Buy GeForce3 today or wait a few weeks?

[Garion]

I've heard that the first batch of VisioTek's GF3's have the 3.8NS RAM and that later releases are going to have 4.0NS RAM. One of my local shops has a VisionTek in stock and I'm pretty sure it's one of the early ones..

Is this .2ns really going to make much difference in the long run? If I buy this thing, it's going to be about $399, vs. $350 ordering on-line.

comments appreciated!

- G

 

[TravisBickle]

it's not worth the $50 difference, even if you can be sure. the faster RAM gives greater bandwidth, you will need 1024x768x32+ to see a difference in benchmarks. you're getting like maybe 5% faster RAM for $50

 

[RoboTECH]

yes, but all RAM is not created equal.

example - 6ns infineon on the GTS 32MB didn't overclock NEARLY as well as the 6ns Hyundai on the GTS 64MB

 

[Archknight]

Do you planning to overclock the card?
What is the shipping cost online and time it takes?
Are you really that eager to get it? If yes, go to the local shop. If no, consider other factors.
Oh yeah, go to other Geforce3 threads on this forum, I did read something about only the driver, the card and manual were shipped to those whom received it.(this is not my experience or opinion go read around).

 

[Simulat]

Can get them for as low as 319.99 online (here). On back order but someone called and they apparently got them in today and are going to ship Monday.

Trying to figure out myself if people think these are still likely part of the "early" batch with 3.8 memory. Im with you and would strongly prefer the 3.8 memory - its not a huge difference, but I dont want to pay this much for a video card that is slightly slower than others.

 

[RoboTECH]

i wonder if someone working at/with nvidia started that rumor.

wouldn't that be thoroughly lame?

get a bunch of hardware whores to rush out and buy the "enhanced" version with the 3.8ns DDR?

i dunno, it just defies logic to me.

 

[Killrose]

There's one in the For Sale/Trade Forum for $500.00!! HAHAHAAHHAAHa

 

[Simulat]

Good point about the 3.8 memory. Seems odd that the later ones would be slower.

 

[RoboTECH]

yeah, it just don't make any sense not at all

killrose, $500?

I assume people are killing themselves not to crap on that thread?

ROFL.....

 

[Killrose]

We're trying 'O' so hard.

 

[Nullphader]

You must keep in mind that the release price for the retail version is supposed to be $400. VisionTek is just breaking into the retail market, and though they're putting it in a pretty box, as far as I know they aren't including a software bundle. Usually I would say screw the software bundle, but if you're going to pay the same price for what pretty much amounts to an OEM board you may as well buy one off the shelf and get all the cool extras.

 

[birddog]

I'd wait a while. The prices will come down if you wait. At the moment, there is nothing software wise that will take advantage of the GF3. In a few months, there will be (and the card will cost less also). I can still remember debating if I should spend $350 for a new GF2 GTS 32MB. I waited a few months & was able to get a GF2 64MB for $200.

 

[Weyoun]

god, now THAT's cheap... Does anyone get the feeling that the whole $600 video card issue has been kinda dropped? It hasnt even been released yet and they're costing $310, I call that a price drop....

Also, another thing to consider, is this article at VR Zone. Apparently Leadtek cards ship with 3.8ns ram, and they were able to get this one to 545MHz on a P4 platform, ~25MHz faster than on a KT133A and 5MHz on a DDR platform. Take it however you will...

Personally, I'm currently in the motions of ordering a new PC, and if the prices in Australia EVER decide to drop, these would be quite nice to get ahold of...