Coolsquirtle's VIDEO CARD BUYING GUIDE FOR NOOBSS

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Most people want to buy gaming cards, so this buyers' guide is gaming card based
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Spitfire, there ARE users who desire to know what is a Workstation card (Pro card), how it differs and if the price is worth it. Heck we should try to include recommendations for them, as we HAD gotten people wondering if it's up to the task.

The Parhelia should also be included in 2d/3d quality cards, mainly for 2D.

Finally, regarding my gripe, here's how <i>I</i> see it:
Most people who will ask the same question are newcomers, and newcomers who come for help, not to stay hanging out in this forum for a long time, like we do. Those people generally will look once, twice and not come back, once they get their answer.
In releasing the FAQ or Buyers' Guide right now, early in dev., you are effectively letting many who have come now for help, read what's in, either get confused, or not find the answer, and post a question, then leave. They're just not gonna bother again checking what's newly added.
Which is why I still think you should take it down, create your own thread like CS did, post the unfinished FAQ there, update it as you will, and the criticism/suggestions can flow inside that thread for direct opinion. Not only this, but if you check the RAM or HDD FAQs, you can clearly see why I think you should take their example, and in fact even include a "What's New" section on the top, to show what has been added so users don't bother to re-read through to find if something new was added. In fact, as FatBurger did with the RAM FAQ, the thread title SHOULD include a "Updated on d/m/y".

Again this is what I think, but as a user who knows this place by heart for almost 2 years now and has yet to go away for more than 3 days without it, I think I know very well how the behavior works and what might be best.

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Yeah, I think if we really pool our resources we could get the Mother of all Graphics Card FaQs up. And with the 'return' of GW, and perhaps the 'over our heads' input of DaveP it might just be informative, instead of simply taking up one more space that could have been occupied by a valuable 'Why are my Bungholio Marks so Low?' POS-t. I think the Perfect FaQ andswer to that was an old one of mine; 'Your score is so low because YOU're a BAD person, take it personally it's all YOUR fault!' :wink:

Alright, Bed-time, gotta rest up before celebrating the promotion; Free Beer, Yipee! 😎


- You need a licence to buy a gun, but they'll sell anyone a stamp <i>(or internet account)</i> ! <A HREF="http://www.redgreen.com" target="_new"><font color=green>RED</font color=green> <font color=red>GREEN</font color=red></A> GA to SK :evil:
 
Damn Molson freaks...

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stupid critcal grape^^

" Lose the Recommended card section, just put a comparison (put a caveat saying under most situations, blah, blah). The recomendations are too long, will change constantly based on price, and will also become obsolete with newer cards. A better example would be something that is agreed upon (more or less) like FX5200<GF4ti=FX5200U=FX5600<FX5600U-R.1<FX5600U-R.2<FX5800<FX5800U<FX5900<FX5900U"

nah keep it if we have something like that they will be posts like "i know blah is better then blah but i'm still not sure what to buy"

"- Where are th main stay FAQ requests? Do I need AGP 8X? What is AGP X? What is the volage of AGP X? What is AGP 3.0/2.0/1.0, etc? (something like This What is Pro vs non-Pro; Ultra versus non-Ultra (explaining there are no non-pro/ultras, that's just our term)? Which one is better ATI or nVidia or Matrox (good time to link to CoolS's post maybe)? What is all this about cheating? And all that good stuff."

That's gonna be in another faq along with trouble shooting

"Needs ALOT more technical stuff but I assume that is to come?"

DUH~

"There is no mention of 2D vs. 3D quality, nor is there a description of Pro/Workstation vs Gaming Cards."

It's COMING, i dont get paid writing these so i'm not gonna work my ass off 24/7

" Brief description with links to AA and AF (inlcuding methods not used by ATI & nV [ie Fragment])"

It's in the technical one

A list of good review sites (linked of course) other than THG ([H], Anand, nVnews, Rage3D, Digit-Life, xBitLabs, etc.), plus the news breaking sites, (Inquirer, Register, and Xbit again)

with all the cheating and unbalence benchmark, we have to becareful.

"- a Brief description of why 3Dmk01 and 3Dmk03 are different and why Bungholio marks don't mean anything in the real world, they just help everyone get a standard judge of th 'known' universe, etc. Perhaps a discussion of why Benchmaking is under fire, or link to that info."

that's coming too

" a Glossar of terms or a link to a glossary of terms would be good."

Technical FAQ~~


- "The explicit statement that the information provided from this forum is free an shoul be regarded as such and should be taken at face-value (do your own damn research if you want a guarantee!). And also a reminder that Google and Pricewatch/NewEgg all are still operating so USE them!"

I AM USING THEM!!

" Mention about the idea of buying a card in anticipation of a game (don't count on it, wait 'til the game arrives if you are really woried)."

that's coming up

"A blurb/mention on/of Moding/Cooling (enough /'s in there?) "

It'll be there near the end

"Note about drivers, and the best places to find them."

it's coming

that solve ur question ?? 😉

Proud Owner the Block Heater
120% nVidia Fanboy
PROUD OWNER OF THE GEFORCE FX 5900ULTRA <-- I wish this was me
I'd get a nVidia GeForce FX 5900Ultra... if THEY WOULD CHANGE THAT #()#@ HSF
 
BUMP!!!!

Proud Owner the Block Heater
120% nVidia Fanboy
PROUD OWNER OF THE GEFORCE FX 5900ULTRA <-- I wish this was me
I'd get a nVidia GeForce FX 5900Ultra... if THEY WOULD CHANGE THAT #()#@ HSF
 
help bumping guys lol~~

Proud Owner the Block Heater
120% nVidia Fanboy
PROUD OWNER OF THE GEFORCE FX 5900ULTRA <-- I wish this was me
I'd get a nVidia GeForce FX 5900Ultra... if THEY WOULD CHANGE THAT #()#@ HSF
 
Write the brand name guide soon.

(remember that it won't be a seperate sticky, it will be integrated with the buyers' guide)

----------------
<b><A HREF="http://geocities.com/spitfire_x86" target="_new"> My Website</A></b>

<b><A HREF="http://geocities.com/spitfire_x86/myrig.html" target="_new"> My Rig</A></b>
 
nah i'll do it tomorrow~~

Proud Owner the Block Heater
120% nVidia Fanboy
PROUD OWNER OF THE GEFORCE FX 5900ULTRA <-- I wish this was me
I'd get a nVidia GeForce FX 5900Ultra... if THEY WOULD CHANGE THAT #()#@ HSF
 
Yeah, if anyone should help them out, it's you, oh great Poobaa!

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<A HREF="http://www.lochel.com/THGC/album.html" target="_new"><font color=green><b>A sexual experience like never before seen</font color=green></b></A>
Site has now even more sexy members, for your pleasure.
 
yay it's poobaa!!

Proud Owner the Block Heater
120% nVidia Fanboy
PROUD OWNER OF THE GEFORCE FX 5900ULTRA <-- I wish this was me
I'd get a nVidia GeForce FX 5900Ultra... if THEY WOULD CHANGE THAT #()#@ HSF
 
12 pages of post and appox 11 dif Users now I see how most get there # of post increased lol.I want to add something :).
I been around diff sites and when you get as many post as this the ones in the middle never get looked at.The only ones that post or read are mostly the same ones look through the post and see how many diff people made a comment,I see alot of wasted space here.Besides as fast as cards change what good is it to have a FAQ,when the question is none comperhencesive to the ones that read it,and still ask the question anyway;Where the answer was given in the FAQ.LOL.nothing personel but you beating a dead horse here don't ye think!!.

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urg dude......... i dont understand what ur trying to get at?
"Besides as fast as cards change what good is it to have a FAQ,when the question is none comperhencesive to the ones that read it,and still ask the question anyway"

first of all, if cards does change, so does the FAQ -_-
second of all, this FAQ makes life easier for us, instead suggesting what cards noob should buy everytime they post, we just say "read the FAQ NOOB!"

Also, what's wrong with posting lots? is it a sin cause ur not doing it?

Proud Owner the Block Heater
120% nVidia Fanboy
PROUD OWNER OF THE GEFORCE FX 5900ULTRA <-- I wish this was me
I'd get a nVidia GeForce FX 5900Ultra... if THEY WOULD CHANGE THAT #()#@ HSF
 
This guide was helpful to me, however I still have some unanwsered questions.
Im in the kinda rich buyers section:)
Im looking at the 9500 pro, the 9700 non-pro, and the 9800 non-pro, as I saw it today for about $250
Here are my considerations:
Sapphire 9500 Pro: $156
ATI 9500 Pro: $180-190 ($200 on newegg)
Sapphire 9700 non-pro: $229
ATI 9700 non-pro: I cant seem to find an ATI 9700 non-pro thats $250 or less, maybe I just missed it.
Sapphire 9800 non-pro: $233
ATI 9800 non-pro: $250

The 5600 Ultra Rev 2 would have been a consideration, but I can't even find one, so Im gonna stick with these. I know this question is similar to the one asked and anwsered in your guide, but I wanted opinions on the OEM versions and the 9800 non-pro. Im on a tight budget and wanted to see what everyones opinion would be on the OEM versions and the 9800 non-pro. Thanks
 
OEM version is just the card and sometime drivers. There's nothing wrong with them~ cause ATi dont come with alot of stuff anyways 😛
If ur really tight on a budget, i think 9500pro is good but are u planning on keeping this card for a long time? then u should get the 9800 non-pro

Proud Owner the Block Heater
120% nVidia Fanboy
PROUD OWNER OF THE GEFORCE FX 5900ULTRA <-- I wish this was me
I'd get a nVidia GeForce FX 5900Ultra... if THEY WOULD CHANGE THAT #()#@ HSF
 
GA - A list of good review sites (linked of course) other than THG ([H], Anand, nVnews, Rage3D, Digit-Life, xBitLabs, etc.), plus the news breaking sites, (Inquirer, Register, and Xbit again)

CS - with all the cheating and unbalence benchmark, we have to becareful.
Click to expand...
Actually I meant just a link to their sites not their reviews. They are good resources and people should figure out their own idea of what a cheat is (have we solved that here yet for everyone? Nah!). And then a seperate spot of a ll the cheat reviews (within reason, try to keep to good ones)

no back up to a diff. one;

nah keep it if we have something like that they will be posts like "i know blah is better then blah but i'm still not sure what to buy"
Click to expand...
I realize that but we should put them in classes (performance classes) as well as price categories and not pigeon-hole the reader (cheap-ass, etc.) remember you want THEM to read it, we'll read it once, laugh and then move on (or maybe criticize).
Price/performance like <A HREF="http://www.extremetech.com/print_article/0,3998,a=41363,00.asp" target="_new">ExtremeTech's article</A>, or even the <A HREF="http://www.nordichardware.com/reviews/graphiccard/2003/9xFX/index.php?ez=12" target="_new">New one by Nordic</A> (Too bad they just use UT2K3 [with all it's 'issues'], I don't know what an SEK is but as long as my R9600Pro is #1 I love it) :wink:
All I meant was try and keep it tight. Even list the ones we don't like or necessarily recomment highly, but make sure we back up the info (some of the comments could fit like (pro: / con:) so it takes up less space. More info about it specifically, and the GFMX isn't to be avoided if it can be had for REAL cheap, stuff like that needs to be conveyed (there's still alot of space being taken up by spaces (post is long but not wide with info). Just like TigerDirect is selling the R9100-64mb for $50CDN. I could buy 2.5 of those with the money it takes for a GF4ti, etc.

Add to the ATI card builders to BUY: Creative and Visiontek
Add to nV car makers to buy: Creative (yes they make both depending on where you are [Euro., Asia, N.Am.]). Also where does Albatron come in on your guys list for nV (good, bad, otherwise)? Probably make all those recommended card makers names (c)linkable.

Again, Link to ALOT of re-sellers would be good.

Anywhoo, like I said my original post mixed up the intent.

Also a mention of the ATI-SE and nV-LE (the new MX?) versions of cards might be a good idea. SE = S-ux E-verytime, LE = L-ow performance E-xcuse for a card.

Just a little more to add.


- You need a licence to buy a gun, but they'll sell anyone a stamp <i>(or internet account)</i> ! <A HREF="http://www.redgreen.com" target="_new"><font color=green>RED</font color=green> <font color=red>GREEN</font color=red></A> GA to SK :evil:
 
Nothing personal, but you ARE a dead horse sharkmeat!

I'm gonna let you in on a big secret! Not many people know this, its really complex actually, too complex for the average person, but... in the English language... theres a SPACE after periods and commas (and question marks and exclamation points and quotation marks)!!! WOW!!! Hardcore I know, it'll take a while to grasp the concept, but give it a try.

...frickin moron.

"Mice eat cheese." - Modest Mouse

"Every Day is the Right Day." -Pink Floyd<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by Willamette_Sucks on 08/17/03 11:35 PM.</EM></FONT></P>
 
What's a 'quation' mark? :tongue:

I will delete this reference to your 'ironic' post if you pay me, (see, a space) One Billion Dollars...!!!....!!!! - ala Dr Evil :evil:



- You need a licence to buy a gun, but they'll sell anyone a stamp <i>(or internet account)</i> ! <A HREF="http://www.redgreen.com" target="_new"><font color=green>RED</font color=green> <font color=red>GREEN</font color=red></A> GA to SK :evil:
 
Willamette_Sucks your comments are as useless as a tit on a bore hog.So put your efforts where you might get some attention Let me send you a quarter to call someone who really cares.If I counted right most of the post where by one person,hell I can cut and paste all day long that would give me ton,s of post.I Think post should be more informational,not garbage like your reply Willamette_Sucks just to show someone off......Willamette_Sucks why you make an @ss of yourself by calling people names.just a big joke.
BTW I have never got a cup of coffee from a misplaced period,or comma.
One last comment Willamette_Sucks you really give this site class.

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COOLSSQUIRTLE'S Here is a Case Inpoint...read the cut and paste POST below,which is a post above this one in the Lobby,remember what I said in my post about useless infromation.FAQ IS A GOOD THING IN A NEW GAME OR JUST A SINGLE NEW PRODUCT when a post is long and full of thiings that are not completly covered people want read,it is to long and people lose instrest in long drawn out things they don't want to read,they want you to tell them on a first person bases.I don't want to say I told you so ,but I will.I told you it was a waste of your time,good thing alot was cut and paste LOL.BTW I think in one line you said you didn't have time to benchmark the cards and some one else could or maybe give that info,well as you can read below benching wasen't inportant to this person :).
------------------------------------------------------
"Decent Card For "Average User"

I am looking to get a "Good" vid card from my G4MX-440 w/Barton 2500. I don't care about benchmarking anything, just a decent card for some gaming and work. Budget is important, so my options are: Radeon 9500 PowerColor Evil Command X 128ddr, Gigabyte 9500 64ddr,Gigacube 9600C3 ProLite 128ddr, Sapphire 9600Pro 128 (some are Ret some Oem). For around $40 less, the Leadtek GF4 Ti4200 can be had. Which would be better for everyday use? Thanks for any input.




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Alright, well my main worry with OEM cards is warranty, err, the quality of the parts and such, I dont want a piece of crap, but it seems sapphire is a good manufacturer, is that right? Also, I suppose you use the ATI drivers for a sapphire card?
So, I suppose I will have this computer for a while. I was originally thinking 9500 pro, but if you think the difference of about $100 dollars for the 9800 non-pro is justifiable I will just get that instead, its a little over what I wanted to spend, but I guess if I make a wise choice now it will save in the long run.
 
Sharkmeat, if u dont like the FAQ, leave! i didn't tell u to post here! what's ur problem, seriously, there are 10 times the amount of people that's supporting this, and there's you, sorry in THGC majority rules so does the gurus, now if u'll excuses me, i'll go on helping someone while all u do is complain, Fredi doesn't have a problem with this, so i dont care if u think this is pointless, it's helping people, so go home and cry to ur momma that people here in THGC did something u dont like
I'm being harsh, but i think it's necessary.


mrshoe06, OEM and Retail are exact same cards~ the quality will be the same and such. But of course the warrenty will be short (30 days i think?)

Proud Owner the Block Heater
120% nVidia Fanboy
PROUD OWNER OF THE GEFORCE FX 5900ULTRA <-- I wish this was me
I'd get a nVidia GeForce FX 5900Ultra... if THEY WOULD CHANGE THAT #()#@ HSF
 
and guys, i'm out~~ gonna get wasted so i'll post part 4 tom~~

BUBBA HERE I COME!!

Proud Owner the Block Heater
120% nVidia Fanboy
PROUD OWNER OF THE GEFORCE FX 5900ULTRA <-- I wish this was me
I'd get a nVidia GeForce FX 5900Ultra... if THEY WOULD CHANGE THAT #()#@ HSF
 
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