9600xt or OC'd 9800se

[Agent_Mull]

Should i get a 9600xt or a 9800se, flash the bios and OC it?
or i guess what im trying to say is what is the best card for under 200$

 

[El<(')>Maxi]

Hmm, that depends on your chances of getting a good softmod on the SE. If it modded ok, then without a doubt, it would kill the 9600XT.

Otherwise they are probably not that different performance wise <-----------------just an educated guess.

 

[Speed_Mechanic2]

The vast majority of new-production 9800SE's use a 128-bit memory interface. They won't be able to perform on-par with any R3x0 card.

 

[Agent_Mull]

so go with the 9600xt?

 

[tragic_monkey]

if you get an AIW 9800SE it is guarenteed to be 256-bit i say go with the 9800SE, as you have the chance of getting a 9800Pro out of it.

 

[Agent_Mull]

anyone else have any suggestions.

 

[attack]

not to thread jack but I was wondering where you get the 9800se AIW, and does it support dual monitors like the 9600 AIW?..

Anyway my input to your situation would be to get a 9700np or p. If you lounge around newegg refurbs you can score one for around 160, or look for someone selling one used in FS/FT forums. I don't believe the XT's are really worth it honestly. There the exact same architecture, just slightly slower speeds, the advantage over a pro is only 5-10% at most, and when OCing the two cards the 9600p should have more headroom so the difference will be more around the 5% mark.

If your set on those 2 options I'd go with the 9600XT though, a 9800se that doesn't softmod is worthless.

 

[Agent_Mull]

k, i just saw refurbished 9600xts on newegg that i think im going to get.

 

[jibbajab]

See this review at Hexus.net - appears that 9600XT and 9800SE perform on a par with each other, but successful soft mod blows away the XT!
I've just bought an Asus 9600XT but if I'd know about the 9800SE softmod before I might have bought it instead...

 

[Agent_Mull]

Wow, you really reached far back for this one. Ive already gotten a bba 9600xt for xmas.

 

[rcastell]

Quick question, how do you do a soft mod? New to this mod universe.

 

[Damian]

Can't the 9800SEs with 128-bit memory still be theoretically softmodded to give a 9500pro-ish thing?

 

[Genis B]

yep, you can... but it's depends on your luck if you can success or not...

to me.. i would much prefer the 9800SE.. because i would assume it has more headroom to overclock than the 9600XT

 

[harryinny3]

More headroom?

Heck ive had my XT up to 580 core and at 351.5 memory and still NO artifacts. Im very sure i have A bit more headroom with this thing.

Harry