I AM HAVING THE HARDEST TIME!!

[GZFant]

OK, the big debate on which video card is killing me right now. I have the funds to buy a 5900Ultra and 9800Pro. I really don't feel like putting a new brand in my computer seeing as though I am not that literate when it comes to computer problems. I want to put it in and have it work with no messing around and I think since I have a Ti4600 in there right now, a 5900Ultra is my best choice. What do you guys think? Which brand sells the best 5900Ultra and Non-ultra. MSI? Gainward? XFX? ASUS? I always thought Gainward cards were rock solid but thats just what I always heard.

This is my last post to this subject because I have been picking my brain so hard on what to get and I really need the help badly.

Thanks
AJ

 

[GZFant]

does the (ALBATRON GF FX5900 TURBO 256MB RETAIL) come with the 2.2ns memory? I do not plan on overclocking any of these cards, I just want the card to be the MOST future proof seeing that 256MB will probably be needed here soon............but I don't know, im just a newbie

 

[McArra]

9800Pro 128mb

 

[modedepe]

If it was me, I'd get a 5900 non ultra with them selling for considerably less than the ultra. Although it doesn't have the extra memory, it's hardly ever needed. The only difference between the ultra and the non is a 50mhz core bump.

 

[GZFant]

which brands though? Should I look out for 2.8ns ram? Currently who makes the best line of cards?

This is all so confusing.........

I need this card before Christmas just incase anyone wanted to reply telling me to wait a month for prices.

 

[Mem]

I`ve always liked Leadtek (very good image quality)the best for Nvidia based cards,other brands that are good are Gainward(always seem pricey to me) Asus and MSI,to be honest even brands from XFX and Albatron will be ok.You said you won`t OC,so it comes down to software bundle and price.

 

[Pete]

To be honest, If you go nVidia, after ensuring 2.2ns memory, I'd read reviews to find which card ahs the quietest HSF (heatsink + fan). I'm not sure about the extra memory, but I'd consider paying an extra 10-20% for it, as I detest blurry textures.

As for nV vs. ATi, I'd recommend an ATi card, particularly if you want consistently greater DX9 and AA+AF performance. Still, your best bet is to check out as many reviews with benchmarks as you can, and see which card offers better performance with your preferred settings (AA+AF, with cards like these) in the games you play. You can probably avoid most problems by following the recommendations in most threads on how to properly and fully remove your previous drivers before installing the new ones. I'd imagine ATi cards will show fewer compatability problems from now on, as their cards are now established and selling well.

For $200-220, your choices are a 128MB 9800 from Circuit City, or a 128MB 5900 from an online store. $300 puts you in the realm of the 9800 Pro, and I expect 256MB 5900s may hit that range, too. $400+ brings you the high ground of 256MB 9800XTs and 5900/5950Us. The best price/performance can be found in the ~$200 cards; above that, you're paying proportionally more for each percent performance increase.

 

[nick1985]

Originally posted by: McArra
9800Pro 128mb

 

[GZFant]

http://www.gameve.com/gve/Store/ProductDetails.aspx?sku=VC-ALBA-018

is this a decent card for the price or am I better off getting the 230 Gainward with 2.2ns 128mb?

 

[Camofrog]

i would reccomend the 9800pro its the most reasonably priced for the power, you could allways overclock it to what a 9800XT is if you ever wanted to get into that.

 

[Mem]

I want to put it in and have it work with no messing around and I think since I have a Ti4600 in there right now, a 5900Ultra is my best choice. What do you guys think?

Btw I went from Nvidia to ATi with no problems,infact if you use Driver Cleaner from here and follow the instructions which are pretty easy,you should be fine.

Sticking with one brand limits your options,don`t be afraid to try ATi you might find it surprising in a good way .

 

[TheAudit]

I've always loved Leadtek cards. MSI is another good brand and I have always heard good things about Gainward.

Quick link to some reviews.

 

[GZFant]

Does 256MB of memory help on a vid card? I would like to play at higher resolutions.

 

[Keysplayr]

Originally posted by: Mem

I want to put it in and have it work with no messing around and I think since I have a Ti4600 in there right now, a 5900Ultra is my best choice. What do you guys think?

Btw I went from Nvidia to ATi with no problems,infact if you use Driver Cleaner from here and follow the instructions which are pretty easy,you should be fine.

Sticking with one brand limits your options,don`t be afraid to try ATi you might find it surprising in a good way .

Then again, he might commit suicide from frustration trying to get it to work right and scratching his head saying, "WTF?.... W..T..F..?"
Don't mean to rain on your rosie picture mem. Just have to look at all the possibilities. Not everyone has the "perfect experience"going from Nvidia to ATI and vice versa.

KEYWORD in bold text above...

 

[Corporate Thug]

Originally posted by: McArra
9800Pro 128mb

 

[jim1976]

As someone mentioned before it's not a good idea to be narrow minded , not only with companies but with brands too.
Google it and you will find some brands that might interest you.I always respected the Hercules 3dprophet series for their quality.
If you want my opinion go with the 9800 pro though, it rocks...It seems with DX9 games a little better than my friends msi 5900ultra.(We argue all the time LOL)
I always had Nvidia cards and I was reluctant like you to go with ATI.
But I bought gigabyte 9800pro and I must say I'm 100%pleased to the performance and the quality.
Also no problems whatsoever with the uninstallation of Nvidia drivers and the installation of the ATI ones.
But you decide..

 

[GZFant]

Thanks for all your help, it was really appreaciated!

I found out above all things that it comes down to one thing.......................

Having good friends in High places LOL
My best friend works at best buy and is currently buying me a Radeon9800XT 256MB for 250$ (oh so very very very very very lucky)
I got lucky this time and probably won't the next time around but I HOPE AND PRAY that the transition from Nvidia to ATi goes smoothly.

Thank you so much for all of your help
Im sure ill be back to the forums soon begging more help about monitors CPU etc. etc.

Thanks again!

 

[modedepe]

Wow, you did get lucky!! Hope your transition to the new card goes smooth.

 

[Pete]

A winnar si yuo, GZFAnt. Try to stop by this thread in a few days and let us know how you like the card.