Tell me straight out.....

[HydroStream6]

I am thinking of upgrading from my GeForce 2 GTS 32MB to a Radeon 64MB VIVO card. I want the vivo feature mostly. But, how much speed will I be losing here? There are no straight out benches between the cards with all the best drivers. I don't care about 3DMark, I don't care about 16bit. All I want to know is how many (if any) fps will I lose in Quake3 at say 1152x864, 32bit, all details and everything maxed.

 

[DaveB3D]

It is really a waste to switch right now. Just save your money and wait for the next gen.. they are very close...

 

[Pocatello]

I agree, wait for the Radeon II or when the GeForce III becomes more mainstream.

 

[Taz4158]

<< I am thinking of upgrading from my GeForce 2 GTS 32MB to a Radeon 64MB VIVO card. I want the vivo feature mostly. But, how much speed will I be losing here? There are no straight out benches between the cards with all the best drivers. I don't care about 3DMark, I don't care about 16bit. All I want to know is how many (if any) fps will I lose in Quake3 at say 1152x864, 32bit, all details and everything maxed. >>


It sounds like you're a very good candidate for the Radeon. The NV20 is likely to be $550-$599 so really unless you want to spend that kind of money what's the point in waiting? The only SEMI recent review comparing the two is a 32 meg Radeon versus the GTS at HardOCP. Speaking as one who switched from the GTS, both 32 meg and 64 meg versions, I can tell you that the Radeon was the single finest upgrade I've done in over 20 years of using computers. Of course you can find nVidia people who'll feel the same about their cards. The ideal thing to do would be to compare the cards side by side.

 

[RobsTV]

Have you thought about adding the Elsa ViVo module to your Creative card? Don't know if it's possible with the Creative card, but as long as your card can be flashed with the Elsa Bios, and has the correct connector, then it should work. The module is around $30, if you can find one.

One reason why it might be a good idea to wait before upgrading to a card with more features is price.

Once the new nVidia and ATI cards come out, the current crop should drop in price, so you'll benifit even if you don't get the latest $300 - $500 card.

 

[Ferrari]

I aggree with Taz4158. I upgraded from a Geforce2 64Mb DDR to a Radeon 64Mb VIVO and I was REALLY impressed. At the resolutions I play at (1280 x 1024 x 32) the Radeon is much faster than the Geforce2, it has better visuals, and those ugly 2D shadows in Windows are gone.

The only thing I hate about it is that the ATI Video-In software crashes in Windows 2000, so I can't use that feature until ATI releases the newest drivers and a Multimedia Centre that actually works in Win2K.

 

[BenSkywalker]

I definately agree with Dave here. Two weeks until NDAs are lifted on the next generation, at the very least you can wait for the price drops.

 

[HydroStream6]

Hmmm, well thanks for the opinions folks. Looks like I'll be selling my GF@ when I get home from vacation on Tuesday and buying a Radeon 64MB.

I have thought about the vivo module for my GTS, but I hear the Radeon looks so much nicer, plus I won't have to flash the bios and risk the card.

As for upgrading later on, I'll probably just upgrade again to either a GF3 or a Radeon 2, depending on if I like the new Radeon over the GF2

Reguards

 

[Taz4158]

<< Hmmm, well thanks for the opinions folks. Looks like I'll be selling my GF@ when I get home from vacation on Tuesday and buying a Radeon 64MB. >>


There's lots of support here. If you have any issues feel free to PM.

 

[oldfart]

I'm not sure where you plan on getting one. If you are a B&amp;M kind of guy, CompUSA has them for $180 after $30 rebate.

 

[Sunner]

I agree with RobsTV, once the new cards start showing up, the current high end cards will drop, so no matter if you actually get the NV20 or RadeonII you'll save some money.

 

[HydroStream6]

A guy on the for sale forum has them for $168 shipped..... retail packaging even

Thanks

 

[BlvdKing]

That $$$ thrown out the window. It's definately your right......