Video Card Comments?

[DMW]

I have the chance to get some MSI GeForce3 TI200 64MB AGP for 35.00 each (brand new retail boxes).

My question is, would I see much of an improvement over my current GeForce2 Pro 64MB AGP by Leadtek....???

I run Jedi Oucast at 1024x768 with all the goodies on....and when I get into REALLY heavy saber fighting or extremely large maps (single player), the screen might get jumpy for a second....this is what I would like to eliminate.

[Google]

[[TN] Nathan]

You will see a difference my friend. You have a great jump in core chip technology and a host of more goodies that are supported. Wait till you see the difference in the picture quality.
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[DMW]

Well, as good as the offer was...I declined.
I have made a move in another direction though. I have the field narrowed to 3 specific GF4Ti4200 series cards now. Each has their own bundle and sometimes it's the goodies that make the difference, especially since most of the GeForce cards post the same scores when comparing the same models.
The three I have chosen are:
********************************************************************
GAINWARD CARDEXPERT GEFORCE4 TI4200 64MB DDR PURE (Retail) GEFORCE 4 TITANIUM TI 4200 RETAIL PACKAGE
(Part - 11002239)
$ 151 FREE SHIPPING
********************************************************************
Abit Siluro GF4 Ti4200; 64MB DDR; AGP2x/4x interface; GeForce4 TI 4200 chipset; TV out; DVI out Retail package; 1 year Abit warranty
(Part - 16363)
$ 155 Free ground; $5 2 day;
*********************************************************************
MSI 8870 G4TI4200-TD128 W/ TV & DVI OUT
Item Code :MSTMS8870010R
Your Price :$169.00
Model :MS8870010
Category : MSI AGP VIDEO CARDS
Manufacturer :MICROSTAR
********************************************************************
Gainward GeForce4 PowerPack! Ultra/650 GeForce4 Ti 4200 64MB 3.5NS w/CRT only Retail
***($0.5 2nd Day Fedex)***
Googlegear Part#: 322419 (THIS ITEM IS GOLDEN SAMPLE!?)
Manufacturer: GAINWARD
Manufacturer SKU: VGF4Ti4200
Our Price: $161.00



Well, there ya have it. A couple of Gainwards...one is the Ultra 650/Power Pack (apparently a golden sample) in the 64MB version ....An MSI with the 128MB of DDR...and the sturdy Abit.
I would like to consider the cards on their own merits rather then their bundles, but one thing to keep in mind, is that the Ultra/650 card has a CRT only output.. I do not see this as a problem at this time because for gaming, I only use CRT. It will be quite some time before any LCD or other flat panel beats out my NEC21" CRT.
Considering the price range of 151.00 to 169.00..... I thnk these are all directly comparable units. I know that it's only a short hop to the Ti400, but I am also upgrading my 12X Plextor to a 40X Plextor that I found for 127.00.

So what the verdict? 128MB of DDR over the Ultra/650 or the Abit Siluro?
I use both Abit and MSI MOBOs (as well couple of Asus) currently and know their quality is good.
This MSI video card has a nice software bundle too.
But then theres............ARGHHH!

yes, I know there are 4 cards here but the two gainwards equal one...sorta!

[[TN] Nathan]

128meg DDR all the way baby, OH YA!!!!
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www.Pocketbookpinch.com

[DMW]

kewlness.....I already ordered the MSI 128MB card...and damn if they didn't wan't 15.00 for shipping!!! jeesh....

just over 180.00 total...not too bad me thinks.

[[TN] Nathan]

Smart choice and you will have the extra on-board memory to handle those huge textures in the new games coming out. Enjoy bud!
_________________
Owner & Administrator
www.Tweaknews.net
www.Pocketbookpinch.com