X1600 Pro... 256mb or 512mb?

[Taylormade]

I need to buy a graphics card ASAP and I can't decide which X1600 to go with. I have a ATI X1600 Pro 512mb right now that I purchased from CompUSA when my 9600XT died, but at $230.00, it's going back as soon as I get a replacement.

I'll save $100 by going with either Sapphire or HIS. Newegg has both the 256mb and 512mb versions of the Sapphire card but only has the 256mb HIS version in stock. From what I have been able to gather, the HIS card is quieter and potentially more overclockable. Should I wait for newegg to get in the 512mb version of the HIS, get the Sapphire 512mb card or just go with the HIS 256mb version?

I'm sticking with AGP for another year or 2 so won't be switching to PCI-e nor am I considering a NVidia card. I'd love a 7800gs but it's too expensive for World or Warcraft, about the only gaming I do.

 

[superbrett2000]

I'd take the product stickers off the X1600, put them on the 9600XT and package your 9600XT in the X1600 box and return it to CompUSA.

 

[Taylormade]

Too late...the 9600XT went in the trash the day it died.

 

[cleeve]

You aren't going to see much difference at all (if any) between 256mb or 512mb on an X1600.

Get the cheapest one available.

 

[Taylormade]

Thanks for the input. That makes sense for this level of card. A game that took advantage of the 512mb of video memory probably wouldn't play well on an X1600 pro anyhow.