Vid Card: Best Bang for Buck??

[Presti_is_god]

Hey,

Im looking to upgrade my graphics card as well as mobo and cpu.

I was just wondering what video has the best performance to price ratio. Ive heard 9600xT is good for its price.

My budget for the card is around the $300 mark.

Thanks

 

[topdon]

I haver a ****ty budget card atm (Geforce FX5600) and am looking to upgrade. So i do have some interest in this thread.

 

[Joel]

LOL, I've still got a Voodoo 3 3000 (got one when they first came out), so I think I'm in need of an upgrade too.

 

[mighty mick]

can someone just answer the question im upgrading so the info could help?

 

[nonchalance]

Radeon 9600XT is going to be a good bet for around $300.

Computerworld has the 128MB version with TV out for $300, or the 256MB version with TV out/DVI for $315.
My suggestion would be the 256MB version: http://www.cworld.com.au/info.php?ID=114086

A lot of older games do have compatibility issues with ATI, but that's getting less frequent, and they are very good cards.

 

[Presti_is_god]

Thanks guys.

a 9600XT looks like the one for me.

 

[topdon]

I've heard that the FX5900XT is becoming known as the "most bang for the buck" videocard out there!

http://www.cworld.com.au/info.php?ID=114604

$355 seems okay.

 

[Presti_is_god]

Originally posted by topdon
I've heard that the FX5900XT is becoming known as the "most bang for the buck" videocard out there!

http://www.cworld.com.au/info.php?ID=114604

$355 seems okay.

It is a good price but the fact is that it probably takes up 2 PCI slots and is like having a BBQ in your computer.

 

[SydneyBomber]

Go the 9600XT for that price range.

Don't waste your money on the 256MB version though - 128MB is ample, and the extra memory really makes VERY little difference.

I'm with Presti on the FX5900XT - too big, noisy and hot IMO.
Not too mention that it has (comparitively) crap integration with DX9.

 

[nonchalance]

Depends what you're doing with it, SB - 128MB is ample unless you're a hardcore gamer who wants to turn all the options up or somebody doing graphics work.

If I was spending $300 on a graphics card, I would not settle for 'ample'.

 

[SydneyBomber]

Originally posted by nonchalance
Depends what you're doing with it, SB - 128MB is ample unless you're a hardcore gamer who wants to turn all the options up or somebody doing graphics work.

If I was spending $300 on a graphics card, I would not settle for 'ample'.

If you were a hardcore gamer, you wouldn't be buying a midrange card like this then would you?

If you WERE a hardcore gamer, you would be better off spending extra $$$ on a higher rated card (9800 XT etc), than worrying about 256MB (on a 9600 XT etc), as the higher processing power advantages FAR outweigh any minimal gains from the extra memory.....

 

[Presti_is_god]

I'm hardcore but also poor.

 

[nonchalance]

That was my assumption.

People who want a lot of 'bang' out of their video cards tend to be gamers, and I know that many gamers can't afford the top-flight cards.
An extra $30 is usually possible.
An extra $200 is not.

 

[topdon]

I've decided on the FX5900XT. Have read some good reviews.

http://www.chipzilla.com/?article=13727


vs 9600XT
http://www.driverheaven.net/reviews/XTs/index.htm


Got my FX5900XT for $315 @ MSY (http://www.msy.com.au)
Pricelist: http://www.msy.com.au/Parts/PARTS.pdf

They're cheap and excellent service. Have a good rep!

 

[topdon]

This review makes me comfortable with my decision ...

http://www.hardcoreware.net/reviews/review-192-9.htm

 

[topdon]

Originally posted by SydneyBomber
Not too mention that it has (comparitively) crap integration with DX9.

What makes you say this? Its a relatively new card! It was brought in to surpass the 9600XT as it was show its main competitor, the FX5700 Ultra, wasn't up-to-scratch. The FX5900XP outperforms both. You may as well pay the extra $30.

There are ATI fanboys, then there's Nvidia fanboys. Everyone has their own story to tell. But i thoroughly did my research, and found the FX5900T to be the best bang for buck gfx card on the market.

Pick mine up tonight! Can't wait to give this FX5200 the boot!!!

 

[SydneyBomber]

Originally posted by topdon
What makes you say this? Its a relatively new card! It was brought in to surpass the 9600XT as it was show its main competitor, the FX5700 Ultra, wasn't up-to-scratch. The FX5900XP outperforms both. You may as well pay the extra $30.

There are ATI fanboys, then there's Nvidia fanboys. Everyone has their own story to tell. But i thoroughly did my research, and found the FX5900T to be the best bang for buck gfx card on the market.

Pick mine up tonight! Can't wait to give this FX5200 the boot!!!

you say 'to ma to', I say 'to may to'...


let us know how it goes.

 

[topdon]

Originally posted by SydneyBomber
you say 'to ma to', I say 'to may to'...


let us know how it goes.

Its workin a treat me man!! Great overclocking results to boot! Getting 500 MHz on the core and 807 MHz memory. Handles the workload quite smoothly. Sound investment. Hopefully don't see any issues with its 'supposed' lack of DX9 support.

Nvidia are on a winner with this one!