Question about all these 3D card benchmark scores...

[weirdichi]

So do they really make a difference as to 5 more fps to justify the price difference? Unless you just wanna be the first and the uber geek to get the best stuff, then why would you shell out money for a not-so-significant increase in performance? (I'm assuming this is the casual gamer and by performance I mean increase in fps) I've been outta the video card scene for 2-3 years now, but from what I'm understanding, a TI4200 128MB is about equivalent to a ATI 9600 128MB, with just a slight diff in performance. Current prices on the cards are $101 (4200) and $140 (9600). I'm also assuming that both these cards will play CS2 or Doom3 fine (1280x1024 32bit)? So for the casual gamer who wants the best deal, is the 4200 or the 9600 the better bang for the performance?

 

[Gunslinger08]

9600, hands down.

Not too sure about either playing Doom3 at 1280 though... not even sure about CS:CZ.

 

[hdeck]

between those 2, then go 9600 since it's a dx9 card.

 

[zsouthboy]

the 9600 would be better "future-proofed" against obselecence because of its DX 9 compatibility.

and, of course, it will blow away the ti4200 with AA and Aniso on...

 

[zsouthboy]

Btw, what are your rig's specs? If you have a slower rig it might be better to stick that money elsewhere and purchase a card later, as in closer to HL2 and D3...

 

[xcript]

The 9600 severely pwns the 4200, especially when you start turning on AA/AF/etc..

The ti4200 is more comparable to the radeon 8500 (decently clocked), but it's the better way to go if you're just a casual gamer (IMO).

Later.. :beer:

 

[weirdichi]

Haha.. I still run a P3 700 Slot1, Abit BE6II, 256 PC133 SDRAM, GeForce 1. I was gonna get a new computer in a couple months anyway and this one shall be a hand me down to my brother.

 

[zsouthboy]

You probably will be better off WAITING until you get that new computer, because prices will have dropped even more.. you might be able to pick up a 9700 np cheap then...

 

[weirdichi]

I was planning on picking it up later anyway, just wondering why people are flocking to Radeons when a year ago or so it was nVidea that was kicking butt.

 

[Lager]

9500 Pro owns the 9600 pro.