ATI 9800P 128 or 256?

[MechaWyvern]

I'm wanting to buy a 9800 pro, and hopefully flash it to an XT. However, should I foot the extra cash for the 256mb card, or just get the 128mb? I want to run Doom 3 at 1024x768 at least. My system specs are in sig. Thanks for any help.

[Avg]

I'd get an 6800nu instead of an 9800pro 256mb, and nvidia will give you better performance in doom 3.

[dicecca112]

if you are dead set on the 9800pro then I would make sure that it is 256bit. The memory size won't really make a difference, but with Doom III I would get the 256mb of memory. But the key is the 256bit.

[HousERaT]

if you're on a budget go with the 9800pro 128mb and flash it to xt....

[xTrEmEoVrClOcKr]

For the 9800 pro, the 256mb version got 1fps slower than the 128mb and it cost a lot more. I would get the 256bit, 128mb 9800 pro. Hope that helps.

[iwillburnbush]

DOOM3 is gonna like the extra memory though... It's up to you, the only performance increase you'll see is in doom3 probably.

[MechaWyvern]

Would this card be a good choice: http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-102-361&depa=1

Its a little outside my budget, but can swing it :)

[jeeteeare]

I'm running Doom @ 1024x768 on High detail with NoAA right now, getting no lower than 35 fps in major firefights. :attn:

AMD Athlon XP 2600 (2.4ghz)
1 gig Corsair PC 3200 DDR400 (420Mhz)
ATI 9800 Pro 128mb (432/375) :attn:

[HousERaT]

Would this card be a good choice: http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-102-361&depa=1

Its a little outside my budget, but can swing it :)

nothing wrong with that card.... although I haven't been able to justify getting the 256mb pro.... I just haven't seen enough of a difference between that and the 128mb card......

[Senater_Cache]

well for one, the 256mb version (saphires in perticular) are built with the XT PCB whereas the 128mbs are almost always built with the Pro PCB.
The XT PCB is identifyable by the different placememns of the voltage regs and a heatsink covering them. Also the un-used soldering strip for that add-on pcb thing is a dead give-away. It runs paralell to the bracket.
That said, your chances of flashing to an XT are much greater with the 256mb version because it actually is an XT (PCB wise) with most likely a R360 core underclocked and ****tier mem.
hopes this helps

SenC

[HousERaT]

well for one, the 256mb version (saphires in perticular) are built with the XT PCB whereas the 128mbs are almost always built with the Pro PCB.
The XT PCB is identifyable by the different placememns of the voltage regs and a heatsink covering them. Also the un-used soldering strip for that add-on pcb thing is a dead give-away. It runs paralell to the bracket.
That said, your chances of flashing to an XT are much greater with the 256mb version because it actually is an XT (PCB wise) with most likely a R360 core underclocked and ****tier mem.
hopes this helps

SenC

Well actually if this about two months ago I'd probably agree with you, but pretty much all the 9800pros that are being made now are on the xt pcbs with the r360 core. Mine was one of them and for all intensive purposes my pro is an xt (right down to the bios) with the exception that it has 128mb of ram. A month from now you probably won't even be able to find a 9800pro of any size with the "old" pro pcb & r350 core. ;)

[Senater_Cache]

ohh, well that is good news then my friend. Thanks for keeping me updated.
I guess I can now go ahead and get the sapphire 9800pro 128 with peace of mind.

SenC.

[HousERaT]

It is luck of the draw still but many people are recieving the r360 core on the xt pcb... there are still a few of the old 9800pros out there..... so beware... but if you happen to get one of the new ones..... ITS ALL GOOD.;)