my old BFG 6800 Vs. ATI 1650pro

[soric2]

http://shop.ati.com/product.asp?sku=3122115
vs my old
http://www.bfgtech.com/6800OC.html

I want to switch to ATI because my card/nvidia are having problems with Vista, please no flames, I am not trying to bash nvidia.
But I need to be able to play my games without flaws.

so I ask isthis card similar or better? I know there is an agp 1950 out there but I dont want to spend alot on a vidcard, I can get the 1650 for about $130.

thanks for any help/info.

 

[SEALBoy]

Scrap that, just realized you had an AGP card...

The X1650Pro will be a downgrade from your current videocard, but it's probably all you've got to work with in your price range. There are a few 7600GS cards, but that's nVidia again. Your best bet would be to save up and get this X1650XT that's $150 after rebate. It should be slightly faster than your 6800.

You might also want to think about waiting a few weeks until nVidia releases competent Vista drivers.

 

[tweebel]

And probably someone here will be able to help you with the nVidia/Vista problem you encounter.

 

[soric2]

ok the problem I am having is with madden 07 for the most part, when you try and kick the ball the screen flickers or freezes while the game still plays in the back ground if you alt-tab out and go back it is fine until you kick again.

I am using XP drivers from 11-2 and it seems to keep it to a minimum but any vista drivers and its completely unplayable because of this.

 

[cleeve]

A plain-jane 12-pipe 6800 that's not overclocked will have very similar performance to an X1650 PRO.

But an X1650 XT for $150 is a way better card for sure and will beat your old 6800 by a noticable amount.

 

[pauldh]

A plain-jane 12-pipe 6800 that's not overclocked will have very similar performance to an X1650 PRO.

But an X1650 XT for $150 is a way better card for sure and will beat your old 6800 by a noticable amount.

Yup I completely agree Cleeve.

 

[tweebel]

Think you diagnosed a driver problem correctly, I've had similar experiences with being kicked out and game running in background.

What worked for me sometimes was changing resolution/color depth/direct 3d-open gl.

Play around with the graphic settings of the game. Unfortunately, sometimes there is no option but waiting for new drivers.

 

[irrsh]

It seems to be hit or miss on games in vista. Halo and alot of the first person shooter games work fine for me in vista however I have a few games that don't do well at all! hopefully the companies will put out game patches soon!

 

[caamsa]

Good old vanilla 6800, I still have my PNY 6800 in a machine. If I were you I would just wait, the drivers will get better I would not just get rid of a decent card because of drivers.

Have you tired to unlock the other pipes and shader on your card using Riva Tuner? You might be able to unlock all 16 pipes and the one extra shader. I was only able to unlock one of the shaders on mine but it did not work with the pipes.

I would say keep your current card for now.

 

[ira176]

I concur with Cleeve and Sealboy. I would look at the X1650 XT.

Newegg.com has it for 149.99 after a 20.00 mail in rebate.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814131036

Also ignore the fact that newegg lists this card as having 24 pixel pipelines, it really has 24 pixel shaders, and I believe 8 pixel pipelines. It should be a noticable step up for you though.

Here's Ati's X1650 XT product link for your researching pleasure.

http://ati.amd.com/products/RadeonX1650/x1650xt.html

 

[irrsh]

save your money and wait for direct x10 because if you are a gamer you are going to want to upgrade later this year anyway. Might as well save the money.....have you tried the new beta drivers from nvidia? I have seen several reviews where the performance difference between their jan 5 released drivers and those beta drivers are actually substantial. Take a look at them.....might be worth a try!