X1950 Pro AGP is coming!

[honestjohn]

Originally posted by: apoppin

Originally posted by: crystal
Got myself a VisionTek with rebate from Compusa. With taxes, it came out to $305 - $50 rebates and I sold my X850 XT for $95 = $160 for this lastest round of update. BTW, the X850 XT got sold within 15 min. of my posted in the Sale/Trade forum so I might listed it too low.

waay too low

j/k'ing

i [pre]sold my x850xt before i posted it in FS/T
:Q

from this thread
:thumbsup:

and i am waiting on shipping for my Sapphire x1950p/512 to complete the deal
... basically a [~]$150 upgrade ... for another gaming year.

Did pretty well myself. Sold my X850XT-PE for $202.50 on Ebay right before the X1950 Pros started to appear. Final Cost of Sapphire X1950 Pro = $47.50, well $55 because of Ebay's Fee.

 

[Dr J]

Hi,

this is somewhat off topic, but I just finished reading the Tom's review of the X1950Pro with the barton 2500+. I have the same board, A7N8X-DX, with dual channel memory and a 3200+ slightly overclocked to 2.29ghrz. My video card is an ATI 9600PRO.

Also, I've recently purchased a 20.1" widescreen led display, where native is 1680 x 1050.

My question is this: is it worth it for me to upgrade to the x1950 pro if I spend most of my time in 2d, writing and browsing the internet, where less than half my time is spent in 3d?

Or, would there be any gain in 2d performance, at 1680 x 1050, going from the 9600Pro to the X1950Pro?

Any and all information would be appreciated.

thanks,

John

 

[postmortemIA]

Price hike v.2

DIAMOND X1950PRO512AGP $319.99

 

[GEOrifle]

The price is higher because higher demand and just one manufacturer sells it, you can
see lover prices after 3-4 months when other manufacturers will fulfill market, probably
$220-2230.

GeForce 8800GTS price became $350, i guess we got more reason to save $$$ for PCI
system.

 

[coloumb]

Originally posted by: postmortemIA
Price hike v.2

DIAMOND X1950PRO512AGP $319.99

Saw that too and my jaw dropped. Amazon is taking pre-orders $299.00 for the same card...

It's amazing that this card goes out of stock almost immediately....

 

[GEOrifle]

Here is TomsHardware recommendation:

"It must be noted however, that if you have the money to spend on an AGP card, you may be much better off purchasing a PCI Express motherboard, CPU and PCI Express video card instead. For starters, PCIe cards are cheaper than their AGP cousins. If you upgrade your system to PCIe and sell your old components, you may actually spend a similar amount of money compared to buying an expensive AGP card alone."

http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/01/05/...g_video_cards_for_the_money/page6.html

Yes, the truth is hard to accepted....

 

[AgonxOC]

Prices have to drop once they are more available. I dont want to go PCI-E yet. My AGP system is very fast and with the X1950Pro I should be good for a while...

Alex

 

[Farmer]

Well well what do you know, card got in today, plugged it in, doesn't work!

That's wonderful.

Did you guys have to do anything to have it function properly?

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: honestjohn

Originally posted by: apoppin

Originally posted by: crystal
Got myself a VisionTek with rebate from Compusa. With taxes, it came out to $305 - $50 rebates and I sold my X850 XT for $95 = $160 for this lastest round of update. BTW, the X850 XT got sold within 15 min. of my posted in the Sale/Trade forum so I might listed it too low.

waay too low

j/k'ing

i [pre]sold my x850xt before i posted it in FS/T
:Q

from this thread
:thumbsup:

and i am waiting on shipping for my Sapphire x1950p/512 to complete the deal
... basically a [~]$150 upgrade ... for another gaming year.

Did pretty well myself. Sold my X850XT-PE for $202.50 on Ebay right before the X1950 Pros started to appear. Final Cost of Sapphire X1950 Pro = $47.50, well $55 because of Ebay's Fee.

i think you mentioned it before ... you hit the perfect timing and the PE does still command a 'premium'.

i coulda maximized my profit on ebay ... but i like to keep it in the "family" here.

i also bought my x850xt just over a year ago for exactly $200 from MicroCenter ... so i got an awesome deal there also

i should have my x1950p tomorrow ...

... and to that poor fellow still with a 9600p - DrJ - ... YES! ... Upgrade!! ... !!! ...even the 2D IQ is better and the x1950 is around ten times faster than the 9600p in 3d games ...
:Q
more-or-less

 

[kopema]

Originally posted by: coloumb

Originally posted by: postmortemIA
Price hike v.2

DIAMOND X1950PRO512AGP $319.99

Saw that too and my jaw dropped. Amazon is taking pre-orders $299.00 for the same card...

It's amazing that this card goes out of stock almost immediately....

I find it hard to understand this too. I guess some people hear what a "great deal" the new card is, so they get all excited. Well, guess what? It's NOT a great deal while it's $100 over MSRP, but I think some people just get caught up in the hype and have to have it right now, no matter what - it's like a feeding frenzy.

This can't last long. Upgrading an AGP system only makes sense when you can get a new card for around $200; much more than that and you may as well just upgrade everything, get a mid-range PCI-e card, and be in a better position next time you're ready for a new card.

I think they're idiots on both sides of the isle: technophiles who think AGP has cooties, and sentimental types who get nostalgic over a computer like it was a 57 Chevy, and pay more to keep it running than a new car would cost. Fortunately, most people are in that common sense middle ground, and at some point someone will have to meet that market.

 

[GEOrifle]

"This can't last long. Upgrading an AGP system only makes sense when you can get a new card for around $200."

That's true, i like it.

 

[coloumb]

Originally posted by: kopema
I find it hard to understand this too. I guess some people hear what a "great deal" the new card is, so they get all excited. Well, guess what? It's NOT a great deal while it's $100 over MSRP, but I think some people just get caught up in the hype and have to have it right now, no matter what - it's like a feeding frenzy.

This can't last long. Upgrading an AGP system only makes sense when you can get a new card for around $200; much more than that and you may as well just upgrade everything, get a mid-range PCI-e card, and be in a better position next time you're ready for a new card.

I think they're idiots on both sides of the isle: technophiles who think AGP has cooties, and sentimental types who get nostalgic over a computer like it was a 57 Chevy, and pay more to keep it running than a new car would cost. Fortunately, most people are in that common sense middle ground, and at some point someone will have to meet that market.

The #1 reason why I'm avoiding the upgrade to PCI-Express - it's a lot of work to migrate over [re-installing software], especially when WIndows XP fails to install due to the # of significant changes in hardware.

However, I am seriously considering the change...

[edited PCI to PCI-Express]

 

[Dr J]

In addition to coloumb's reasoning, (about all the extraneous b.s. involved in building a new system), the reality is that the whole industry is currently in a major state of flux, with a new OS, new cpus (dual/quad core, multi core), new memory standards and DX10, on the way.

I have an AGP system that suits the majority of my needs. All I plan to do is wait a few months until this new X1950Pro is a little more reasonably priced, like $200. Once I have this upgrade, I can sit out the industry transition until things settle out and a reasonable option (new system) appears (which, from my current point of view, looks at least a year away).

John

 

[apoppin]

my Sapphire x1950p/512MB arrived today ...

and compared to the VisionTek ... it is underwhelming

the HS looks like a plastic toy ... and it just looks cheap compared to the all copper one

good thing my case is closed ...

i'm off to play games ...

 

[kopema]

Originally posted by: Dr J
In addition to coloumb's reasoning, (about all the extraneous b.s. involved in building a new system), the reality is that the whole industry is currently in a major state of flux, with a new OS, new cpus (dual/quad core, multi core), new memory standards and DX10, on the way.

Personally, I love an excuse to start with a clean slate; getting a new system is just a good reason to make sure you have EVERYTHING backed up, or archived, or whatever needs to be done to it for the long term.

I don't know what's going on with those multi-cores either. People say they're great, but I'll wait for the prices to come down and software to catch up. As for Vista, I think you can get vouchers for that if you buy a new computer - although I'm always happy to take a wait-and-see approach to any new operating system.

Really though, the computer industry is ALWAYS in flux. The rule of thumb is pretty simple: always put off upgrading as long as you can. And right now I could buy a new motherboard, RAM, CPU and video card for $500 and quadruple the speed of my system. Or I can wait a month, buy a new video card for $220 and triple the speed...

Bottlenecks; shmottlenecks. That is not a tough decision to make. And the longer I can put off buying a new system, the better it will all be when I finally do upgrade everything.

 

[apoppin]

OMG ... NWN2 actually looks *good*

... in places ... this card is powerful to run it at high settings [except maps & textures, i am not so sure], everything maxed [except soft shadows] and even AA/AF ...
reflections on. ... my VisionTek couldn't do that [maybe it's the latest drivers]

and PREY is *awesome* ... the pinnacle of what the Source Engine can do ... $20 *everywhere* ... totally maxed details 4xaa/8xaf ... *beautiful*

ok, i'm back to gaming



oopps ... did i say *source* ...


i believe there are interactive shadows


i believe it's D3 ... and 'miles' beyond Q4
:Q

 

[honestjohn]

Originally posted by: apoppin
OMG ... NWN2 actually looks *good*

... in places ... this card is powerful to run it at high settings [except maps & textures, i am not so sure], everything maxed [except soft shadows] and even AA/AF ...
reflections on. ... my VisionTek couldn't do that [maybe it's the latest drivers]

and PREY is *awesome* ... the pinnacle of what the Source Engine can do ... $20 *everywhere* ... totally maxed details 4xaa/8xaf ... *beautiful*

ok, i'm back to gaming



oopps ... did i say *source* ...


i believe there are interactive shadows


i believe it's D3 ... and 'miles' beyond Q4
:Q

You are 100% correct. My copy just showed up on Wednesday. Got a great deal for the LE DVD for $17.99 plus shipping. But you are right the graphics are really sweet and I lthink I like the physics of the game even more. Don't know if your upside down half the time, and the spirit walking gimmick is pretty cool as well. The only proiblem I'm having is that I keep getting fragged because I'm walking around admiring the scenery. Have fun.

 

[Assimilator1]

Originally posted by: GEOrifle
Here is TomsHardware recommendation:

"It must be noted however, that if you have the money to spend on an AGP card, you may be much better off purchasing a PCI Express motherboard, CPU and PCI Express video card instead. For starters, PCIe cards are cheaper than their AGP cousins. If you upgrade your system to PCIe and sell your old components, you may actually spend a similar amount of money compared to buying an expensive AGP card alone."

http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/01/05/...g_video_cards_for_the_money/page6.html

Yes, the truth is hard to accepted....

Except it isn't necassarily the truth as a 1950 Pro PCI-E is at least £117 whilst the AGP 1950 Pro is £150 ,even if you were able to sell your old CPU & mbrd for £40,you'd be cutting it very tight to be able to buy a mbrd & CPU for £73

Let's see...
Athlon 64 3700(2.2GHz,1MB) S939 - £46
Cheap S939 mbrd, Asus A8R-MVP - £53
Total - £99
Budget bust ,you could save £11 going for a Ath64 3000 but some people would end up with a slower CPU & you'd still be £15 over budget ,but granted it is close.Though of course you'd be buying a platform which is no longer getting new CPU's.

With Intel ,unless you buy a mbrd that takes DDR as well as DDR2 (which the only one I saw had x4 PCI-E) then S775 is out of range due to the cost of Buying DDR2 RAM.

(Btw I didn't realise how complicated it was to get the right mbrd for Intel that supports C2D,PCI-E & the right FSB etc! :Q)

Though if you have a S939 or 754 CPU & thus only need a mbrd that'd be different, if you can find the appropriate mbrd ,but again you'd be buying an obosolete platform (in terms of new CPUs being released).

If the PCI-E version was another £30 cheaper then yes it'd be a clear point.

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: honestjohn

Originally posted by: apoppin
OMG ... NWN2 actually looks *good*

... in places ... this card is powerful to run it at high settings [except maps & textures, i am not so sure], everything maxed [except soft shadows] and even AA/AF ...
reflections on. ... my VisionTek couldn't do that [maybe it's the latest drivers]

and PREY is *awesome* ... the pinnacle of what the Source Engine can do ... $20 *everywhere* ... totally maxed details 4xaa/8xaf ... *beautiful*

ok, i'm back to gaming



oopps ... did i say *source* ...


i believe there are interactive shadows


i believe it's D3 ... and 'miles' beyond Q4
:Q

You are 100% correct. My copy just showed up on Wednesday. Got a great deal for the LE DVD for $17.99 plus shipping. But you are right the graphics are really sweet and I lthink I like the physics of the game even more. Don't know if your upside down half the time, and the spirit walking gimmick is pretty cool as well. The only proiblem I'm having is that I keep getting fragged because I'm walking around admiring the scenery. Have fun.

Bad News
:frown:

playing NWN2 at *max* caused sudden artifacting and instant lockup.

i think it is the my-18-amp-on-the-12v-rail 480w Thermaltake PS that is the "weakness" ... backing down my cpu O/C mitigated this somewhat but i don't want to go below 3.2 Ghz - or 3.0 at the worst - as the P4 is all about *bandwith*.

i tried o/c'ing and it had no trouble going from 581 on the core to 621 and memory [less successful] from 1404 to 1438 ... so i am guessing the HS is [barely] enough [temps are way cool compared to my x850xt] ... and a lot better than the reviews.

but it was damn unstable ... and didn't get *that much more* performance, so i am back to stock.
... which is still really good

i guess i will be looking out for a new PS that will work in my old case and also in my "next years build" ... probably xfire and dual or quad core ...

. . . what, maybe 1,000w? :Q

 

[honestjohn]

Glad you recognized the problem and sorry to hear it. Seeing a ton of people using under powered PSU and blaming the X1950 for their problems.

Sapphire Mods recommended the Dual Rail Enermax Liberty 620w to me which provides 36a sustained/continuous amps on the +12v rail and 22a per rail. It goes for $149 at ZipZoomFly.

Another very good one and at a better price is this Silverstone with 38a on a single +12v rail.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817163111

......of course if you can afford a 1000w PSU, more power to you.

ATI Crossfire Ready PSU's ......

http://ati.amd.com/technology/crossfire/buildyourown2.html

 

[apoppin]

thanks for the links ... i will put up with it for now

as long as my 2.80c's O/C is 3.2Ghz and the pro is at stock [and i don't "push" it] it is "fine" ... for hours

the PS is something i will budget for ... why get another budget one now and then buy another beefier one in a year?

i got my TT PS at least a couple of years ago for my 9800xt ... worked great till now [and is still ok within its limits]

 

[GEOrifle]

JUST FORGET IT, Geforce8800 gona price drop in a month-February.
Lot of changes gona happen, just hold your horses until it.


http://www.vr-zone.com/?i=4472

 

[Auric]

And that is apropos to what sans an AGP announcement?

 

[Canterwood]

Originally posted by: Auric
And that is apropos to what sans an AGP announcement?

I'd doubt it.

AGP is starting to show its age with HDCP playback already.

I think most, DX10 cards will be PCI-E only.

There may be a couple of low end DX10 AGP cards, but probably not any high end.

I'd think most people would have upgraded their system by then anyway.

 

[Compton]

Originally posted by: GEOrifle
JUST FORGET IT, Geforce8800 gona price drop in a month-February.
Lot of changes gona happen, just hold your horses until it.


http://www.vr-zone.com/?i=4472

Is this really necessary? I think you've made about 6 or 7 posts discouraging people from buying the x1950 PRO. Why don't you let people make up their own minds?