Need recommendations for a video board

[frankbaird]

I am looking for a video board in the $200 price range. I am partial to ATI boards since I have read (and it is my experience) that they produce better text than nVidia boards. I like to play games (am anxiously awaiting for HL2 but will probably never play Doom3), but office work is more important (hence the text comment). I would describe this system as a Best Bang for the Buck Home System.

I'm thinking an ATI 9800 Pro or XT. So what I'm wondering is:
1. Is it worth it to get with 256 MB vs 128 MB?
2. Is it worth it to get XT vs Pro?
3. Why do so few reviewers recommend ATI boards anymore? Most of the reviews I see show ATI and nVidia very close to equal in performance.

 

[Fern]

Hi Frank and Welcome to the Forums!

I'd say a 9800pro, 128MB. Just make sure it's a 256bit card.

I don't think the extra price is worth it for 256MB of ram, or the XT version.

I think the XT is only about 10% faster than the pro. My pro runs at XT speeds with no problems anyway.

The 256MB of ram is prolly useful for Doom 3, but certainly not for text. As for HL2, well can't say as the game is not yet out.

Anyway, my pro handles Doom 3 fine, I expect the same of HL2.

My .02

Fern

 

[PrayForDeath]

185$

 

[CHfan4ever]

this $185 card is a good choice

 

[frankbaird]

Thanks so much for the help. This was one of the cards I was seriously looking at. Thanks for helping me solidify my decision. Anandtech reviews and forums rock.

 

[gobucks]

I'd say, wait until half life 2 actually comes out. ATI has just reduced the 9800 Pro's official price to $249, from $299, and since they are usually available well below that, at around $200, I imagine there will be a further lowering of prices, possibly to around the current price of a 9700 Pro. Also, the 6600GT is supposed to be available on AGP within a couple of weeks for $200, and this card can outperform a 9800XT. When HL2 comes out, if the 6600GT is nowhere to be found, then go with the 9800 Pro, hopefully for like $160-170, but if there are 6600GTs available, that will be THE card to get for $200. Also, I don't anticipate the 9800 Pro holding a serious advantage in HL2, it seems that the astounding advantages of the 2 companies in their respective games (DOOM3 and HL2) seem to only occur in current generation hardware, such as ATI's X series and nVidia's 6 series. Anyways, I'm sure you will be happy with either card, but out of the 2, the 6600GT will be a better value, as long as it's available as expected.