Need suggestions on video cards...

[Greylock]

I've got about $200 bucks ('Merican) burning a hole in my pocket, and think the best way to spend it is upgrading my pc.

Current basics:

AMD Duron processor, 700 Mhz
WinME
640 MB RAM
2GB Virtual memory (1.27 available))
Radeon 7000 video card

I'd like a new processor, but that would be MAJOR pc surgery. Ain't likely to happen. WinME works fine for my purposes, and I'm not a fan of the new software. 640 MB RAM, I'm maxed out for WinME.

So that leaves me thinking a new video card would be the best bet. But which one? Like I said, only got 200 to spend. I'd like to hear about the relative merits of the nVidia GeForce 6600GT, or the Radeon 9800. Folks seem to be keen on the new nVidia, but I'd like to know how it compares to the Radeon.

TNX

 

[Gunslinger]

I would recommend an ATI Radeon 9600XT. It is about the best performing card you can get for under $200.

A few places even have it in the $150 range right now.

 

[Krieg]

Performance wise the 6600GT is the hands down winner. The only thing you might want to take into consideration is power consumption/heat.

The 6600 is going to use more power & generate more heat so if you have a borderline power supply or a case that runs hot you might want to think about it.

To put it in perspective the 6600GT beats Nvidia's last generation top of the line 5950 Ultra in some benchmarks The 5950 Ultra was Nvidia's direct competitor with ATI's 9800XT which is a souped up 9800.

Regarding the 9600xt vs 9800, I would definitely go with the 9800. The 9600 series is essentially a crippled 9800 and the gains performance by going with a faster clock speed.

Unless there is a signifigant price difference between the two (and there doesn't appear to be currently), go with the 9800 over the 9600xt.

Overall if the cost is comparable I would recomend the 6600GT over both right now.

 

[Greylock]

My pc runs hot. How do I compensate for that, with either card?

 

[Cergorach]

You might want to consider a second hand card, I've got a Radeon 9700 Pro and i've seen them second hand for around 150 euro, you should be able to get it for under $200 in the US. The 9700 Pro is around 8-10% slower then the 9800 Pro, but then again i doubt it's available for under $200 second hand. The 9700 Pro outperforms the 9600XT by a mile...

But wouldn't that $200 be better spent on some new hardware like a proc, a new motherboard and some memory (a econd hand athlon XP should be available for that kind of cash)? Now it's like putting a ferrari engine into a trabant...

What do you mean by running hot?

 

[KenM]

Also you have to consider how much wattage your power supply is. Most of the newer video cards reqire at least a 300 watt power supply.
Last summer I wanted to upgrade my video card, but I only have a 220 watt power supply. I did some checking and found out my HP has a propritay power supply. You can't upgrade it with out it being a major hassle. So I got the best card that did not have a power supply wattage on the specs. I got a ATI Radieon 9600XT 128 MB. Love it.

 

[Greylock]

My pc is a Compaq Presario I bought in 2001. The processor and motherboard are built into the case. Like I said, major surgery involved in replacing either. If I was going to go that route, I would need a complete rebuild in a new case. Beyond my means right now.

Runs hot, meaning, I keep waiting for the fan to die and my pc to fry.

The Radeon 9600 sounds like a good possibility, KenM. Thanks...

 

[KenM]

If you get a video card, it will take pressure off your CPU and RAM so it should not run as hot.

 

[Krieg]

If you look on Compaq's support page you should be able to find out the exact specs for the power supply in your machine.

The below link is a comparison chart for the Radeon 7000, 9600 XT & 9800. It might help give you an idea of the differenes between the cards.

FWIW notice the difference in clock speed between the 9600XT (500Mhz) & 9800 (325Mhz). If your machine runs extremely hot the 9800 is going to be slightly more forgiving when it comes to thermal issues (and is a better performer) than the 9600XT.

Regardless of what you decide keep in mind that these are all quality cards and will all give you a noticeable 3D performance boost over your current card.

 

[LightPhoenix]

Unless there is a signifigant price difference between the two (and there doesn't appear to be currently), go with the 9800 over the 9600xt.

According to Pricewatch, the 9800 (256 MB) goes for $173, the 9600XT (256 MB) goes for $128. Of course, that's only the cheapest available price, and getting it from a reliable vendor will probably cost a bit more in both cases. That's also for a Sapphire brand, not an actual ATI card. In fact, the lowest price I can find for an actual ATI Radeon 9800, 256 MB card is $196... and that's with only 72% positive feedback for the site. So it's feasible, if you're willing to spend a little extra to cover shipping and a reliable site.