Upper-range video cards worth the $ in the end?

[Stug]

Hi, I posted here yesterday about the difference between a Radeon 9500pro and 9600pro, but some people have brought me to consider another option. I was initially only planning to spend around 150-175 on the video card, but I think I can afford to go 200-250 or so, if I decide it would be worth it. Right now, the options are a Sapphire Radeon 9600pro ($150), an ATI Radeon 9700np (~$225) and an ATI Radeon 9800np (~$250). My question is, though, would a 9700np or a 9800np last me significantly longer than the 9600pro (as in significantly enough to warrant spending another $75-$100). I am also looking to upgrade the rest of my computer, so I'm looking for the best bang for the buck here. It might also be worth considering that I only have a 17" monitor which in only capable of 1280x1024 (and while I plan to upgrade to a 19" eventually, that will be after I purchase cpu, ram, mobo, and video card). I realize that the 9700np and 9800np will undoubedly give me better performance, but will they last me long enough to be worth my money? (and if so, should I go 9700np or 9800np?)

 

[Lonyo]

I'd go for the 9800 non-pro, it's about the same as a 9700Pro card, and if it's cheaper, its a good deal, especially if you overclock it to around 9800Pro speeds (should be possible), in which case it'll be one of the fastest cards you can get It'll last too.

 

[Stug]

Will it last significantly longer than the 9600pro, though? I'm just a high school student, and although money does burn a whole in my pocket, I need to upgrade other parts, too. I'm not a super-heavy gamer, but I'm looking forward to a lot of new games coming out soon (Doom3, HL2, SW: KOTOR, Deus Ex 2, etc)

 

[pelikan]

I say 9700np would be the minimun reasonable upgrade. You can find them for $200. if you look around.

 

[themanwithapc]

The 9800np is the one to go for. The extra $25 you pay for the card may become apparant when you try to overclock it, as it can be pushed to 9800 pro levels.

As for your initial question, IMO it will last significantly longer than a 9600 pro. Plus, even though there is a $100 difference between the cards, if you can stretch your budget and afford it, then why not?

At the end of the day, it really is your call. If you want to enjoy good quality graphics and a card which outperforms anything on the market, get a higher end card (Radeon 9800pro or fx 5900 ultra). However if you just want to 'run' your games on your pc a fx 5200 will do that....

 

[1ManArmY]

Doom III will not be available for release in 2003, sorry to break the news, not going to happen.

 

[themanwithapc]

Originally posted by: 1ManArmY
Doom III will not be available for release in 2003, sorry to break the news, not going to happen.

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: 1ManArmY
Doom III will not be available for release in 2003, sorry to break the news, not going to happen.

I don't know about you guys, but I'm going to play Doom III multi-player on Aug 16, 2003 at the biggest LAN party.

 

[DaveSimmons]

Originally posted by: JackBurton

Originally posted by: 1ManArmY
Doom III will not be available for release in 2003, sorry to break the news, not going to happen.

I don't know about you guys, but I'm going to play Doom III multi-player on Aug 16, 2003 at the biggest LAN party.

Yes, but that's going to be only the multiplayer part, no single-player

Not that I'd turn down a chance at the MP gaming if I were in the neighborhood

 

[pelikan]

Getting back to the subject here, it would be a tough choice between the 9700pro and 9800non-pro. The 9800 core will probably clock higher, but the memory on the 9700pro will clock higher for sure. In my testing I've noticed that memory clock has almost as much impact on performance as the core.