Sapphire x1950 PCI-E 256MB Version vs 512MB Version

[caleb23]

I'm trying to pick a Radeon x1950 Pro card for my build. I was going to get this cheap no-frills 256 MB one by jetway. (I have a generic in my current that has never had a problem) But then I saw I can get a brand name Sapphire for the same price.

But then I saw in the reviews that there is a a 512 meg version of the Sapphire x1950 Pro. And I thought, maybe the extra memory is worth the additional $40. Most likely I won't switch out go dual GBU any time soon. What do you think?

Here's the search to see all x1950 pro's on newegg.

What do you guys think, is it worthwhile to go for the 512 meg version of the x1950 over the 256 meg version? I can't find any benchmarks comparing the two cards.

I'm just about ready to buy the system y'all helped me design in this thread.

Thanks.

Rob

 

[Malazan]

Can you stretch to a 8800 GTS 320MB?

If not, buy the cheapo X1950 PRO, they are cracking cards, and you won't see the benefit of the 512MB unless you play in very high res.

Don't spend more than $200 on a non DX10 card you're wasting your money.


If you're thinking you can go to $250 for a 512MB 1950PRO, save another $50 and get the 8800GTS 320MB, it hammers the 1950 PRO and is new tech.

Buy high or buy low.

 

[caleb23]

Sounds like good words. I would like to play at 1600x1200 on a single monitor. (I'm running 2001fp's.)

I think you're right about this buy-high or buy low. I think it is probably a good idea to wait and see for the DX10 cards.

Do you have any opinions on which 256 MB x1950 pro to get? I see Sapphire and Jetway versions for $169.

rob

 

[Malazan]

The Sapphire no doubt.

You really really don't want to be spending a lot of money on a DX9 only card at this time.

I'd really consider trying to get 50 bucks from somehwere and buying the GTS - you won't regret it.

 

[caleb23]

Ya, but I'm leaning towards low now. Ok, saphire then.

The Saphire x1950 Pro 256 is only $169. The cheapest 8800 is $299. That's a pretty wide difference.

It seems I could be better off saving that $130 and in a year selling my x1950 for $40 bucks. It seems like $170 towards a Dx10 in a year will go a lot farther than the current 8800 gts 320 mb.

 

[Featherstone]

get the x1950pro. DX10 games don't come out for 6-8 months. No point in getting a DX10 card before then.

 

[Malazan]

Yeah buy low, if you can't afford high.

Here's a great review of the 8800GTS - it will chew through anything in very high/max settings up to and including 1920x1200, it doesn't struggle for memory until after.

http://www.guru3d.com/article/Videocards/416/


There is a massive difference in price but weren't you considering a 512MB for $250?

Anyway, by the time you buy again in a year the $170 will buy you a great DX10 card.

 

[Featherstone]

I take back my previous statement. Don't buy an x1950pro. Wait for a few weeks for all the new cards to come out and pick up one of the 150-200 dollar ati or nvidia cards, they will most likely out perform the x1950pro.

 

[caleb23]

Well--actually I was looking at the x1950 pro 512, but the Sapphire is only $209.99 on Newegg right now:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102075

So, the gap is still $90 bones.

 

[Malazan]

Yep, but i don't think he wants to wait.

 

[caleb23]

Ya, I'm putting in the order for this puppy today. The proc is already on the way.

 

[Featherstone]

Why would you get the 512 version?

 

[Malazan]

I see.

Buy the cheapest 1950 you can find then.

 

[Featherstone]

I see.

Buy the cheapest 1950 you can find then.

I agree.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?Category=38&N=2010380048+106790809+1067924896&Submit=ENE&SubCategory=48

I'd get the MSI... maybe the sapphire

 

[Malazan]

Yep, the MSI was my first choice for this guy.

If he has to buy NOW and can't afford DX10 it's senseless spending a lot on old tech.

 

[caleb23]

Cool. I think I'll go with the Sapphire.

Thanks for talking this through with me dudes.

rob

 

[enforcerfx]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814127271

Go with the MSI. Cheaper of the 2.

 

[ruleworld]

YOU MUST NOT BUY THE SAPPHIRE 256MB. I HAVE IT AND IT HAS OVERHEATING PROBLEM. its shuts down after 10 minute into a game. thats why they made the 512mb version and put a zalman on it. i had to put a heatsink and thermal pad to make mine work. almost everone have this overheating problem. read at newegg http://www.newegg.com/Product/CustratingReview.asp?item=N82E16814102061
or sapphire forum.

 

[TonyStark]

Screw Sapphire. Get the Powercolor x1950 PRO. It runs much cooler and costs less. The hottest my card has ever been is about 55°C after several hours of Oblivion @ 1280x960.

I should also point out that it is a very hot summer here in Aus.