New <$200 Video card, got some options

[Zambini]

[READ BOTTOM of this thread! Important Updates!]



I recently saw this sweet-looking deal on Newegg for a video card (i've been looking to upgrade for a while, now seems to be a good time as a birthday present for myself.
These are the ones that i've looked at. What do you guys think for the choices I have narrowed down.

XFX PVT84JUDD3 GeForce 8600GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card

HIS Hightech H195PRF512DDN-R Radeon X1950PRO 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Video Card

Open Box: HIS Hightech H165PRP512GDDN-R Radeon X1650PRO 512MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 iSilence II Video Card

I'm leaning towards the HIS X1950Pro because its 512 and 256-bit memory, even though it sports a slightly slower clock and memory speed.

What do you guys think? Is 512mb worth the 30$-50$ over 256mb?


(note: YES! I WILL be buying it through the HWL link :))

[wtcnbrwndo4u]

Well, for your $200, you can buy a 8600GTS (with money leftover), so I don't really think a 8600GT should really be considered.

I don't know how the GTS compares to the X1950Pro though.

[Zambini]

No it has to be totally under 200 (like, including shippin + tax). I want to spend around $150. +/- 25 maybe. less is preferred, but I just want to know if the 512mb is $30 or $50 or so better than a 256.

[wtcnbrwndo4u]

Originally Posted by Zambini

No it has to be totally under 200 (like, including shippin + tax). I want to spend around $150. +/- 25 maybe. less is preferred, but I just want to know if the 512mb is $30 or $50 or so better than a 256.

Oh. Well, I'll tell you this. If you have a higher MB card, you have more leeway with throwing on more fancy junk (i.e. AA and AF). I've got a 256MB card, but I can still run everything I throw at it with everything enabled.

Cliff Notes: Stronger core makes more of a difference than amount of memory.

[Zambini]

Stronger Core, or faster core?

Doesnt the x1950 have a better core than the 1650? even though its 25mhz/20mhz slower?

[robodude666]

If I were you, I would not buy an open box or OEM video card.

The 8600GT gives about the same results as a 7600GT except with DX10 support. The 7600GT is a little bit faster than the x1650XT and the x1950pro is far better than x1650XT. Especially with 512MB!!

I have a 256MB x1950pro which I got for $180 before HIS discontinued that line and released the more expensive like $220 version with VIVO. I get great performance from this wonderful card.

The only way you can see major difference between 256mb and 512mb is if you play at high res. I play games at 1680 x 1050 and I know 512MB could help me get an extra 5 or so FPS.

So, if I were you I would not go with the x1650PRO or XT. If you want DX10 then get the 8600GT or wait till like the 30th of june when the HD 2600 XT line "should" be released (At least GeCube said theirs will be on the 30th. The HD 2600 XT is supposed to retail for $20-40 less than the 8600GT.

If you want power but don't care about DX10 then go for the x1950pro! You can maybe find a good deal on eBay.

WAIT!!! I just checked newegg:
Newegg.com - HIS Hightech H195PRQT256DDN-R-V2 Radeon X1950PRO 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 IceQ 3 Turbo HDCP Video Card - Retail

Thats the card I bought back in april for $180! Its going for $160.

Oh, and another card you may want to consider is the x1950GT:

Newegg.com - SAPPHIRE 100200L Radeon X1950GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Video Card - Retail

It is a little slower than the x1950PRO (gets about 5-10FPS less) and is supposedly less OCable but the 512MB card sells for $145. It is an easy steal :)

[wtcnbrwndo4u]

Originally Posted by Zambini

Stronger Core, or faster core?

Doesnt the x1950 have a better core than the 1650? even though its 25mhz/20mhz slower?

Oh, are we comparing the X1950 to the X1650? Wow, OK, yeah, of course the X1950 is better.

Core speed isn't all that matters bro, haven't you learned that from Intel? A better chip (i.e. the stronger/better/faster chip in the X1950) will supercede a faster clock on a weaker chip.

It's like comparing an overclocked X300 to a 7800GT.

[Zambini]

HOLY CRAP!
125 after rebate???
I am buying that in about 10 minutes, if anyone has any objections, say so now or forever make fun of me for making a somehow stupid purchase!

Newegg.com - SAPPHIRE 100200L Radeon X1950GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Video Card - Retail

[Computer-Ed]

There are a lot of factors to take into account here. 1st is the ability to run DX10 important? If the answer is yes then you have eliminated the X series from ATI.

Now if you can wait a bit, ATI will be releasing details of the 2600 after the 28th and it might be worth a look. The 8600 gets a bad rap that it does not deserve. It can run most games well and playable, you just have to understand your limitations.

if you are going to get an 8600 based card then look for one of the MANY models that are factory overclocked.

If you do not care about DX10 then the X1950Pro is really a hard card to beat in the bang for the buck department.

The key here is DX10 and what you want regarding it.

[[Dr. V]]

The 8600GTS is the lowest I'd go on the DX10 spectrum.

Also, a new video card now (for me) would not be DX9.