Which (cheap) DX9 card?

**Speed** · 23-07-2005, 09:25 AM

Originally Posted by |SilentDeath|

http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/produ...duct_uid=74576

Was a shop with same version for £8 but cant remember which

This is the one you would want. Theres also the rev3 which should eb cheaper but ebuyer dont have them anymore. Pc world had them for ~£8 when I last went in there..

Tekheads is cheaper, but I can't remember where it was for £8.00. Sounds alittle too cheap to me.

http://www.tekheads.co.uk/s/product?product=603518

**joshwa** · 23-07-2005, 01:53 PM

Does it matter whether I get 128mb or 256mb? (I know the chips the most important factor... but what about the amount of ram on the card?)

**exAndrzej** · 23-07-2005, 01:57 PM

Originally Posted by joshwa

...Does it matter...

There will be cases where more memory will make a difference to performance - but that will vary according to map/resolution etc

I know that we gained a jump of around 25% in some FarCry maps back in February (Cat 5.2) because of improvements in memory management

There will be some cases where you will not see a difference and others where it can be quite remarkable

Bear in mind your screen size and graphics engine as well

If you are using an older card - with a smaller screen - and older games - then you may never notice the memory increase

I seem to remember that when the 256MB 9800 Pro arrived on the scene, there were no games to really take advantage of the extra ram, so - in most cases - it game the same result (give or take) as the 128MB version

**Speed** · 23-07-2005, 02:07 PM

Personally I'd try and get a 256mb version, but like Andrzej said performance boast due to the extra ram it depends on a lot of things. Aim to get a 256mb but settle for a 128mb if the price is right. I wouldn't pay too much more for a 256mb version though. Going rate for 9800Pro's second hand is around £60inc. So if you can get a 128mb a bit below that then go for it, same goes if you can get a 256mb version for just alittle over that then go for it.

Just depends what's offered really!

**iranu** · 23-07-2005, 05:53 PM

http://www.retekdirect.co.uk/acatalog/Video_Cards.html - other links are dead. Been running a retek 9700pro for almost 2 years. Was a bargain at £160.

You might be able to get a 9500 or 9700 that will softmod.

**Speed** · 23-07-2005, 05:56 PM

Yeah they do some good ones. If a 9700Pro is enough for what you want joshwa then they are a bargin at £44.65 including Vat. Or they do a 9800 Pro 128mb for £76.38 (not really a bargin considering the retail prices).

Of course second hand will be cheaper, but there is usually no warrenty.

Isn't choice great?

**ice** · 23-07-2005, 06:06 PM

The 9800 Pro is still a great card even now imo, recently sold mine to a mate for £60 after I went over to the dark side.

Still miss it.

The 9700s on Retek look fantastic value for money though.

**joshwa** · 26-07-2005, 02:33 PM

What about the X700 - is this PCI-X only?

**Speed** · 26-07-2005, 02:44 PM

Yes, as far as I'm aware the X700 is PCI-E only. I'd go with a first or second hand 9700Pro or 9800Pro, better value for money over other solutions.

**mike_w** · 26-07-2005, 05:02 PM

Originally Posted by joshwa

What about the X700 - is this PCI-X only?

You can get the X700, plain and Pro versions, on AGP. However, they're not particularly fast - the Pro is slightly cheaper than a 6600GT, but slightly slower. If you're on AGP, a 9800 Pro is a better bet.

By the way, I hate to nitpick, but PCI-X is not PCI Express. PCI-X is used in servers (or something!)

**Speed** · 26-07-2005, 05:21 PM

Originally Posted by mike_w

You can get the X700, plain and Pro versions, on AGP. However, they're not particularly fast - the Pro is slightly cheaper than a 6600GT, but slightly slower. If you're on AGP, a 9800 Pro is a better bet.

By the way, I hate to nitpick, but PCI-X is not PCI Express. PCI-X is used in servers (or something!)

Ah right, sorry my mistake! Yeah 9800Pro is great value, go for that, you won't be disappointed for the money you will part with.

**mike_w** · 26-07-2005, 05:32 PM

Originally Posted by Speed

Ah right, sorry my mistake!

It's hardly surprising that people don't know about the X700 AGP cards - they are pretty rare. While the 9800 Pro is still around, I don't there is really that much demand for them.

**iranu** · 26-07-2005, 05:56 PM

The only reason I would look at the X700 is if I wanted an AIW card. I think there are better cards for equal cash about.

I'm still running a 9700pro and she plays WoW, HL2, DOOM3, Farcry fine (obviously without max settings @ 1280x960) When she cannae take no more (captain) she will be retired with grace to a media pc or the family pc.

Then again I might just have to embed her in clear plastic and mount the beastie on the mantle piece as a tribute to one of the finest cards ever produced.

**exAndrzej** · 26-07-2005, 06:58 PM

Originally Posted by mike_w

...the Pro is slightly cheaper than a 6600GT, but slightly slower...

This is my favourite chart ever...

**mike_w** · 26-07-2005, 08:20 PM

Originally Posted by Andrzej

This is my favourite chart ever...

Unfortunately, the things go the other way round with Doom 3! Fortunately, there's also the plain X800, which can be had for little more than the 6600GT and seems to perform better. Of course, I'm still waiting because of Andrzej's advice...

**Smokey21** · 26-07-2005, 09:01 PM

Originally Posted by Andrzej

This is my favourite chart ever...

But really, what does that prove. I could go and paste a Doom3 benchmark.we all know they run better in different kit.

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