Keep the 9500Pro or get a 9800np?

[Juan Sanchez]

Im currently building a new system I ordered a Barton 2500+ and plan to adjust the FSB and make it a 3200+, I should have the system done by December (merry christmas me) and was wondering if I should stick with my 9500 pro or get a 9800 np (and it's not one of those crappy SE ("Special" Education) ones either) for $249 and OC' it to 9800 Pro levels. well here's what is in the cards any suggestions will be appreciated.


Athlon XP 2500+@3200+
Abit NF7-S
2x256 MB Geil 3200 ddr RAM
Lian-Li PC0716 Case
Antec p4 350 Watt psu
WD 120GB Special Edition Hard Drive
Lite-on 16xDVD-Rom (Black)
ASUS 52X24X52 CD-RW (Black)
Sony Floppy Drive (Black)
Vantec Aeroflow HSF

All together my system is costing me about $615 if I get the 9800 np it would bring it up to $865. I would have a kick as system but me thinks that by the time I have all the parts BUT the vid card the 9900 Pro would be out, but at that time the 9800 Pro would retail for less maybe even $189-$220 like some 9700's are now. Anyway, would I notice a giant diff between my 9500 Pro and a 9800 Pro (I don't plan on OCing my 9500 Pro BTW), MY big question is, is my up and coming system overkill for my 9500 Pro?

[ArcticFox]

Yeah, you'll notice a big jump in performance by getting the better card. But it depends on what you do. Hardcore gamer? Then by all means get it. But if you get your system, and your happy with the performance, wait until it comes down in price or you feel like upgrading again.

[islandguy999]

is 350 watts all the power u need?

[islandguy999]

I have an ATX case (i think) with a celeron 1 gig in it. I should be able to just replace the Mobo, chip, and likely ram then right? To what your getting or have?

[ArcticFox]

Yeah I guaruntee you have an ATX case, and 350w is enough. Keep the RAM, but you have to get a mobo that supports the Celeron (look for a P4 mobo with socket 478). I don't fully understand what you mean, so could you clarify a bit? It's 17:02 here at my pad and things arn't always in a straight line at this hour.

[Optimus Prime]

If it was me, i'd wait until the next cards are out, if you have a 9500np and want to buy a 9800 pro, you'd be wasting your money, unless you have another machine to put the 9500np in.