HIS Excalibur 9800Pro

[xbassman]

I think it's finally about time to upgrade from my onboard GF4-MX graphics.

NewEgg has the HIS Excalibur 9800 Pro for $239 and I am thinking this is the one to get.
Looking many different places online I have seen users saying that it has the R360 core of the XT. Some are saying that it is better because it runs cooler and others saying that it doesn't overclock as high.

Actually the main thing I like about the card is the VGA cooler. The price difference doesn't seem to be much different than buying another 9800 Pro and installing the Arctic Cool myself.

Just looking for a little input from you guys.
Here's the system it will go into:

Abit NF7-M
Athlon XP 2500+ @ 3200+
1 GB Dual Channel
True Power 430
etc.....

Thanks!

 

[Moonlapse]

I say go for it! I just received mine last week, w/ the r360 core. I haven't flashed it yet, but I plan on doing so in the near future. As for OC'ing, I've gotten mine up to 432/378 without any artifacts. You could get the Sapphire 9800pro for 30 less and buy the VGA separately and pay about 5-10 bucks less, but the difference is so minimal that you might as well buy the HIS.

 

[AristoV300]

Just make sure you get the 256 meg version. Be careful buying Sapphire cards, I have had nothing but bad experiences with them.

 

[Moonlapse]

Yah, make sure you buy the 256-bit. But as far as I know, HIS only makes a 256-bit version of their card.

 

[xbassman]

Originally posted by: AristoV300
Just make sure you get the 256 meg version. Be careful buying Sapphire cards, I have had nothing but bad experiences with them.

The HIS is a 128MB 256bit model....
Here's a link....HIS Excalibur 9800 Pro

 

[Bucksnort]

I have the HIS and it is a quality well constructed card. Anyone that says it doesn't oc as well is ignorant and uninformed and speaking from total inexperience. The card is worth every cent. You will not be disappointed.

 

[xbassman]

(UPDATE)

Well I just bought it.
NewEgg has some refurbs in stock for $185.99!

Here's a link -> HIS 9800 Pro

 

[Bucksnort]

You are crazy if u buy a refurb. I guarantee you it was returned by some punk that tore off the vga silencer to see what core it had and no telling what else.

 

[xbassman]

Originally posted by: Bucksnort
You are crazy if u buy a refurb. I guarantee you it was returned by some punk that tore off the vga silencer to see what core it had and no telling what else.

Well, If it wasn't NewEgg I probably wouldn't. and if that is the case I'll send it back.
Remember any time the original box is opened on an electronics item, it can only be sold as refurbished. Even if it was never used.

Looks like I wasn't the only one... They are sold out now.