FX5900, is it a good buy?????

[kenshiro]

To all graphic card experts out there, I need a little advice. I am thinking of upgrading my TI-4200 128MB video card. As usual, I do have a budget. Newegg.com is selling the Ledtek and EVAG FX5900 128MB retail for $220 only. I just like to know if this is a good buy. Or should I pay $300 for a ATI9800 Pro OEM? FYI, the retail for ATI9800 pro sells for $350 at newegg.

Please advice

 

[shadus]

http://www.pricewatch.com/1/37/5660-1.htm

The FX line isn't as good as the Rad line presently. I'd suggest either waiting for the NV40/R420 (prolly early next year) or alternately going with a rad 9800 non-pro. The link above lists quite a few of them... they'll outperform a 5900 non-ultra. The pro 9800 is a card you definetly wont be disappointed in.

There isn't anything wrong with the 5900 mind, its just not up to par when compared to the ATI offerings... bang for buck and all that.

Shadus

 

[GeneticWeapon]

I like the FX cards for their hardware monitor features. Knowing the temps of your memory and GPU through a software interface is cool.

<b>I help because you suck</b>

 

[kenshiro]

Has anyone benchmark with the latest 52.16 driver from Nvidia? Personally, I like Nvidia because they update their drivers constantly. This is the reason why I try to stick with Nvidia products.

Does anyone know how much did this driver improve their performance? Is ATI still beating them to the ground?

 

[sargeduck]

However, according to an Nvidia representative, though the company has traditionally released reference drivers quarterly, it won't necessarily continue to do so unless needed, and, ideally, the company eventually hopes to release as few as one driver update per year

found<A HREF="http://www.gamespot.com/pc/news/news_6077157.html" target="_new"> here </A>

I like Nvidia because they update their drivers constantly. This is the reason why I try to stick with Nvidia products

Hmmmmmm, might be time for a new company. ATI has stated that it will continue to release 12 or driver updates a year. Just something for you to think about.

Continuing on, a 9800 would be just fine. It is pretty much tied with the 5900 in dx8 games, but bring in dx9, and the 9800 mops the floor with the 5900.

Is there anything really more to say?

 

[TheGreatGrapeApe]

You can monitor the new Radeon XTs through software as well.

And yeah I agree, that's a very nice feature, and definitely would have helped with recent 'claims'.

I'd personally prefer some lead to attach to a VFD to display in a drivebay, that way getting the advanatage of temp readings from the core, but wherever I want it.
When I'm playing a game for 2 hrs straight I don't want to have to pop out in order to check temps. But thats my personal preference. Both are cool, and especially not having to put a sensor between on you heat-sink.


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[TheGreatGrapeApe]

I like Nvidia because they update their drivers constantly.

If that's what you are looking for then definitely do not get the nvidia. Look at this from gamespot:

<A HREF="http://forumz.tomshardware.com/hardware/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=374659#374659" target="_new">However, according to an Nvidia representative, though the company has traditionally released reference drivers quarterly, it won't necessarily continue to do so unless needed, and that ideally, the company hopes to release as few as one driver update per year.
</A>

Every year? Is that good enough for ya'?

Also ATI says they will continue to offer many driver updeates according to <A HREF="http://www.rage3d.com/#1066842724" target="_new">Terry at Rage3D</A>.

As for the 52.16 they seem to be the real deal, the ones that finally live up to the hype of the Detonator Drivers.


- 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

 

[coolsquirtle]

*cough* rumors *cough*
there's nothing wrong with FX5900, it can run everythin u throw at great. Remember just because it's not the best doesn't mean it sucks.

RIP Block Heater....HELLO P4~~~~~
120% nVidia Fanboy
bring it fanATics~~ nVidia PWNS all!
SCREW aBOX! LONG LIVE nBOX!!

 

[sargeduck]

LOL, Grape, look two posts up.

Is there anything really more to say?

 

[Guest]

Captain Obvious says if its a FX5900Ultra then it might be allright (just)! If its just a FX5900 nonultra then the R9800pro will far outperform it!

<b><font color=red>Captain Obvious To The Rescue!!!</font color=red></b>

 

[TheGreatGrapeApe]

DAMN! Too busy focusing on work. Spent all that time preparing to reply to GW that I didn't submit it until a while later, and then I get passed by you without even looking to see what new was posted! DANG!

Well done, beat me to it. 😎


So to CoolS, that 'rumour' has better legs than you'd think. :tongue:


- 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

 

[kenshiro]

I really appreciate everyone for your opinion in this issue. I will probably wait for an official benchmark from tomshardware, anandtech, or extremetech on the Detonator 52.16 before I jump into a new video card. If it is still bad, I will probably save more money for the 9800 pro. Making a $200 mistake is a very expensive mistake to me.

 

[cleeve]

Krikey, save the cash and get a 9800 non-pro.

I'd take a 9800 non-pro over a 5900 non-ultra. It's a question of shaders...

------------------
Radeon 9500 (hardmodded to PRO, o/c to 322/322)
AMD AthlonXP 2400+ (o/c to 2600+ with 143 fsb)
3dMark03: 4055

 

[phial]

Personally, I like Nvidia because they update their drivers constantly. This is the reason why I try to stick with Nvidia products.

stop living in teh past. ATI's driver support has been better than nVidias for over a year

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