Quadro2 vs GeForce3 ?

[Pseudopotentials]

I am almost done building my server system and I am trying to decide which video card to invest on. I have narrowed the selection to the following chipsets .. Quadro2 (Gloria2) and GeForce3 (Brand still up in the air). I am running on the Thunder K7 board. So I have AGP Pro availibility. The applications I will run include games, high end 2D, high 3D modeling, but little to no animation unless I start working with working model 3d and autocad 2002 again. I could use some help .. all advice is welcome thanks

Pseudo

 

[QuestionsandAnsweres]

i would get Geforce 3.

 

[xtreme2k]

GF3 + software OpenGL Quadro Hack = you get a Quadro3 DCC for the price of a GF3.

 

[Pseudopotentials]

Why the GF3? not the Quadro2 ... what are the pros and cons to each? .. besides prices and chipsets? ...

 

[ProjectPat]

I agree with xtreme2k, just get the opengl hack, then you get a better card for less

 

[xtreme2k]

Quadro2 is basically a Geforce 2 with some OpenGL functions unlocked and accelerated. Running high end 3d programs these accelerated unlocked functions are what separate the GF2 to the Quadro2 and the difference is major.

GF3, obviously with improvements, when unlocked, will seriously kick the GF2/Q2. But only if you are willing to software unlock the GF3 with "softquadro" so that those OpenGL functions used in high end 3d programs can be accelerated. There you turn a GF3 into a Q3DCC.

If you are willing to use the software hack, DO get the GF3. I am using a GF2 hacked into Q2 and I find no compatibility/stability problems at all and getting speed same as a Q2. Same thing could be done to a GF3.

But if you are running it as a mission critical requirement and in 'office', I suggest u get the quadro. But if you are only using it at home, GF3 + hack.

 

[Pseudopotentials]

Thanks ... any recommendations on a GF3 card?

 

[Athlon4all]

Cardexpert's card is very good, same goes for MSI's Starforce.

 

[QuestionsandAnsweres]

get this one for $299 at newegg

CardExpert / Gainward GeForce 3 64MB with TV-OUT. No VIVO, no DVI. Retail Box.

ONLY $299 + $10 shipping. Thats only $309

 

[Sunner]

The Cardexpert GF3 got very good marks for 2D quality in Anand's roundup, and 2D quality is the single most important thing that actually differs between different brands of GF's.

Aside from that, Elsa and Visiontek are known for their high 2D quality(Visiontek makes Elsa's cards, Elsa merely rebrands them).