upgrading from a 64mb nv gforce2 to...

[bptwelve]

I could use some insight on several specific q's I have...
I am upgrading from a nvidia 64mb gf2 mx, and after reading through several posts, I am looking at the ati 9700 np. I guess my first question is, can my system handle it / will the improvement of the vid card be hindered by my cpu or will the upgrade be worth it (a noticeable difference)?
spex:
P4 1.8ghz
512mb pc800 RDRAM
Also the 9700 np is 8x agp, my sys is 4x is this a problem?, and if so what other options might I look at? and lastly what is with the different manufacturers of the ati gpu (Sapphire, PowerColor) can they be trusted, or should i stick strictly with ati manufactured cards?
thanks
-B-

 

[Matthias99]

All but a tiny handful of 8X cards will run at 4X speed as well. The 9700NP should have no such problems. It will be a *big* step up, and the rest of your system should not hold it back much, if at all. A better CPU will up your 3DMark01 score significantly, but real-world gaming performance will be fine with an 1800+ CPU.

In terms of other options, you might want to look at:

RADEON 9600Pro -- significantly cheaper (and less powerful), but still a big step up from a GF2. If you're considering something to only last you about 6 months, until next year's cards come out, this could be a very attractive choice. ATI versions come with Half-Life 2 (at least new ones; check on this before buying).

NVIDIA GeForceFX 5900Non-Ultra -- available for around $200, this will offer similar performance to a 9800NP (at least in DX8; the 9700/9800 is better in DX9).

RADEON 9800NP -- Costs more like $250, but overclocking results with this card have been generally excellent. Most will reach 9800Pro speeds, and some go beyond there.

Most third-party ATI cards are fine. They generally use the reference PCB design, although some substitute cheaper memory, so do some research first. ATI cards all have a 3-year warranty, and some other ones only carry a 1- or 2-year one, which is another factor to consider.

Truth be told, Sapphire actually manufactures the "Built By ATI" cards (ATI only produces chips; they contract out their card manufacturing), so it's not like you're getting some knock-off product from them. I haven't heard anything bad about PowerColor.

 

[MDE]

AGP 8X is basically irrelevant, the speed gain over 4x is only noticeable in benchmarks (could amount to ~500 points in 3D Mark 2001).

 

[Pudgygiant]

the AGP port is not a bottleneck, many many tests have proven that. Anyway, back on topic.

Nvidia- Geforce FX's are OK if you really need dx9 support. Otherwise I'd go with a ti4400 or 4600, visiontek or gainward (they give MONSTER oc's)

ATI- If you've got the money, go with the big boy on the block, 9800 pro. But again, unless you really need dx9 support, then step it down a notch to 9700 pro (even NP would be a GIANT upgrade, and would last you for a good 2 or 3 years).

But whatever you decide, DO NOT, I'm warning you, DO NOT ask which is better out of ATI or nVidia. You'll only end up getting a lot of people mad.

 

[modedepe]

A 9700np would be fine. I assume your cpu is an old willamette core, so it would definitely end up being the bottleneck if you went with a 9700.

 

[bptwelve]

Originally posted by: Pudgygiant
But whatever you decide, DO NOT, I'm warning you, DO NOT ask which is better out of ATI or nVidia. You'll only end up getting a lot of people mad.

thnx - I've noticed

-B-

 

[dguy6789]

I recomend a 9600 Pro. They have had substantial overclocking ability and are great performers. they really show there power in dx9.

 

[bptwelve]

hmm, I want something that will last me a few years so i'm thinkng the 9700np. pricewatch.com has a

Sapphire Technology Limited - Sapphire RADEON 9700 ATLANTIS 128MB DDR AGP Powered by ATI 8X TVO/DVI (OEM) 1 yr warranty
Details: OEM ATI RADEON 9700 128MB DDR 8X AGP 8 pipeline CRT+DVI+TVO
for $194

and a
ATI - ONLINE ORDER ONLY - RADEON 9700 128MB DDR AGP Powered by ATI 8X TVO/DVI (OEM)
Details: ATI RADEON 9700 128MB DDR 8X AGP 8 pipeline CRT+DVI+TVO
for$195

any suggestions or comments?
-B-

 

[Pudgygiant]

So do I win? ;-)

Seriously though, it's a good card. I'm a pretty big... um... other unnamed company person (there, that shouldn't start any flame wars), so for me to say it's a good card means a bit...

It may actually prove to be a better upgrade to go with a 9600 pro, sell the cpu, and get a better one, 2.4 or so.

 

[videoclone]

Get a Geforce Ultra i hear there faster then the geforce2mx

 

[Stoerm]

See if you can scare up a 9800 non-pro before you go for the 9700. It really is an excellent card and can be had for only a few bucks more - IF you can find one.

 

[Blaizer2]

97 or 9800; whatever you budget will allow...

 

[MDE]

You can't go wrong with any of the cards mentioned here my skewed performance meter (lowest to highest)

9600 Pro\XT
9700 np\Pro
9800np\Pro FX5900

I'd generally stay very far away from MX, SE, or VE cards, or cards with a suffix other than Ultra or Pro (or nu\np).