TR Forums

Hi there,

I am sure this question is asked countless numbers of times, and I appologise for those getting sick of us asking it!

I am in the process of building a completely new system. I am currently running an ATI Radeon 7200 (I think - thats what it says in Windows, but looking on the ATI site it might actually be the Radeon 64MB DDR VIVO since it has the Video In and Video Out ports on it)

Its just getting too slow now to run the games I want to run. Just bought the new Rainbow 6, and even on 800x600 and settings on low its only just about smooth enough. I had originaly thought the best way to go about buying a new graphics card would be to check out all the reviews I could and then stick to one card and go for it, but I don't think thats the best option. I keep looking at good old ebay and thinking "oh, that looks cheap" but just don't know how it compares.

I was hoping I could ask you guys more for a general list of graphics cards that will meet my requirements, that way I know if I see one that seems cheap, its worth going for. My setup once built will be an AthlonXP 2600+, ASUS A7N8X Motherboard (8X AGP), 512MB DDR400 Ram, 7200RPM HDD. My ideal situation would be able to run, for example the new Rainbow 6 at 1024x768, with everything set high or medium, and for it to run pretty smooth. I have seen various things around the net about being able to buy a Radeon 9500 n/p and unlock the extra pipelines to turn it into a Radeon 9700, that would seem a possible option since I can get a 9500 for about £135. But, if a much cheaper card, ie Geforce3 Ti500 is going to hold its ground pretty well, then it might be a better option?

Any thoughts? Probably looking at spending no more than £150 (tight git I know).

Oh, and sorry for the ramblings!

Chris

Is the Radeon 9500 PRO within your budget? I'd definitely go for it. Some Radeons 9500 are modeable, but you have the chance to get one that isn't. Another option could be a TI4200 which is fast too.

Can't go wrong with a Radeon9500 Pro. Seriously.

Don't get a DX8 card, most all DX8 cards out there are inferior to the Radeon 9500pro right now, only DX8 card that can get near it is the TI4600 GF4, but we all know that costs alot more

So, in closing, 9500pro all the way ^_^

P.S. or you can wait for the 9600

Many thanks for the posts guys. As for getting a modable 9500 - there is a gentleman on the UK ebay site that is selling the 9500 non pro versions that he tests with the software before sending them out to make sure they are modable for £135, guess thats the best option then

Chris

TI-4200 is still a nice deal if you're cheap.... it doesn't cost much, and has a lot of overclocking potential

But the price you pay for the 4200 is very close to what you can get the 9500 for. It is better to go with the 9500 than the 4200 now, so you do not have to upgrade later when the newer cards come out.

DO NOT TRUST A 9500 NONPRO as even with the right card (which is severely unlikely) you stand less than a 50% chance of getting 9700PRO perf. A 9500PRO can be had for £140 in P&P and VAT and is better than a GF4TI4600 and when o/c'ed you are virtually guaranteed Rad9700 perf! Seriously forget GF4TI with an XP2600+ you really want a gfx card to match, 9500PRO is the one and 9600PRO is VERY unlikely to be any faster at all!

Will do! Was not all together keen on the idea - seemed a little too good to be true

I've found Dabs is actually pretty cheap - the difference between a 9500 and 9500 pro seems to be all of £4! And the pro can be had for £138+£3 "handling" charge.

Thats made my mind up then on that front at least!

If you're in need of a good, intelligent and cost effective HSF also check out the Volcano 9 which DABS sell for £11!

PS. Dabs are VERY good