Computer people - Which is the better video card?

[Buddy_Christ]

The GeForce FX5200 or the Radeon 9600?

GeForce specs - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814164014

Radeon specs - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102289


Everyone I've asked says the Radeon is a better card despite it being a 128mb card (the GeForce is a 256mb card).

The core clock in the GeForce is 250mhz but the core clock in the Radeon is 325mhz.

I have a GeForce FX5200 already and my brother gave me the Radeon the other day. I just tossed the Radeon into the computer and it looks just as good to me (once I updated the drivers).

The only problem I'm having with the Radeon right now is with video display. I'm running the S-Video output to a TV. With the GeForce it was playing all video full size on the TV. The Radeon isn't letting me do that. Anyone have a clue as to what I'm doing wrong?

If I can't get the Radeon to do that, I'll just put my GeForce back in and put the Radeon in the other computer. Either card is 10 light years ahead of the GeForce2 that's in the other computer.

 

[Buddy_Christ]

Oh, my brother also tossed me a 256mb stick of PC3200 ram. I had a single stick of PC2700 ram. I put the PC3200 in for a total of 768mb. I know the PC3200 is being knocked down speed wise, but it's nice to have more ram. I'll probably get a stick of PC3200 to replace the 2700 eventually.

 

[Raptorex]

Don't waste your money, kick in another 20 or so and get an ATI x600 or x700.

 

[Dial_tone]

I would go with the higher ram, although unless you game a lot you won't care. I still use a Radeon 8500. You're only needing that much ram in new games

 

[Burning_Inside]

is that RAM from the same MFG?

Is not, definately expect some system fuck ups. RAM is nothing to take lightly. One stick of the same type RAM are not the same from MFG thru MFG. it's always always advised to stay with the same brand and same speeds, for example you don't toss in a Geil brand 1gig stick in with 2 Corsair 500 Mb sticks that's trouble in the making.

Also I myslef own a radeon 9600 pro. You using this for gaming? If so, don't bother if you plan on playing any of the new upcoming titles, this card is on it's last leg when it comes to the new stuff coming out.

 

[Buddy_Christ]

Don't waste your money, kick in another 20 or so and get an ATI x600 or x700.

You obviously didn't read half of the post. I said I already have the GeForce (bought and installed in Feburary) and my brother GAVE me the Radeon.

The extra stick of RAM was also free.


Burning_Inside - the ram is different manufacturers. I did a mix/match of ram in my AMD950 computer a few years ago to get it up to 1gb. It has PC133 and PC100 ram in it, different manufacturers. It moved really good when I bumped it up, and Asus tech support told me that it will just run at the PC100 ram speed and the 133 sticks would be fine. That computer is still in use.

I will eventually upgrade to all PC3200 ram in this machine, probably right about the time I upgrade from a 2.4 to a 3.4ghz processor.

I don't do any gaming.


About the video display thing, which is in the first post...does anyone have a clue about that? The GeForce would play video on my TV in full screen, the setting was very easy to find. The Radeon I can't find a setting for to make it do that. I don't know if the Radeon will do that, and if anyone does know, please tell me.

 

[Burning_Inside]

I'm guessing you need an optical out connector on the card and i honestly don't know if my radeon has one or what one would look like cause i never used it for that, my tv sucks, and i play everything on my pc

 

[evansteve]

radeon 9800pro. great card, costs about $120 right now. costs a little more than the 9600, but believe me bro its worth it.

the next card better than the 9800pro will run you about $200

go to pricewatch.com they have a list of many vendors.

 

[pintoca]

RADEON... what you really need to look for is the memory interface... there are some cheap downgraded RADEONs that only have 64bit interfaces, you NEED to make sure you are getting the 128bit ones

 

[squatpuke]

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If you decide (or are running) to run Linux, you'll be glad you DIDN'T use the ATI card....