Video Card Advice - TI4200 4X?

[Zeppy]

I am about to buy a new video card to slap in a new ABIT NF7-S board. Currently I only have a GeforceMX2-200. I'm looking at the best option for under $100.

I know the TI4200 is better than the FX5200 and 5200U, but is it so good that I could go with a 4x version and still be better off than with an 8X version of the 5200U? I've found a couple of Gainward TI4200 on newegg, but they are 4X. So basically here are my options as I see it, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

1) Leadtek GeForce FX 5200 ULTRA Video Card, 128MB DDR, 128-bit, DVI/VIVO, 8X AGP, Model "A340 Ultra TD MyVIVO" -RETAIL - $95

2) CHAINTECH GeForce FX 5200 Video Card, 128MB DDR, 128-bit, DVI/TV-Out, 8X AGP, Model "A-FX20" -RETAIL - $64

3) GAINWARD GeForce4 TI4200 Video Card, 64MB DDR, 128-bit, DVI/TV-Out, 4X AGP, Model "GeForce4 PowerPack! Ultra/650 TV/DVI Golden Sample" -RETAIL - $89

 

[nick1985]

check the newegg refurbs for great 4200 deals.

and there is just about no difference between 8x and 4x.

 

[bandana163]

8xAGP is meaningless for anything under the R9700/FX5900 level.
64MB Ti4200s tend to overclock better. A Gainward card for 89$ is very good. Gainward made some very OCable cards.

 

[football]

Originally posted by: Vaerilis
8xAGP is meaningless for anything under the R9700/FX5900 level.
64MB Ti4200s tend to overclock better. A Gainward card for 89$ is very good. Gainward made some very OCable cards.

$89 is ok, but add $20 more and get a 5600U. There are actually better cards than the Ti4200 to buy in the refurbished area, that is cheaper than the $89 you intend to spend.

Have a look at all of what they have there, then make a decision or post a question first...GL!

Just like there is not much to gain between 2x and 4x, the same is to apply with 4x to 8x....Unless you are using a 256bit bus found on the 9800's and 5900's.

 

[PCBliss]

The ti4200 blows the FX5200 out of the water. please dont get an fx5200. Its basicall just an mx440 with limited DX9 features

 

[Zeppy]

That really suprises me. So even at 4X and 64MB the TI4200 is still far and away better than the FX5200/5200U etc?

I would have thought that a 4x card in an AGP 8X slot would slow the board down a bit, but I must have been quite mistaken.

OK...let me ask you this then...would I be better off just holding onto the cash and letting my old GeForce2MX200 4X 32MB run the show until I can get something higher end? (Though I refuse to spend more than $100 on a video card even if it comes with a blonde and all of her friends. )

 

[Todd33]

AGP is a marketing device, nothing uses it for it's intended use. You are better off with a good 4x card rather than a crappy 8x.

 

[ErmanC]

Originally posted by: Vaerilis
8xAGP is meaningless for anything under the R9700/FX5900 level. 64MB Ti4200s tend to overclock better. A Gainward card for 89$ is very good. Gainward made some very OCable cards.

Well you convinced one buyer. I did some digging and wound up buying the Newegg Gainward Golden Sample Ti 4200. Not a great deal, but not a bad one either from what I can tell. I'm not into the refurbs so this should serve me well. Reviews say it can overclock and get ~Ti 4600 benchmarks easily so I'm looking forward to it.

Thanks

 

[howdyduty]

Check out the 5600U at newegg for $120 shipped. Agree on the 5200 being sloooowww like the MX.

 

[jjet67]

Just curious.
I bought Gainward Ti4200 refurb from newegg and put it in Dell machine(3.2Ghz, 800fsb). It only gave me 4600 point in 3dmark 2001. From what I saw in the forum, I recall it should hit over 10k point. What would be wrong with my card? If I need to overclock it, would someone kindly direct me where to start?
Thanks.

JJET

 

[SneakyStuff]

AGP 8x was the biggest marketing gimmick ever created, there are NO differences between agp 4x and agp 8x in low and mid-ranged cards, and even in high end cards, AGP 8x only shone when it was being put under a HEAVY burdon.