9800 PRo 128MB

[Mir96TA]

Not sure who made it (ati, POWERCOLOR or what ever)
I know somebody is selling it for 140 Shipped to me as a
used one.
Does it sound like a good deal ?
Its not a SE version ?

 

[2Xtreme21]

Find all the specs you can about it and post it here.

 

[TheKlopper]

I am going to buy a 9800pro. I am thinking about the Sapphire ultimate model with the Zalman cooler on it. It's $223 at Newegg.

On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate these 2 manufacturers? Why?

Sapphire
Powercolor

Also, I sent an email to ATI tech support asking them if it is necessary to replace the stock fan. They said the stock fan is sufficient to cool the 9800pro. I am torn. Do I or dont I need a fan? I don't plan on overclocking it.

 

[BW86]

Originally posted by: TheKlopper
I am going to buy a 9800pro. I am thinking about the Sapphire ultimate model with the Zalman cooler on it. It's $223 at Newegg.

On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate these 2 manufacturers? Why?

Sapphire
Powercolor

Also, I sent an email to ATI tech support asking them if it is necessary to replace the stock fan. They said the stock fan is sufficient to cool the 9800pro. I am torn. Do I or dont I need a fan? I don't plan on overclocking it.

Dont get a 9800Pro when you can get a 6600GT for a cheaper price.

 

[RussianSensation]

for $140 it's a good deal. For $200, get 6600GT. Also, it depends what you are upgrading from. If you're upgrading from 9700, or 5900xt, then it's not worth it.

 

[TheKlopper]

I am upgrading from a GeForce FX 5200 256MB PCI, go I think I will see an improvement. I have read where others say that a 6600GT is better. Is that an Nvidia card?

 

[BW86]

Originally posted by: TheKlopper
I am upgrading from a GeForce FX 5200 256MB PCI, go I think I will see an improvement. I have read where others say that a 6600GT is better. Is that an Nvidia card?

yes, a big improvement.
yes
Here is a benchmark you can look at.
Head to Head: ATI Radeon 9800 Pro vs. NVIDIA GeForce 6600GT

 

[TheKlopper]

Holy @#%! I had no idea. I am new to this video card stuff as you can tell. Thank you all fo r your input.

Is it still necessary to cool this card with an extra fan?

I have a Dell Dimention 8300. Do you guys know it the MB supports PCI express?

One more question and then I'll quit. What is the next card up from the 6600GT?

 

[Killrose]

Carefull when making a comparison 9800pro vs 6600GT with-out AA/AF benches. The 6600GT looses quite abit of ground when those features are enabled, though it usually still pulls ahead.

Unless of course you are only comparing Doom3 benchies :laugh:

 

[Killrose]

Originally posted by: TheKlopper
I am going to buy a 9800pro. I am thinking about the Sapphire ultimate model with the Zalman cooler on it. It's $223 at Newegg.

On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate these 2 manufacturers? Why?

Sapphire
Powercolor

Also, I sent an email to ATI tech support asking them if it is necessary to replace the stock fan. They said the stock fan is sufficient to cool the 9800pro. I am torn. Do I or dont I need a fan? I don't plan on overclocking it.

the Zalman unit is a specialised peice of hardware in itself. The 9800pro demands some sort of cooling, a fan is smaller and capable of cooling it where as no fan requires a big cooling surface to control heat.

Also, for $223 you are paying a premium for the Zalman silent cooling. The 6600GT is the faster card, but noiser.

 

[TheKlopper]

I like the hum of a fan. The extra noise probably wont bother me. If it does, I will just turn up some music or the game volume .

 

[Killrose]

Here is a more comprehensive comparison of the 9800pro, 6600GT and other close performing cards:

Here

 

[TheKlopper]

I have had one of those days where a full day's research only makes you more indecisive rather than helping to make your mind up. Last night, I was sure I was going to get a 9800 pro. Now, there is a lot of doubt there. I like the fact that BFG has a lifetime warranty. I feel like I am examining things too much though. I can always get a different card later if the one I buy gives me problems.

Is this a no brainer?

 

[MisterChief]

GO ON FREAKIN EBAY, LOOK FOR PC PARTS SOLD BY IVEX! THEY ARE SELLING REFURB. ATI CARDS FOR AS LOW AS $1.00!!!!
NO KIDDING

 

[nick1985]

Originally posted by: MisterChief
GO ON FREAKIN EBAY, LOOK FOR PC PARTS SOLD BY IVEX! THEY ARE SELLING REFURB. ATI CARDS FOR AS LOW AS $1.00!!!!
NO KIDDING

STOP YELLING

 

[Mir96TA]

Its built buy ATI
I have a 9500 64MB AGP card

 

[Jotho]

I'm happy with my MSI 9800 Pro, but if I were buying now, I'd probably go with a 6600GT. I know that HL2 favours ATI pretty severely though, so the 9800 Pro might even outperform the Nvidia card sometimes.

 

[Mir96TA]

Originally posted by: RussianSensation
for $140 it's a good deal. For $200, get 6600GT. Also, it depends what you are upgrading from. If you're upgrading from 9700, or 5900xt, then it's not worth it.

I have a 9500 AGP 64MB
ATI 9800 PRO is a built by ATI

 

[TheKlopper]

Damn, see what I mean? First, buy one way and then maybe not. I'm just gonna get the 6600 gt oc and be done with it. If I regret my decision and decide to put the FX 5200 back in, oh well.

Thanks all for your help. Have a splendid day!