Image Quality: 5500 vs Geforce vs Radeon

[hoang473]

I would like first to say that I don't post very much to this board but I do read it on a regular basis.

I am in need of a faster video card to replace my current g400max.

The one true point that I will purchase on is the 2D & 3d image quality. I want the clean, crisp, and color image that I have been pampered with my g400max. However, I do want greater speed performance too, that is why I need to upgrade. I mainly do 2-D stuff at 1280x1024x32bppx85hz on my viewsonic gt800 21" monitor. Sometimes I go to 1600x1200 when I need to do some image editing. I would like the opinions of those of you that own a 5500, geforce, and radeon that run at this resolution on a good quality 21" CRT. Which one is closer to the g400 in terms of 2d quality.

I play lots of different games, however fps is not the major selling point for me. btw, I run in win2k. Also, don't evalute the cards based on drivers for the OS. It really doesn't matter if there is some loss of performance based on drivers. To me that is

Any help would be greatly appreciated my fellow cyber citizens.

Hoang

 

[Looney]

Well, instead of reiterating and regurgitating the same drivel over and over, you might want to just scroll down and read some of the threads (you claim to read this board on a regular basis).

 

[Deeko]

I've been under the impression that the V5's was the best, but that's just from word of mouth, I've never seen the other 2.

 

[hoang473]

Yes, that is correct. I have read the numerous threads regarding the different video cards. However, my point of concern was the 2d image quality at 1280x1024x32x85hz on a 21" viewsonic(.25mm aperture grille) of the varying video cards. I am willing to choose the video card with the best 2d visuals for lower 3d fps. Its strange how this point is not very important to some people on the bbs, even though they are on these boards quite often

Hoang

 

[RoboTECH]

I haaven't seen either card on a 21" monitor, only a 19"

the Radeon and 5500 look outstanding, the GTS looked crappy.

 

[hoang473]

robotech: Was that at the 1280x1024 resolution that you've seen the two cards in action?

 

[Taz4158]

The image quality of the Radeon is outstanding in 2D AND 3D. Had the G400MAX and they are almost identical image-wise.

 

[CandyKid]

I went through the same dilema... here is my summary of the situation..

Geforce's is the fastest but the quality is considerably worse then the radeon and the voodoo5.

So then you have either voodoo5 or radeon... The 32 meg ddr radeon might not give you the speed you are looking for so then you have to consider the voodoo5 and the 64 meg radeon. I haven't seen the radeon but people on posts have led me to believe the quality is better and is a little faster... However you can get the voodoo5 for $130 and the 64 meg radeon is approx $270. Everyone i know is very happy with the voodoo5 including myself and at that price it's a great deal.

Is it worth that extra 140 is up to you.

finally the 2k driver support is better for the voodoo5... But, ati will prolly improve in the near future...

Hope this helps

 

[RoboTECH]

1280 and 1600 resolutions

 

[DominoBoy]

<< &quot;the Radeon and 5500 look outstanding, the GTS looked crappy.&quot; >>

Yep, I agree with that. The Radeon and Voodoo5 both look much better than the GeForce. The Radeon has the best 32-bit 3D, and excellent 2D. The Voodoo5 has the best 16-bit 3D, and very good 2D as well. Sadly, my GTS doesn't have the best of anything. Blah.

 

[hoang473]

Thanks alot for the info guys! Based on this information, I think I am going with the Radeon 32 ddr. The reason is basically EYE CANDY. You guys stated the 2d is the best with great 32bit 3d. Enough for me. I can only hope that ati will do a MUCH better job with with drivers for their new flagship video card. I will say this though, there are many of us that don't care about the highest fps. Most of us want an overall good card with excellent features for the money. I am purchasing this card at nutrend for $150 shipped! Hopefully this card will last me 4-5 months until I go back to the promised land.........G800!!!!!!!!!!sorry.....

Hoang

 

[Taz4158]

A very good decision. You will not be disappointed.

 

[Envelope]

I have a 64 MB Radeon VIVO and a 32 MB Geforce 2 GTS. The 2d on the Geforce sucks. The Radeon has awesome visual quality.

 

[Edgy]

A word of warning on Radeon:

Radeon + trinitron AG monitors (especially 19+ size) = possible problems

There was extremely helpful info on www.rage3d.com radeon forum where a guy was actually corresponding with ati to fix this issue if you want to check.

btw, I own radeon aiw w/kds trinitron 19 inch w/no prob at all.

gluck

 

[MrPOOF]

Hi there hoang473. You will be very happy with the Radeon. It is an excellent card and does many things very well. Since you were asking about image quality, I just want to tell you that it's superb. It's a great card for gaming but it's also got beautiful DVD playback too. Good luck with your decision and I think you will be very happy.

 

[HappyGamer2]

I have a voodoo5 and 32 MB DDR Radeon, both are nice cards but for gaming i prefer the voodoo over the radeon, speed is close in most games, graphics quality is close in most games, but overall the voodoo5 has beter graphics quality 2d and 3d (16/32bit, fsaa or nonfsaa).
plus the voodoo has less graphics issues.