Is there a big difference between the ATI AIW 7500 and AIW 8500?

[mcveigh]

Thinking about building a windows only box, and wanted to try an AIW card, but don't want to spend a fortune.

 

[rbV5]

There is a considerable difference in performance. That said, I went for the AIW 7500 for half the price, I guess I just can't see buying the latest gen card knowing it will be cheaper in a couple months.
Bottom line:
If you need the best frame rates in the newest games or can use the firewire port...get the 8500dv
If you need a great gaming card with an excellent feature set at a great price point...get the AIW 7500.

I'm a happy camper with mine, currently running 6052 drivers w/MMC 7.6, about 5200 on 3dmark 2001SE, capture highest quality mpeg-2 IBP frames without dropping frames, play all my games in high resolution ( 1280X960 or better) works for me.

 

[mcveigh]

would the 7500 be as good as my current GeForce2MX for games? (I only play RTCW)

 

[PCHPlayer]

The AIW 7500 is clocked slower than the AIW 8500. In addition the 8500 has a digital tuner where the 7500 has an analog tuner. The 8500 also has a firewire port.

Since I just got finished playing RTCW I can tell you that in 1024x768 with everything on I would get frame rates from about 65 to 100. I ran the RTCW benchmark (which uses multi-player) and got 85 fps, but I don't remember what the setting were, so take that number with a grain of salt. These numbers are with the latest official drivers.

BTW, I really like mine. Having an extra TV in a house with 3 kids is priceless.

 

[adlep]

They say that R7500 is as good as GeForce2Ultra and Ti in 32 bit color..
so, hmm it will crush the GF2MX.. even my original RADEON DDR will, since it competes agains GF2GTS...

 

[mcveigh]

<------drooling over new 128MB 8500 AIW

but I think I'll get the 7500