Is an upgrade worth it? (low to midrange cards)

[Brule]

As everyone seems to be dumping their vid cards for the push to nex-gen games, I have an urge to upgrade to their tossbacks. But I'm not sure if it's needed, and hince am asking for some advice. I have a ti4400, 2600+ CPU, 1 gig pc2700 in DC mode, and a AN35-U. (also 19" CRT monitor) I am looking for stability over performance, as I tend to play older titles with the graphics pumped up, hardware at stock speeds. For example, UT2K3 at 10x7 res, details high is the most I push out of it. Other games would be Swat 3 back to Civ2. Of course I like newer demos and would play new games if my system could handle it.

Is there any certain combo of card/drivers that offer great stability while still offering solid performance? I've looked into the 256 bit 9800SE (possible softmod) for DX9 and maybe a bit more stable. I basicly want to move up but not worry about the latest driver wars and tweaks. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thanks. (also not attached to any one brand)

 

[vshah]

whats your budget?

 

[Brule]

Originally posted by: vshah
whats your budget?

Well, prob' less than $200 or the 9800 pro would be the choice. $100-$150 would be best.

 

[Johnbear007]

there isnt anything in that range that would be worth an upgrade in my opinion.

Wait for the 9800 pro to hit 150 or lower, then do that.

 

[Brule]

Originally posted by: Johnbear007
there isnt anything in that range that would be worth an upgrade in my opinion.

Wait for the 9800 pro to hit 150 or lower, then do that.

Yea, that seems to be the best option. The ti4400 is more than holding its own: it'll be a solid card for some time.

Anyone have luck softmodding the newer 256 bit 9800SE's to open all the pipelines? That would be in the range and boost the performance to a 9800np or maybe above? (I don't know exactly)

 

[fbrdphreak]

Definitely the 9800 Pro. If you can find a good deal, go with the 256MB VIVO version (I think they have a 256 with VIVO) for longevity in your case. As you mentioned, you can probly find someone trying to get rid of theirs!

P.S. Long live the Ti4 series! Just upgraded from Ti4200 128MB to BFG 6800GT

 

[dejacky]

P.S. Long live the Ti4 series! Just upgraded from Ti4200 128MB to BFG 6800GT

Congrats how do you compare the noise levels and performance?

 

[Delorian]

Yes, the powercolor 9800 SE I have (R98C3 i think) has 380/680 speeds, 256-bit and 128mb. Identical to a regular 9800 Pro. Mine softmodded fine and got ~5500 3dmark03 scores. ~5800 while OCed to 405/730 with stock cooling and still no artifacts. Artifacts only appeared when OCed to 410/730 or 405/740 or higher. Just need better cooling but the price was right. a 9800 "pro" for $152 several months back was hard to beat.