buying suggestions, just got massive credit for Ti4600!

[shiyan]

I got a massive amount of credit for my ti4600.

Discussion for it here (http://forum.oc-forums.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=230765)

In short, the RMA procedure took 11 months for a card I bought at 323 pounds, and I am now getting 269 pounds for it, which is more than fair.

Now I need to shop! :D

Advice welcome.

With my credit I could get:

Connect3D 9700 + 512MB PC3200 (presently 256MB PC2700) £281 combined
Connect3D 9700 + Audigy2 OEM (presently IT7 onboard sound) £275 combined
Connect3D 9700 + Enermax 460w (presently crap 300w) £282 combined
Connect3D 9700 + 80GB HD (have 3x WD1200JB in 2 systems) £271 combined

or
Connect3D 9800 Pro £294

or
Sapphire 9800 Pro £319

or something quite different for some dual AMD action:
MSI K7D Master + 2400Tbred + 2x Akasa Silver Mountain for £291

I have 2 systems, 1 for home, 1 for uni.

Home:
Abit IT7, P4 2.26, 256MB PC2700, 8500LE, 2x WD1200JB, generic 300w PSU, Prommy.

University:
MSI K7T266 Pro2, 2400+, 512MB PC3200, MX400, WD1200JB, Enhance 460w, real cheap a** case

I have a good 5.1 speaker system being unused at home, I forgot the name, I think it is Cambridge Soundworks DTT3500.

Edit:
relisted the prices so it's less confusing. sorry about that Cheesy Peas.

Here's a like to their site (http://www.vgicomputers.com/acatalog/catalogbody.html) to make it easier.

[Cheesy Peas]

Connect3D 9800pro + Enermax 460w, gotta be worth the extra £25 for the card, and that psu will keep your system stable with that high power card.

[shiyan]

sorry for the confusion...

the 9700 Pro's price is not actually 10 pounds more than the price of the 9700, but the combined price of the 9700 and PSU, or 9700 and RAM etc.

I should have provided a link to their site (http://www.vgicomputers.com/acatalog/catalogbody.html)

[dropadrop]

I think it should either be the 9700 or 9800 pro. I don't like enermax powersupplies anyway, so I'd close that out of the equation. If your current powersupply can't hack it, look at a fortron with 120mm fan. You'll save money, have a more silent product and end up happier! ;)

[LtBlue14]

9700 and PSU

[OC Noob]

9700 and 430w Antec true power or 400w Forton/Sparkle.

Forget Enermax. People always seem to think they are good PSus, but they aren't much better then the generic junk you can get.

Unfortunatly, I bought one and it just did have the juice to power an overclocked system and a 9700 pro.

[Silversinksam]

Hey Bro, I have a better idea for you, don't pick any of those cards you mentioned, the Vendor your using offers a ATi Sapphire Radeon 9800 Pro 128Mb AGP Graphics Card for £271.49

Yes its a few dollars more but Saphire makes many of the Built by ATI cards for ATI.


I would recommend a Non Pro Saphire 9800 (NOT THE SE VERSION) to you but they apparently dont have them.


I can't advise you pro or con about the Connect3D cards since I dont know much about them, but look at it this way, you waited 13 months because of a bad card in the first place, do yourself a favor and try not to repeat this craziness and get a name brand card that has been performing well for people.

Just my .02 cents

[shiyan]

Thanks a lot for the info and the support Silversinksam!
you're simply the best, better than all the rest .... (bursts into song)
I will definitely go with Saphire then.
Hopefully they can get me the non pro Saphire 9800.
The Pro version costs 319 pounds including tax, which is a tad under the 323 pounds I paid for the Ti4600. Cool.

[LtBlue14]

hope your 300W generic doesn't crap out on you!

[shiyan]

Originally posted by LtBlue14
hope your 300W generic doesn't crap out on you!

I will put the card in my university computer which has the Enhance 460w. Should be alright.

Uni will start in two weeks, so I won't be home very often.