Lesson learned...hard way.

[Envoi]

Not to beat a dead horse, rather shead some positive (maybe helpful) light...

I've recently finished an AMD 64 3500+ system with a WD 74GB SATA as the only dirve and an ATI Radeon 9600 XT. It's been running smoothly for about two weeks now. At least I assumes it's running smoothly because I haven't received a "Hey, get over here and fix this" call. (You never get those "Hey, this is working great! Thanks!" calls, you know?)

I will say that you do need to catch that "Press F# for third party drivers" message when windows is first checking you system or else it won't see your SATA drive.

[bombledmonk]

Originally posted by xigurd
Now I see i oversimplified things. I was really frustrated I didn't care to fact-check things. (I work at CBS... or not.)

I guess i made few people upset and I apologize. sorry.

thank you for the suggestion, Jim. I decided to go for Chaintech 5700LE.

If you have not bought the 5700LE I might add a little suggestion. DO NOT BUY IT. It is an overpriced piece of crap with cheaper alternatives that can litterally double the performance of the card.

[xigurd]

Originally posted by bombledmonk
If you have not bought the 5700LE I might add a little suggestion. DO NOT BUY IT. It is an overpriced piece of crap with cheaper alternatives that can litterally double the performance of the card.

Huh? I thought Chaintech GeforceFX5700LE 256MB for $100 (at zipzoomfly) would be a good deal. i haven't bought anything yet...

still have no idea how to choose nvidia card. you think i should get 5700?

[JPMiller]

I think what bombledmonk is referring to is the LE distinction.. Le are usually throttled down "generic" versions.
I believe regular or GT's are what is reccomended...

[bombledmonk]

Ok, you found an allright deal. It is just lately people have been paying upwards of $170 for the same card. You aren't going to find much better card in the $100 price range. ( except for a 9600pro, but in light of this thread I'm doubting that is an option.)

And yes the 5700LE is an underachiver. The 5700U more than doubles performance.