What's the difference between ATI 9600np and 9600Pro?

[nasttcar]

I got an ATI 128Mb 9600 non pro video card for $100 last week at CompUSA. I have not opened it yet and was considering taking it back.

However, what is the difference between the Pro and NonPro versions?

I read somewhere that the AGP slots have a special section for Pro versions.

Some educational help would be appreciated.

Thanks, John

 

[Megatomic]

The 9600 Pro is faster than the 9600 NP. That's the only difference AFAIK.

And the AGP Pro slot you are referring to has nothing to do with the "Pro" on the 9600 Pro card. The AGP Pro slot provides the capability of supplying more voltage to professional grade video cards that need more voltage than consumer grade cards. Standard video cards work just fine in AGP Pro slots but the reverse is not always true.

 

[modedepe]

The difference is clock speeds
9600 pro = 400/600
9600 = 325/400

The agp connection on both are the same.

 

[tallman45]

NP's have passive cooling, Pro's all have active cooling except for the Ultimate.

Oc'ing a NP without a cooling fan may not be the best way to go

 

[JammingJay]

Originally posted by: tallman45
NP's have passive cooling, Pro's all have active cooling except for the Ultimate.

Oc'ing a NP without a cooling fan may not be the best way to go

Good to know, I had no idea myself the nps had passive cooling. Thx for the info.

 

[Pete]

$100 is still the best price out there for a 9600, and ~$150 for a 9600P. If you'd like to see a comparison of the two cards, check Digit-Life's 3Digest, or one of their recent Radeon 9x00 roundups. A $100 9600 performs well for its price range, but that may not be fast enough for you (depending on what IQ you're expecting).

 

[Blastman]

9600pro is a good 30% faster than 9600np.