What's a good upgrade from my GeForce3?

[MDesigner]

I've got a GeForce3 (before all this "Ti" nonsense). It's an ELSA Gladiac 920.. old school! What would be a good upgrade? I'm definitely thinking one of the ATI Radeons..not sure which one though. 9600, 9700, 9800? Pro or non-pro? Not too much $$... I probably don't wanna spend more than $240'ish or so.

Thanks!

 

[DaveSimmons]

Best: ati 9800 non-pro if you can find it
next: nv fx5900 non-ultra $190-230, stock memory speed varies by card from 700 - 850.

a step down:
ati 9600xt
fx 5700 ultra

a bit slower:
9600 pro

 

[MDesigner]

why the 9800 non pro over the 9800 pro? What's the difference?

 

[DaveSimmons]

Originally posted by: MDesigner
why the 9800 non pro over the 9800 pro? What's the difference?

$50-60 If you don't mind spending $300 instead of "$240ish" then the pro is a great card, better than the non-pro.

Just be careful not to get a 9800 SE (slowpoke edition) or some ebay auction where they list a SE as a pro. Reputable vendors like newegg are still selling the 9800 pro (as bulk pack / OEM with no games) for about $300.

 

[MDesigner]

I found the ATI Radeon 9800 Pro 128MB, retail box, for $281. is this a good price?

 

[DaveSimmons]

Originally posted by: MDesigner
I found the ATI Radeon 9800 Pro 128MB, retail box, for $281. is this a good price?

Yes, if the vendor is reputable. Newegg's price for the ATI retail box is $309 with free shipping, so if the other company doesn't scam you on shipping (and you don't pay tax) you'll save around $20.

 

[Pete]

Anything less than a 9600 Pro wouldn't be much of an upgrade. I think a $220 (after tax) 9800 (try for it at Circuit City) is your best bet. A $280 9800P (provided that's a reputable site) isn't as good a price/performance proposition (~15% faster, ~30% dearer). The Pro may OC better, though.