Advice on 9800 pro card would be appreciated

[Forsaken]

Hi all

Been reading these boards these past few weeks trying to build up my new comp and I must say that alot of great info can be found on these boards!

Now in relation to my query... Which of these would you recommend? About the same price range and both 9800 Pros

http://www.overclock.co.uk/customer/product.php?productid=16709&cat=416&page=1

http://www.overclock.co.uk/customer/product.php?productid=16782&cat=470&page=1

http://www.google.dealtime.co.uk/xPC-ATI_SAPPHIRE_ALTHON_Radeon_9800_PRO

Im guessing the Sapphire would be better but not 100 % positive. Also, there seems to be the Sapphire and the Sapphire Atlantis - which confuses me even more! I dont necessarily plan to oc the card so is the sapphire a safe bet? Ive been reading up on the Sapphire "chip loto" and just concerned I might get stuck with a crappy chip. Will that affect performance if I dont plan to oc?

Many thanks for the help!





<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by forsaken on 01/28/04 12:12 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

[TheRod]

I would go Sapphire.

Read this :
<A HREF="http://forumz.tomshardware.com/hardware/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=363095#363095" target="_new">http://forumz.tomshardware.com/hardware/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=363095#363095</A>


--
Would you buy a GPS enabled soap bar?

 

[Forsaken]

Yeah already read that Rod

However several threads were talking about Sapphires chip being all over the place (and not knowing if you would be getting a 2.86 or something higher).

Is there a difference in the 2 Sapphire products I posted links to ? One seems to be an Atlantis and the other just says Sapphire technology

Thanks for the help... really noob here (both comp wise and forum wise since it was my first post!)

 

[Vimp]

The common Saphire 9800 Pro is called the "Atlantis". Only the rarer, more expensive version of the card isn't called Atlantis but is called "Ultimate" instead. If it dosn't specify which one it is then it no doubt is the Atlantis card.

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[Forsaken]

Many thanks Vimp

 

[TheGreatGrapeApe]

Actually you are also missing the FIREBLADE editions, they tend to be even more expensive than the UEs to start IIRC, but then drop quickly with time. UEs tend to stay expensive as they are 'specialty items'. BTW, I think they are ALL Atlantis(s), even the UEs and the Fireblades.

The problem with iffy memory is mainly for the R9600Pro series which is all over the map. The R9800PRO is pretty consistent. The R9800 on the other hand, is riskier once again, I've seen 3 types of memory there (versus 7 for the R9600Pro series).


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[Forsaken]

Thanks for the tip on the iffy memory. I figured since it impacted the 9600 pros it would also impact the 9800 pros.

If you had a choice between say paying £200 for the Sapphire Atlantis or £230 for a Hercules one (both 9800 Pro 128m), would an extra 30 be worth it for the Hercules card?

Appreciate your time

 

[Guest]

If you can shell out the extra 30pounds, I would go for the 9800pro. Might be usefull in future game like Hl2 to have a bit more of horsepower. Since you dont get 1-2% more like 10%+ improvments I think its worth the extra money.
In the end in only depends on wether you can afford it and if your budget is tight you should ask yourself wether or not you need the extra performance.

 

[TheGreatGrapeApe]

I LOVE Hercules (my card would have been Hercules if it weren't for them being release 2 months after the BBA R9600Pros). They are very good cards, with nice extras (like ramsinks) and good quality builds, and pretty good support.

The Question is whether it is worth it to you?

Here's a <A HREF="http://www.driverheaven.net/reviews/hercules9800pro/" target="_new">review from Driver Heaven</A>, for a little insight into what you get.


- You need a licence to buy a gun, but they'll sell anyone a stamp <i>(or internet account)</i> ! - <font color=green>RED </font color=green> <font color=red> GREEN</font color=red> GA to SK

 

[Forsaken]

Yeah.. 30 pounds wont really make a difference ... Ill go with the Hercules card.

Thanks for the enlightment 😉

 

[HardWareBoss]

Buy the Hercules. I would buy BBA before Sapphire.

 

[HadesZA]

Yeah go for the hercules just bought a 9800pro a month a go very happy with the card...