How long will a Ti4200 128mb last me?

[Armageddon415]

How long will it be good for before it gets outdated, also is there any point to a Radeon 8500 128mb? Currently I have a XP1600@2100 with 512mb pc2700 and I dont intend to upgrade for a while. I wasn't even planning on upgrading my current ti200 except that it started acting up on me.

Also I have no intention of o/c since my room temp is usually at least 85 degrees

 

[Varun]

It should last a couple years before it's just too slow to use anymore. Good idea getting the 128MB card because new games are using more than 64MB of video RAM. It will play all the current games at great framerates and should easily play next years games at good framerates.

Plus they overclock well (at least mine does) so if you ever get a cooler room...

 

[Dulanic]

Get the MSI or Leadtek 4400 IMO, their only an extra 20-30 extra $ over a 128MB 4200.... a 128MB 4200 memory is clocked at 444 (or something close to there) where as the 4400 has a default clock of 550 on the memory. You just cant beat a 4400 for $185 IMO. I have the same setup as you... a 1600+ running at 2100+ speed.. 1.75Ghz with a 166FSB.... I just got the MSI 4400 and Im very happy with the purchase. I used the GeForce DDR I had before it for around 3 years.

 

[Ranger8P]

I've used a Rage Fury MAXX for four years and just within the past month it started to become too slow. I mean, I can play NWN on it(Barely) So if you push it you may get three or four yeras. By then, Radeon 9700's should be selling for about $50.

 

[AnAndAustin]

GF4TI are the best bets for price/perf and lastability at the mo. 4200-128 are very wise but as said you may find 4400 cards cost little more, although you shouldn't consider raising the 4200 default clocks as o/c'ing as like the GF3TI200 before them they are intentionaly clocked low in order to sell the more profitable cards, most 4200-128 get from 250/444 to 285/530 with very little effort and often exceed 4400 speeds if pushed.

In any case the GF4TI cards are currently your best bet, Rad8500 like GF3 have capable perf but are hurt by the inferior perf GF4MX and Rad9000 respectively. Rad9700 is awesome, but expensive too, will devalue rapidly and by the time the speed and features truly become useful there will be faster, cheaper and better cards out anyway! The gfx card market is going at quite a pace so you may find even 2 years a little optimistic for a GF4TI, but then you should find it will sell on well in 6-12 months time and you could spend a little extra on the next best price/perf card.