Radeon GFX specs help

[Emultra]

I'm getting a 9800. What I want to know is which model is the best to get, the regular one, Pro or XT?

Also, could you provide the 'correct' specs for the graphics card, so I don't end up ordering some "Lite" version with a cut bus, memory, pipelines or anything? I'd like to get the real deal.

Final point: should I go with AGP or PCIe? I am buying a new mobo as well, so I need to know.

 

[Todd33]

Pro or XT, 128MB or 256MB RAM, just get the 256bit memory - No SE, no "Atlantis"

 

[HappyNic]

you can always just buy a built by ati version. With that you will for sure get the normal specs.
You best bet is the 9800 pro. You don't really need the 256mb, just 128 mb should be enought.

 

[Fern]

Hi Emultra,

Here's the ATI Site which provides a table with the specs for the 9800 series. "Pro" is core 380, mem speed 680. "XT" is core 412 and mem 730. Both are 256 bit mem interface.

AFAIK, the 9800 series is AGP only (no PCI-e)

Fern

EDIT: the PCI-e "equivelent" of the 9800 pro is the 6600GT. This comes in both PCI-e and AGP and is a bit faster than the 9800 pro/XT. If you're getting a new mobo, may wanna check out the price/availability of the 6600GT in PCI-e. IIRC, you're in Sweden, but here in the US the 6600GT (PCI-e) might even be a little cheaper than the 9800 pro. Again, the 6600GT is faster than the 9800 pro too.

I say "equivelent" because they are near the same in price. The 6600GT is an nVidia card, not an ATI card, though.


Fern

 

[Emultra]

I see, thanks. Would a mobo that supports (sports? ) PCI-e be cheap enough, relatively speaking, that it doesn't offset that advantage?

I'm trying to find a US store that ships here, and I've yet to do that...but what with the difference in pricing as well as the dollar course, it has to be worth the trouble.

So the Atlantis is a softie version? Even if it says it's a Pro?

 

[biostud]

XT are AFAIK very overpriced atm.

 

[Todd33]

Atlantis = 128bit Pro

PCI-e is not worth the hassle, the interface itself is not going to lead to any gains right now. You would only switch if the card you wanted was PCI-e only, like the X700.

 

[Emultra]

So the Pro is the way to go, then? What about modding?

 

[Fern]

Originally posted by: Emultra
So the Pro is the way to go, then? What about modding?

For me, the only modding I do is a bit of an OC by using software (Rage 3D Tweak) to up the core/mem speeds to those of an XT.

Many peeps also install aftermarket cooling to help them OC more. If one has a 9800 Pro with 256MB of mem and finds they have the r360 core (which is the newer core found on an XT) instead of the r350, the BIOS can be flashed to get the higher XT speeds and IIRC the on-board temp probe.

Fern

 

[Emultra]

So it's a random thing? About getting the core, that is. I guess it's safest to simply get a Pro, I'm not planning on overclocking since I'll probably give the card away when I upgrade the next time.

 

[Emultra]

Oh, just one thing, 128 or 256MB?

 

[Fern]

I'd recommend the 128MB version unless you can get the 256MB without paying much of a premium.

Fern

 

[Todd33]

Originally posted by: Fern
I'd recommend the 128MB version unless you can get the 256MB without paying much of a premium.

Fern

Ditto. It's not worth an extra $40 or whatever they try to charge.

 

[Emultra]

The cheapest 128MB version I've found, that ships here, is $250 without shipping (Crucial brand video card). The anandtech gaming price guide showed a price that was a good deal lower than that. Do you think that's acceptable anyway?

By the way, what's up with the insane skyrocketing of the video card prices I see in the price search? Plus [anything from $20 to $100]? I thought older cards like the 9x00 series would drop in price after the X800 and such were launched.

 

[HappyNic]

why don't you try checking the for sale forum,, I'm sure you can fine it for cheaper than thei Crucial brand. $250 is too much for a crucial ati 9800 pro 128mb.