Question on Differences between Radeons...

[NorthernSink23]

I am getting a new video card to upgrade my GeForec2MX400. I've narrowed it down o a Radeon 9600 of some sort, prefferably a PRO version. I am not big on overclocking as I don't think 2 extra FPS is a big deal.

I want this card to last me a few years considering I only play a few games: Counter-Strike, Call of Duty, and snood. However, I do do pretty intense photoshop work and designing on AutoCAD.

How well/long will this card serve me, and how good is it in the value department?

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProdu...&description=POWERCOLOR,R96-C3G,&searchdepa=1

I read this particular model from the Anandtech's Christmas list and I think it might be a decent choice. I was hoping to spend a maximum of $200, but hopefully around $150-$170. I really wanted this one:

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-102-246&depa=1

But that is just out of my range.

Here are my system specs:
AMD Athlon Thunderbird 1400 @ 1000 (They run really hot and I don't have enough cooling for it.)
Abit KR7A-133 Raid Motherboard
512 MB of Corsair (CAS 2.5) PC133 DDR (2*256)
Asus V7100 Deluxe (Nvidia GeForce 2 MX 400)
Seagate ST380021A 80.0 GB @ 7200 RPMS * 2 = 160GB
MAG Innovision LT765s
Toshiba SD-M1502
Lite-On LTR-52246S (52/24/52)
Turtle Beach SantaCruz
Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP1
D-Link DFE-530TX+ PCI Network Card
Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer 3.0 USB
Mitsumi KFK-EA4XT

So yes. I'm planning on making the purchase today, unless the local BB doesn't have the exact model I want. Are their certain ones I should look for that have "better" memory or something?

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-102-301&depa=0&section=2 another one?

 

[DaveSimmons]

The $139 card has memory clocked at 400 MHz while both the Powercolor and Sapphire $149 models have memory at 600 MHz, so I'd pay the extra $10. The bundled game you give up (TR:AOD) is supposed to be awful.

A 9600 Pro is an excellent midrange card. The only reason to spend more is if you're sure you want to play Half-Life 2 when it comes out, then it might make sense to spend the extra for a 9600XT with HL2 coupon.

 

[NorthernSink23]

Oh I forgot that the XTs came with HL2 which I was planning on purchasing anyway. WHat do you think of the following 9600XTs on Newegg:

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?DEPA=1&submit=Go&description=9600xt

 

[GTaudiophile]

I bought my retail ATi Radeon 9600XT for $188 from ZipZoomFly.

Ouch, looks like they raised the price since last week.