Voodoo 3 Or Ati Xpert

[littletemple]

I was wondering which one of these cards, voodoo 3 16MB, or the ati xpert 16mb, would be better for 2-d? Also, is there really much difference between the ati xpert cards like the xpert 2000, the pro, and so on? It will go on an ECS k7S5A board. I think all I need is 16MB since I don't play any games right?

 

[Raincity]

The ATI expert has slightly better 2d and better DVD playback versus the Voodoo 3 has better Open GL support and is faster. Do you slightly game or flat out dont play any games. No gaming = Expert, Slight gaming = voodoo 3

Rain

 

[littletemple]

Absolutely no gaming. Then I don't need the extra memory to 32MB right? Would 8MB work? Like the ati xpert 98?

 

[Raincity]

<< Would 8MB work? Like the ati xpert 98? >>

Sure will and and is already supported in Win2K and XP.

Rain

 

[littletemple]

Will there be much of a difference between 32, 16 and 8mb?

 

[Raincity]

In 2d, nope no diiference.

Rain

 

[vss1980]

I DO NOT recommend the ATI xpert 98 (8MB card) as it uses the Rage Pro chipset.

The Xpert cards which have 16MB and 32MB use the Rage 128 / 128Pro chipset which is much better than the old Rage Pro.
The 3D is much faster and more capable on Rage 128 based cards and has better 2D abilities also.

Also if you can, make sure the xpert card uses the newer Rage128 Pro chip as it slightly faster than the original Rage 128 and has a few extra little features like texture compression support and is generally less buggy.

 

[littletemple]

Oh, i see. I'm only looking to spend about 30 bucks or so. I'll see if there are any 128 ati cards out there and compare their prices. Thanks!!

 

[littletemple]

Is the xpert 128 or the xpert 2000 better?

 

[vss1980]

The Xpert 128 has 128-bit memory interface, while the Xpert 2000 only has a 64-bit memory interface.

In other words, the Xpert 128 should be faster under heavy load (like a 3D game like Quake3).

 

[littletemple]

<< The Xpert 128 has 128-bit memory interface, while the Xpert 2000 only has a 64-bit memory interface.

In other words, the Xpert 128 should be faster under heavy load (like a 3D game like Quake3). >>



I checked ati's website and it says that the Xpert 128 and the xpert 2000 used the same 128 bit ati rage memory interface. Are they wrong?

 

[vss1980]

Check this comparison page on the ATI site.
It clearly shows the Xpert 128 having the higher bit-path.

 

[littletemple]

Are there drivers for Win XP cuz I only see W2K drivers? I wonder if I will perform right under XP preferrably but I might have to go back to W2K.

Oops never mind, I found them. Do any of you guys know if the XP drivers are good?

 

[vss1980]

Compared to the Voodoo3, I think you should be much better off in XP with ATI as they are still doing driver development work for XP where as 3Dfx died quite a while ago.

Edit: As for how good the drivers are you may want to check the forums at Rage3D or another ATI enthusiast site.

 

[littletemple]

Thx for all your help. I think I'll grab myself the ati 128.