Radeon 9800 256mb vs FX 5900 Ultra 256Mb

acl36 · TweakNOOB Joined: 08 Sep 2003 Posts: 3

I am currently in the process of building a new computer consisting of the following components:

Abit IC7 max3
Viewsonic 19" Monitor
Intel 2.4C processor

In addition, I will be getting Corsair TWINX1024 PC3200 ultra low latency ram. However, I cannot decide on a video card. I have only had experience with Nvidia cards, but the Radeon 9800 Pro 256mb seems to have better quality graphics and frame rates at higher resolutions.

The problem that I am having with the Radeon card is that since it uses DDR-2 memory, it generates a significant amount of heat. The card will be going into a Thermaltake V1000A case. Is the heat issue something to be concerned with.

I would like opinions on which video card to purchase.

Thank you

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[TN] Nathan · ALMIGHTY PWNER! Joined: 14 Feb 2002 Posts: 7406

I would honestly drop to a normal 128meg 9800pro and spend the extra money getting some TwinX PC3700 ram for better overclocking.

9800pro 256Meg

http://tweaknews.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=902995/search=9800%2520256/ut=42ba4377daeade96

9800pro 128Meg

http://tweaknews.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=704418/search=9800/ut=42ba4377daeade96

FX5900 Ultra

http://tweaknews.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=992630/found=1/ut=42ba4377daeade96

PC3700 Memory

http://tweaknews.pricegrabber.com/search_gen.php?form_keyword=3700&topcat_id=1&manuf_sort=&form_page_id=43&ut=42ba4377daeade96

With the higher overclock, you will be able to get higher framerates than if you used PC3200 memory and a stock card. 256Megs of texture memory does not mean that the card is faster. All it means is that it can render larger textures but in todays games, none really touch that much memory.

Hope this helps and you will get a performance boost across the board instead of just in your video games.
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acl36 · TweakNOOB Joined: 08 Sep 2003 Posts: 3

Thank you Nathan for responding.

In your opinion, do you think that the additional memory would make a difference in the near future?

Secondly, would you recommend a specific brand of memory?

Thanx!

acl36 · TweakNOOB Joined: 08 Sep 2003 Posts: 3

Thanx again Nathan. I have decided to go with the Gigabyte GV-R98P128D video card. As for the memory, I have decided to go with 1Gb (2x512) OCZ pc4000 Gold.

alexvdl · SirTweaksabit Joined: 05 Aug 2003 Posts: 311

Of course if money ain't an issue you should always got with the AiW 9800 Pro over the 5900 Ultra. *nods*
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Roger · Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2003 8:32 am Post subject:

the 256 meg video cards aren't going to be needed for quite some time... doom III will be the first to make use of it... until then, it's overkill. and frankly, my aiw ati 9700 pro is running the leaked doom III now... with style.
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