upgrading from gf2mx400 to gf3ti200?

[Dragonbud]

Hello all,
Just saw a decent deal on a gf3ti200 at frys and debating if its a decent upgrade from a ledtek gf2mx400. Price after rebate is $100 but looks like a generic brand with a cheap heatsink w/out fan. Boxed in plain white boxes.
Would this considered a "big" upgrade?
so far my 3dmark score =
3dmark score 3000pts @ default settings and 3115 o'cd with 1800xp

any thoughts/info/opinions/suggestions on this?

Am i better off with a radeon8500?

Debating if i should check it out and test its performance, just return it if not satisfied.

So far my gf2mx400 with blorb is hanging in there with MOHAA and RTCW even with a slight overclock on the card.

 

[Starfoxer]

GET THE 8500. it is obviously some bulk crap OEM in a
white box, but i could be wrong. the best ti200 could
not beat a retail 8500.

you should see your marks in the 7500+ range if you are
running an 1800+

go with the radeon

 

[ptwearnhardtfan]

Or if your partial to Nvidia, go with a Gainward GeForce3 Ti 200. Very overclockable.

 

[Silver]

I run and love my gf3 ti200 however I think there is more potential for ocing with the radeon.

 

[Cisco Kid]

yep I would have to agree with the above, If you are gonna spend a $100 buck up drop another 30-40 and get a retail 8500, faster than a G3 Ti200.

But the G3 Ti200 will smoke your MX 400 and improve your 3D Mark2K1 score by alot, not that that means a hell of a lot LOL

Cisco Kid

 

[slim_lim]

Hehe, don't you just love when you ask about buying a card within a certain price range, and people ignore it and recommend stuff that's 1.5-2x more expensive anyway?
Personally, I think if you're going to be buying a a ti200, try to find a good deal on a quality part. Saving $20 on a $120 part at the expense of quality and cooling is a poor deal IMO. However, since I think it's the MSI OEM deal @ Fry's you're talking about, you could get it, try it, and return it if you don't like it.

 

[Cisco Kid]

I think if you are gonna spend $100 lets be honest to come up with the other extra $30 makes sense vs buying an OEM G3Ti200 that fits your current budget.

His current card would hold hime over for a month if thats what it takes to scrounge up $30-40 bucks.

But I am sure he would also be happy with the OEM G3Ti200

Cisco Kid

 

[slim_lim]

I think if you are gonna spend $100 lets be honest to come up with the other extra $30 makes sense vs buying an OEM G3Ti200 that fits your current budget.

False logic. $30 extra (more like $40) is $30 cash in your pocket if you don't choose to spend it on a more expensive video card. Radeon8500 is the next level of graphics performance and it costs more. When you buy a card you make a compromise between your desire for performance and your ability/willingness to pay for it. You can't justify going to the next level by saying that it only costs a bit more money. If you could, it'd be reasonable to end up buying a Gf4 ti4600 when you were planning to buy an gf2mx400 originally by saying that if you paid a few bucks more you could get a gf2gts, plus a few more dollars = gf3ti200, plus some more $$$.... and so on. That's pretty ridiculous.
If you're willing to spend a $100(+-)10, then look for something that fits that bracket and disregard the rest. On the personal note, that's my price range for a video card. I don't care if the next best thing has 100x antialiasing, does my homework, and cooks my breakfast. If it's not in my target price range -- NO SALE.
Videocards prices are WAY too high compared to other computer components. I think I'd be good if the consumers took a stand with their money instead of gleefully snapping up gf4ti4600's at $400 a pop.

 

[Cisco Kid]

False logic. $30 extra (more like $40) is $30 cash in your pocket if you don't choose to spend it on a more expensive video card. Radeon8500 is the next level of graphics performance and it costs more. When you buy a card you make a compromise between your desire for performance and your ability/willingness to pay for it. You can't justify going to the next level by saying that it only costs a bit more money. If you could, it'd be reasonable to end up buying a Gf4 ti4600 when you were planning to buy an gf2mx400 originally by saying that if you paid a few bucks more you could get a gf2gts, plus a few more dollars = gf3ti200, plus some more $$$.... and so on. That's pretty ridiculous.
If you're willing to spend a $100(+-)10, then look for something that fits that bracket and disregard the rest. On the personal note, that's my price range for a video card. I don't care if the next best thing has 100x antialiasing, does my homework, and cooks my breakfast. If it's not in my target price range -- NO SALE.
Videocards prices are WAY too high compared to other computer components. I think I'd be good if the consumers took a stand with their money instead of gleefully snapping up gf4ti4600's at $400 a pop.

Well it all comes down to dollars and sense, for me, if I can get much better performance for $30 cause you can find retail 8500's in the US for $129 after rebate though.

I feel that $30-40 price increase vs performance over an OEM G3Ti200 at 30 - 40 less is a flat out better buy. Now when you say that you may as well go the next level a Ti4600 that is an increase of $250 plus which is not justifiable no matter what the performance. Target price range can change for a person once they do some research and they may conclude to save for mayby a couple of weeks to a month to get a better card that will last longer is a smart decision, but to save for a Ti4600 and pay the overinflated $400 price tag would take alot longer.

I will never mysell spend more than $250 canadian which is about $175 US.

Thats my 2 cents but I see your point as well, cause it really comes down to what one can afford and whether they need to satisfy the impulse to buy now what they can afford.

Cisco Kid

 

[dakata24]

my system at default speed gets 7000 score on 3dmark2001se.. you'll definately notice an improvement over the gf2mx400

 

[Silver]

I really did not want to get in to this, left and felt guilty so I have returned. I know what it is to need/want a item and not have the money for it. If the budget is $100 then get the fastest most feature rich card you can while staying at or under the $100. Desperately wanting more than you can afford can lead one into trouble. There are some very good cards out right now in this price range that will fulfill most if not all of your desires. Take a look at some of the GF4 (gf2) MX cards and take in a few reviews. I believe www.guru3d.com has posted an article on one of the hotter gf4mx cards. I like the gentleman above do believe that one of these will hold you for some time to come. Remember that this is an oc forum and more than one I am sure will not have that $400 card when the software to fully support it comes out. They will have fried it or some other abnormal death will have occurred. Get a good gf4 (gf2) mx in your price range.

 

[Silver]

Took a quick look at newegg for you and found that they have a new Gainward (I like them) gf4 mx for 102 plus 6 for shipping ($108 shipped). I just have to drop this...I know it is not in keeping with my advice. They have a refurbished 8500 230/230 for $119 with free shipping ($119 shipped). A little more looking around and I'm sure we can find a good card for at or under $100. Anyone? Going to go look some more.


Another peek at www.newegg.com came up with a

Saphire Technology- w/heat sink and fan - 7500 oem - supports dx8.0 and open gl - 4x agp - $86 + $8 = $94 shipped (in stock)

Chaintech GF4 Mx440- ddr 270/400 w/1 year warranty - $93 + $7 = $100 shipped (not on stock)

I am sure that there are many with better advice on where to get a good card on the cheap for a REPUTABLE dealer. Do be careful as buying on the cheap makes one a prime canidate for a rip off. The guys here can be of help in this area. Newegg is highly regarded by most all.

Might really consider the 7500 as it supports dx 8.0. The other side of the coin is some of the gf4 mx's are approaching gf3 ti200 specs.

 

[funnyperson1]

no...dont get an MX itll once UnrealII comes out...you still wont be able to enjoy your games at decent resolutions...i think the Geforce3Ti200 is good 100$ is a darn good deal...

 

[Silver]

no...dont get an MX itll once UnrealII comes out...you still wont be able to enjoy your games at decent resolutions...i think the Geforce3Ti200 is good 100$ is a darn good deal...

I surely will not disagree with you on this. Do tell him where he can get this gf3 ti200 for $100 and you will have done him a great service. If not then we must give him good alternatives. Sorry, first post (dumb me - we don't have frys here) - definately go with the gf3 ti 200, even generic. And all that work..well that teachs me to pay attention.

 

[Ugmore Baggage]

I doubt you'll see a huge difference spending only $100 from what you have now.

Your scores should go up over 4000 which isn't impressive. Mine are and I don't even overclock, even when I do my scores change a little and I see tiny problems arise (I'm picky) like "lightening" in the bumpmap test.

I'd wait.

 

[Mag22]

If the website having the Generic GF3 Ti200 you referred to has a decent return policy I'd say go for it. I myself don't care too much for trying to return anything through the mail, but I grabbed my GF3 Ti200 at Best Buy's day-after-Thanksgiving-sale for $99 after rebate, and would have to say it effectively doubles the performance of your current MX400. The 8500 driver's still appear a bit flaky on some gaming benchmarks, but it is no doubt the more capable card. If the games you play run well on a Radeon, I'd consider saving the extra cash. If you prefer reliable and frequent driver updates that aren't damage control releases I'd suggest the Nvidia card. (No slight meant there... just don't really trust ATI's high end products yet) I don't plan to buy a new Vid card until I can double my performance for $100 again. I've tried to stick to this and it has served me well... from Riva TNT and Voodoo2 to Voodoo5 5500 to current GF3. Powerstrip it!!!!

 

[Starfoxer]

im getting a 8,754 score with my current systems. wait till
i overclock my CPU.

 

[Dragonbud]

I checked out the gf2ti200 at frys. Opened the box up and to much of my surprise, the card looks cheap and fragile. I know i shouldnt judge by looks; but i'm worried if i o'c this thing its gonna PooP on me. For a no name brand $100 gf3ti200, you get what you pay for. From a gf2mx400 to a gf3ti2oo is a decent upgrade but a part of me suddenly feels that i havent maximized my current gf2mx400.
I decided to upgrade when i really, really, really need to.
I love 3d games and drool on any card thats better that mines.

I'll see if my card can handle uT2 or the upcoming jediII outcast.
I still have my eye on gf3ti200's but then again, theres a good chance i may consider another card when the tax refund comes in.

Thanks for the time and the tips where to get good bargained cards. I'll definitely take a look at other cards.

the question is now, how to get thru my gf without her knowing why my checking account suddenly drops and why i'm spending more time playing 3dgames. That'll be another topic.

cheers

 

[WyrmMaster]

Im just wondering, how can you look at a video card and say it looks fragile. Seems like they all look the same. IMHO