Goodbye to nvidia

[RyanRichard]

Hello everyone. I’m new to the recent scene of graphics cards, and I made the mistake of purchasing a nv 5600. It doesn’t even run at the specified speeds, so its broken, and its going back to NewEgg. I’m going to see if they'll credit me towards a purchase of a new card...because im not going back to the broken NV cards.

I have seen a few deals for ATI 9600/9600pro/xt and 9800se.

I know that the ATI cards, specifically the 9800np / p, are wonderful but my friend and I are on a budget.

I would like to know what you all would recommend. We have a budget of about $170, and are looking at the 9600's and the 9800SE.

Some people have told me the 9800se is crap, but I do not know.
And also ive read a bit on softmodding, so i may be leaning towards the 9800 se.

Any suggestions will be GREATLY appreciated, as this card is going to be going back soon, and we are going to purchase the next card within the week.

Thanks for your time.
-Ryan

[fazz33]

i would go wit the 9600pro or xt, or if you can look for a 9500pro, or 9700pro. the 9800se softmodding requires the 9800se to have 256bit ram otherwise or wount work, so i dunno but i wouldn't take chances like that.

[RyanRichard]

Looking at the card specs for the 9800se by saphire, they say it has the 256bit memory modules. It has the lil BGA chips instead of the longer ram youd see on other cards.
http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/14-102-303-06.JPG

Its the exact same price for the 9600xt.. so i dont know its worth the risk to get the 9800se.

[fazz33]

hmm ic its ur call, i think if it does have 256bit mem id think thats great, but id ask around about the 9800se.

[james.miller]

"256bit memory" doesnt refer to the size or shape of the ram, rather it's how the ram itself is arranged. That card you posted to has all the ram in a single line therefor it is a 128bit card.

256bit cards have the ram arranged in an "L" shape around the core.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/james.miller700/pics/128_256.jpg


At the top is the 128bit arrangement, at the bottom is the 256bit.

[RyanRichard]

Ok, so even if the site says its 256bit
http://www.sapphiretech.com/vga/9800se.asp

Becasue its in the I shape instead of L its 128bit :confused:
Sorry im new at this and trying to get all the details :)

EDIT:: N/M i finished reading the stickied thread, and now i know that it really isnt as advertised. :rolleyes:

But there still is a chance that the core can utilize all 8 pipes.
Still deciding if i should choose it over the 9600xt though

[fazz33]

it can only if its a 256bit one i think because then u could flash 9800 bois or something like that...i think

[Shade00]

No, it doesn't have to be a 256-bit PCB to enable the extra 4 pipes. They all use the same core, just different memory layout. If it softmods, you'll get a sweet card... it'll be a 9800/9500 Pro hybrid. I'm not sure whether to recommend the 9600XT or the 9800se, though... that's a tough choice. The 9600XT is a fast card. I would probably choose the 9800se because I like the risk. :)

[fazz33]

ic, well anyways the if you do get 9800se RyanRichard it should still preform as good or probably better than the 9600pro though im not sure about the 9600xt, my 9600pro is probably faster than the 9600xt right now its at 490/340, well in the end any of these cards should preform better than the 5600

[Kenshiro]

You are unlucky to receive a defective card. The FX5600 is a lousy card in the first place. You did say that you have a budget of around $170. Personally, I will recommend the XFX FX5900 non ultra 128MB. It is a great card and newegg is selling that for $199 w/ free shipping. I do hope that 1 defective card does not change your mind about all other Nvidia manufacturers and products. There are many people out there thinking that Nvidia has problems running directx 9. But currently, there is no 100% directx 9 games. Nvidia has been improving the drivers and people are running games better than before. Who knows, by the time directx games are out, the problems are probably gone.

If you still have doubts about nvidia, then go for the ATI9800 non pro. Circuitcity is selling that for $250. Its around $80 above your budget, but it is way much better than the 9600pro/xt and will blow them away.

[micamica1217]

Originally posted by Kenshiro
There are many people out there thinking that Nvidia has problems running directx 9. But currently, there is no 100% directx 9 games. Nvidia has been improving the drivers and people are running games better than before. Who knows, by the time directx games are out, the problems are probably gone.


the problems with the FX cards with PS2.0 and VS 2.0 are hardware related.
in no way shape or form, can any driver help the performance while maintaining high IQ standards.
that's why with the new drivers, you'll get a performance increase...
yet at the same time, you'll get:
missing shadows, missing lighting, AF and AA is reduced with out your control, "bri-liner" filtering in all DX games.
this even can lead to missing objects in some games(Halo, Aquanox/Aquamark).
be prepaired.....if it's happening right now with DX8/9 hybreds, it's only going to get alot worse once full DX9.0 games hit.

mica

[Th0r]

You have a very good point, Nvidia was caught cheating once again with the drivers earylier this month... Go with ATi as they have good Direct X 9 support, i will always say ATi unless Nvidia stop being idiots and make better hardware and stop cheating with the drivers....

[RyanRichard]

id like to thank everyone for their help, i really apreciate it. Im going to get the 9600xt. ive poked around enough reviews to get the idea about it. I just dont think my friend is quiet ready yet to risk doing a soft mod :P

Thanks again :D
-Ryan

[fazz33]

good luck with the new card :)