9800 Pro 256 vs 9800 XT 256

[Smidley]

I am one who likes things top-of-the-line. I was wondering which card would be better for my current system. I have 1.5GB of PC2100 ram and an Athlon XP 1700+ at 1.45Ghz. I have a Hercules 3D Prophet 64MB now, so anyone can see that an upgrade is more than necessary.

I know that the XT has a slightly higher chip clock and memory clock speed.

I plan to upgrade my mobo and processor by the end of the year to a 64-bit processor (Athlon FX-53?), so I am buying with extended future use in mind. Speaking of which, does anyone know when Intel will be coming out with an end-user 64-bit processor? I think they already have one for servers, but it's not 32-bit compatible.

I have found the Asus 9800 Pro 256 for $325 and the Asus 9800 XT 256 for $420 and wouldn't mind saving a hundred bucks.

Also, which is better: Asus or Sapphire? I know that the Asus has that ViVo thing (although I don't know what it is yet) and has more software and games bundled with it (including that GameFace thing, which is cool but wouldn't sway my decision).

Thanks to any insight in advance.

[mike_sanfil]

Well IMO I would go with the 9800 PRO 128mb. I have heard that it is not worth it for the 256mb version, and the xt is way over priced. As for asus vs sapphire, asus is probably better. Vivo is video in and video out.

[DanGrease]

I agree. Go for the ATI Radeon 9800 Pro 128MB, since its alot cheaper than the 256MB version, and there is not that much of a difference between those two. Sometimes even the 128 MB beats the 256MB version in some benchmarks. Save your money and go for the 128MB version. The ATI Radeon 9800XT is a top-of-line product, and its the best video card out there right now. But why spend so much money on a video card, when you can spend it in other stuff? Besides, there isnt a huge difference in terms of performance between the 9800Pro and the 9800XT. Of course the XT is more powerful, but spending so much money for some extra fps its not the best idea.

And the Asus vs. Sapphire thing, well, most would pick Asus I guess, but I just think Sapphire is the best deal. Sure it doesn't come with extra things like the Asus cards do, but you are buying the video card, not the extra stuff am I right? Also, IMO Sapphire make the best ATI video cards you can find. So, I would definitely go for a Sapphire video card if I were you. I guess it depends on preference and taste.

dan

[DanGrease]

Also, check out this thread for benchmark charts.

dan

[viking12344]

I think where you will see the difference between the 128 and 256 cards is when you are using a high rez with aa/af enabled.

So you gotta ask yourself, are you a 1024x768 guy or are you a 16x12 guy with as much aa/af as you can handle without making a game a slideshow?

I am a graphics whore and my 256 9800 pro serves me very well. Other than that the 9800xt is supposedly 10% quicker than the 9800.

[DanGrease]

Yes, thats true. You will see difference between those video cards when you play games in a resolution of 1600x1200. Most people don't. I enjoy playing at 1024x768, but thats when my new computer arrives. Now I usually play at 640x480 or 800x600.

dan

[pinipig523]

get the pro 256 if its not that much more expensive than the pro 128. but there is absolutely no sane reason as to getting the xt.

[Smidley]

Originally posted by DanGrease
Yes, thats true. You will see difference between those video cards when you play games in a resolution of 1600x1200. Most people don't. I enjoy playing at 1024x768, but thats when my new computer arrives. Now I usually play at 640x480 or 800x600.

dan

Damn...I had a Kyro II 64MB and I still tried to run games as close as possible to 1280x1024...

However, my Asus 9800 Pro 256 arrived yesterday and is treating me extremely well! So long, crappy Kyro!

I did have problems with the included Asus drivers, though... After installing and rebooting, it would go into this black screen and then restart. I was able to boot into safe mode and uninstall the drivers. The problem was solved by installing the latelest catalyst drivers from the ATI site. What's the deal?

-Smidley Rothchild

[DanGrease]

I recieved my new computer with the Radeon 9800Pro 128MB today, and its just amazing. Comparing it to my old Geforce 2 MX400, this video card is just awesome.

dan

[Rebel Son]

if your in it for the long hual Id go with the 256mb becuase one day games will use it...one day
I got my 9800xt for 370$ nib on ebay- plus shipping