a good bang for your buck card, so it the 9500pro.