I don't think you'll go wrong with a $225 9800 Pro @ NewEgg, but if you insist on buying one of the next-gen barn-burners, then consider a $115 9600 Pro @ NewEgg or a $50 used GF3/8500 in the FS forum.
I'm impressed that you can buy a new 9600P for $115. That's a pretty decent price for a midrange card, and a better buy than a $120 5600U (v.2). ATi has a nice price split between mainstream and enthusiast performance with $120 9600P's and $225 9800P's, and nVidia offers a compelling alternative in between both with a $175 5900.
Edit: The A64 is generally a few fps faster than a P4 now, but it should be even faster later on. Valve said you'll see a 30% speed boost with 64-bit code. I believe Epic (UT2K3) said the same thing. You'll need a (probably not free) 64-bit OS to reap this bonus speed, though.
I'm impressed that you can buy a new 9600P for $115. That's a pretty decent price for a midrange card, and a better buy than a $120 5600U (v.2). ATi has a nice price split between mainstream and enthusiast performance with $120 9600P's and $225 9800P's, and nVidia offers a compelling alternative in between both with a $175 5900.
Edit: The A64 is generally a few fps faster than a P4 now, but it should be even faster later on. Valve said you'll see a 30% speed boost with 64-bit code. I believe Epic (UT2K3) said the same thing. You'll need a (probably not free) 64-bit OS to reap this bonus speed, though.
Facebook
Twitter