Upgrading from onboard

[Shenlon]

I'm going to be upgrading to an actual stand-alone video card as the onboard from my 845PE mobo just isn't cutting it anymore. I've pretty much narrowed it down to either a Ti4200 or 4400 as the cheapest most economical alternatives. I am not looking for insane FPS at 1800x1600 resolution, just want something that will take some of the load off my mobo. Which is the better option?

 

[nick1985]

4200 OC'ed to 4400 speeds.

 

[Lonyo]

Ti4200 will most likely easily overclock to 4400 speeds, so go for the Ti4200.

 

[Shenlon]

I am not going to OC the card that I buy, so if I am buying used should I spend the extra time and try to get a 4400 for as close to 4200 prices as possible? Or just find the first one that is close to my budget and buy it?

I'm also wondering how a Radeon 9600 Pro compares to a 4200/4400? Please let me know your recommendations.

 

[dclive]

Originally posted by: Shenlon
I am not going to OC the card that I buy, so if I am buying used should I spend the extra time and try to get a 4400 for as close to 4200 prices as possible? Or just find the first one that is close to my budget and buy it?

I'm also wondering how a Radeon 9600 Pro compares to a 4200/4400? Please let me know your recommendations.

They're pretty similar; I'd lean towards the cheapest - 4200s are cheap these days. I'd suggest walking over to www.tomshardware.com, going to the VGA/Video Cards section, going to Dec of last year's VGA Report III or something like that, and you'll be able to see exactly how the cards perform.

 

[Cerb]

If AA & AF are important, get the 9600 Pro.
Otherwise, the 4200.
The 4400s still aren't worth the price; and seriously, overclock it.