Building 2nd computer - what vid card should I get?

Amino · Dec 30, 2003

Hey guys,

Ok, I'm looking at the 5700 Ultra and the 9600 XT. Which one is better and why? I'm sorta leaning toward the 9600 because HL2 is optimized for it, but there are much better looking 5700's, and this computer is going to be all about show.

So I'm in a dilemma. 5700 looks the way I want it to, but the 9600 will run HL2 better (so I hear). Other than the HL2 optimization, I hear that they both run pretty much the same.

Please tell me if I'm wrong.

billobob0 · Dec 30, 2003

Generally, the 5700 gets higher FPS in DX 8 games with AA disabled/at low levels, and the 9600XT gets higher scores with AA turned up, and scores a little bit higher in DX9 games. This leads me to believe that the 9600XT will probably last you a little bit longer, and its generally a few dollars (but not much) cheaper than the 5700U.

Sentential · Dec 30, 2003

The 5700 is a waste of money, for a little more you could get a 5900. The real choice is between a 5900 or a 9600XT. That is a much tougher choice.

If you want something fool proof then go ATi. If you're a betting man go with Nvidia.

BmanG17 · Dec 30, 2003

the 9600xt in soem DX9 tests gains over 3 times the FPS than the 5700ultra, which has horrendous DX9 shader speeds in some games and tests. Go with 9600xt for 150 [minus 50 from HL2] or get 5900 for around 200 also.

9600xt wins in every review i've found so far.

attack · Dec 30, 2003

i think the 9600XT is a waste of money IMO, it's not much better than a 9600p. I would go with either a 5900nu (cuz you can get em for 180 bucks), or a 9700/9800 card (not se though). the 9600 and 5700 both stink for mid level performance IMHO.

Agent_Mull · Dec 30, 2003

How can the 9600 stink for mid level?

Kenshiro · Dec 30, 2003

Sentential said:
The 5700 is a waste of money, for a little more you could get a 5900. The real choice is between a 5900 or a 9600XT. That is a much tougher choice.

If you want something fool proof then go ATi. If you're a betting man go with Nvidia.

totally agree with you. 5700u is a piece of junk. Actually, I did what you said. I bet on Nvidia and got the 5900NU, but for only $176.

The question is what is your budget. If you can stretch $50 more, go for the ATI 9800 pro.

http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0157390

That card will kill all 5900ultra and 9600xt, no problems with DX9, and very close performance to the 9800XT.

Amino · Dec 30, 2003

9600 it is then! I'll probably go for the Pro rather than the XT too. Thanks a lot guys.

Building 2nd computer - what vid card should I get?

Amino

Member

billobob0

Registered

Sentential

Contributing Member

BmanG17

Member

attack

Member

Agent_Mull

Member

Kenshiro

Member

Amino

Member

Similar threads