ScottJH

Currently have a GeForce 3 TI200 64MB. Looking at an ATI 9200 for around $100.00 or the 9600 for $170.00(Both with 128 MB). What should I do, keep the card I have, or go with the 9200 or 9600. Is the 9600 worth the extra money? Or should I look at the GeForce FX line? Would be paired with a P4 2.0 ghz with 512 MB DDR Ram.

DaveB

You may find the best bang for the buck in that price range is the Geforce4 ti 4200, especially with non-DX 9.0 software. If you can spend a little more, try and find a Radeon 9500 Pro.

Nick Graham

New Egg has a Radeon 9600 Pro card for $153. For the extra $53, you will get a significant increase in speed/quality, as well as Direct X 9 compliance, which means you will actually get to see all the bells and whistles they've put into Half-Life 2, Doom 3, and other upcoming games that take advantage of DirectX 9 features. With a 9200, you won't be able to see those bells and whistles.

If you are stuck on the $100 budget, I'd probably go with a
GeForceFX 5200 or 5600. They will be slower than the Radeon 9600 Pro, but they will be faster than the Radeon 9200, as well as fully Direct X 9 compliant.

In terms of speed and power and bang for the buck, the GeForce4 Ti 4200 is the way to go, but it is not fully Direct X 9 compliant.

Todd Bohlke

I don't think the 9200 would be a big enough improvement over what you've got to make it worth it. Go for the 4200 if you're strapped or jump to the 9500 pro or 9600 pro if not. 9700 non-pro would be a really nice jump if you can swing it

PaulW

ATI Radeon 9600 Pro for sure. this is last you the longest and is the best bang for the buch currently.
PaulW

Chris

Oddly, I'd agree here.. the Radeon 9500 Pro is faster then the 9600 Pro (oddity, but true) meanwhile, for your budget, the 5200 FX cards will beat up on a Radeon 9200 card, which is still based on the Radeon8500 core, just updated to AGP8X.

If you can't find a 9500, the 9600 Pro is worth the coin over the 9200, which you'll find dissapointing. Features in the 9600 not in the 9200:

* DirectX 9 (9200 is still an 8.1 part)
* Far better TV out on all cards I've seen
* Better catalyst support