Warm: NEW Radeon 9500NP 128mb "9700" for $117 shipped

[Avalon]

Don't know how I stumbled upon this, but I did. Basically, these are brand new Connect3d Radeon 9500 128mb non pro cards, with 256bit memory. This is where I got my card from, but before they dropped the price from $149 to $117. I can't believe they still have these...not many people must buy them 😛
Well, from my experience with Connect3d and these cards, I've been somewhat satisfied...I've gotten three of them. Two softmodded without a hitch, and one of them came with Hynix 3.0ns ram. The cards seem to perform the same as other brands, and I've noticed nothing wrong with IQ. If you're willing to take a gamble, here's a brand new Radeon "9700" for you, or maybe even a pro if you OC it. Mine OC'd to pro specs quite easily. Make what you will of that. Correction, shipping is free if you choose USPS or UPS ground. Nifty.

http://www.connect3d-us.com/store/c3d_catalog.aspx

 

[PinchyCM]

if i'm not mistaken, don't the 9700s have 8pipelines?

 

[Killrose]

Originally posted by: PinchyCM
if i'm not mistaken, don't the 9700s have 8pipelines?

Yes. I guess these are the 256bit mem bus "L" shapped configuration 9500np with 4pipes only. These are the ones capable of hard/softmodding to a 9700 by enabling the other 4pipes. I have (1) that modded perfectly and (1) that did'nt (though it is running as a 9700 because of minimal artifacts only in some games)

 

[Killrose]

Also the 256bit mem bus 9500np will thrash a 128bit mem bus 9500np in all apps and perform almost as well as a 9500pro.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Killrose: I assume that you mean even without softmodding to open up the additional 4 pipes? interesting. That could still be a decent card then, even with 4 pipes, almost like a 9600 Super-Pro-XT model.

 

[elkinm]

I think this is old. You should be able to find a 9700 Pro/NP in that price range right now. The 9500 NP might softmod to 9700 but it not guaranteed and probably will not happen as any that did softmod have been taken unless these are brand new which I doubt.
And if it does not softmod then a 9500 Pro or 9600 Pro/XP would be much better performers.

 

[UltraWide]

It says on the site they are brand new...

 

[Killrose]

Originally posted by: VirtualLarry
Killrose: I assume that you mean even without softmodding to open up the additional 4 pipes? interesting. That could still be a decent card then, even with 4 pipes, almost like a 9600 Super-Pro-XT model.

Yes it is still a decent card often passed over because of all the press the 9500pro got. The site lists these as 128bit mem, but say's "L" shapped mem pattern which contradicts the fact that these have a 256bit mem bus. I have seen benches between 128bit and 256bit 9800se's and the 256bit handily beats the 128bit configured one. Never seen an article pitting the two 9500np against each other, but the outcome would be the same i'm sure.

Even if it does not mod successfully, it is a decent price for a new one.

 

[Avalon]

Like I said, I've boughten three of these, and they are ALL 256bit memory bus cards. They are also brand new. Even without softmodding, these cards will in all likelihood equal or beat a 9600, due to the 256bit memory bus width. You just happen to get the added bonus of getting to see if 8 pipes work. It's not bad, since most 9600 pro cards are already in this price range. It's just something to think about.

 

[amheck]

Originally posted by: elkinm
I think this is old. You should be able to find a 9700 Pro/NP in that price range right now. The 9500 NP might softmod to 9700 but it not guaranteed and probably will not happen as any that did softmod have been taken unless these are brand new which I doubt.
And if it does not softmod then a 9500 Pro or 9600 Pro/XP would be much better performers.

Where might one look for a 9700Pro for around that price? I'm in the market and trying to find the best bang for the buck, without spending $200 for the 9800Pro.

Aaron

 

[Falloutboy]

Originally posted by: amheck

Originally posted by: elkinm
I think this is old. You should be able to find a 9700 Pro/NP in that price range right now. The 9500 NP might softmod to 9700 but it not guaranteed and probably will not happen as any that did softmod have been taken unless these are brand new which I doubt.
And if it does not softmod then a 9500 Pro or 9600 Pro/XP would be much better performers.

Where might one look for a 9700Pro for around that price? I'm in the market and trying to find the best bang for the buck, without spending $200 for the 9800Pro.

Aaron

just watch the refubrs at newegg I got a 9700np for 110

 

[Avalon]

I'm typically finding refurbs for the 9700 pro are closer to $125, and the card brand new, if it can be found new, is closer to $150. There's a chance you could find a used 9700 pro for $100, though. Check the FS/FT forum, or eBay.