Powercolor 9800SE - a worthwhile card or not?

[Gogeta4832]

Newegg has a Powercolor 9800SE refurb for $113
and I'm wondering if that would be a good price to grab a higher end card like that.

I finally got a new job, did some smart selling, and have a little bit of extra cash.

opinions are what I'm looking for.

if you think a 9500 nonpro/pro from here in the
forums for around the same price would
be better, then say so - I'd like to know

 

[nick1985]

a 9800SE is NOT a higher end card. i suggest getting at least a 9700non-pro for that amount.

 

[Gogeta4832]

1000th post!!! WOOT!!!

Nick - is it because of the "SE" tag that you say the card is not higher end??

I used to have a 9500np that softmodded to a 9700 beautifully, but I'm a bit out of the game with the 9800 line of cards - hence the reason for my question.

 

[Lonyo]

If it's a refurb 9800SE, it probably isn't worth it.
Many Powercolour 9800SE's can softmod to 9800's.
9800SE means 4 pipelines are disabled, so it's like the 9500np that softmods.

But if someone has returned it, that probably means it will not softmod, so it's not worth getting.

9800SE is basically a 9500np based on the 9800 core.

 

[Delorian]

Originally posted by: Lonyo
If it's a refurb 9800SE, it probably isn't worth it.
Many Powercolour 9800SE's can softmod to 9800's.
9800SE means 4 pipelines are disabled, so it's like the 9500np that softmods.

But if someone has returned it, that probably means it will not softmod, so it's not worth getting.

9800SE is basically a 9500np based on the 9800 core.

Yeah it probably wasn't softmoddable and was therefore returned. However I got a new one from newegg for ~152 or so and it softmodded fine and OCed up to 410/360(720) just fine. Runs beautifully for the price I paid. I wouldn't buy a refurb model but i'd definitely buy another new one.

$152 - R350 core, 8 pipes, 256-bit, 128mb, 410/720 card = good deal