New Video Card

[godspeedx]

I have a Geforce4 TI 4200 and I want to upgrade to be able to handle DX9 and games like HL2, Doom3, etcetera. I would go with the GeforceFX 5900 Ultra but I don't want to spend that much. What would be the best card for me?

I've read reviews on the 9500 Pro and the 9600 Pro. From the reviews I get that the 9500 is a little better. Will it perform well on HL2 and those newer games?

 

[modedepe]

Upgrading from a ti4200 to a 9600pro is a waste, imo. A 9500 pro would be a little better, but if you want to see a fairly big improvement you should spend a little more and get something better. I'd recommend a a 9800np for $235 or whatever they're selling for now.

 

[DaveSimmons]

^^^ exactly, the 9500/9600 would be more of a crossgrade than upgrade. Also, you might as well wait until HL2 actually ships (or the bench / demo ship) and see how well it runs on the 4200. By then prices for 9800 np and 9800 pro might drop a little.

 

[Pete]

I'd wait until HL2 is released before buying a card for it, but if you must buy now, Valve members recommend a 9800. OTOH, the 5900 appears to perform better in D3. It's a toss-up for now, as we don't have either game to test.

If you're looking into those games, though, I wouldn't go with less than a 9800.

 

[godspeedx]

Thank you, thank you.