Ti4200 or FX5600

[RRAMJET]

I've seen benchmarks that don't show a lot of difference between the Ti4200 and a FX5600. I know there are variations on both these cards, that noticibly change the price and benchmark. As i'm building a system for my cousin i would like your opinion on whether the FX5600 is worth the extra cash, almost double in some cases. He is 14 and playes the current games, i'm seriously looking at the Ti4200. But if the FX5600, or ATI 9600, is a heap better i'll probably go for one of them. Love to hear from all, especially if you have seen em in action.

If he doesn't die, he'll get help!!!

 

[TheGreatGrapeApe]

The R9600Pro is worth the extra cash. The FX5600 is not.

I assume you are talking about an FX5600 that is not an Ultra (and then it would only matter if it's the R.2).

For your cousin the GF4ti4200 will likley be the better choice, and by the time it makes enough of a difference between the two in games, then likely that saved money will better help get a replacement worthy of the games that need it. The main question I have which would help me to help you better (almost like Jerry McGuire) would be, how much are you planning to spend? What are the Prices you've found for your selections, and what kind of games does your cousin play? Also when is the next upgrade after this? Is it a long-term purchase 3+ years, or shorter (<2 years)?

I have an R9600Pro and it's a nice card. I have posted alot of info about it, and similar cards here.

<A HREF="http://www.ocaddiction.com/reviews/video/fic_r9600pro/" target="_new">HERE</A>'s a review of the R9600Pro whihc includes a few benchmarks with the GF4ti, and the FX5600 (non-ultra), It should give you a basic idea.

<A HREF="http://www.ocaddiction.com/reviews/video/fic_r9600pro/" target="_new">http://www.ocaddiction.com/reviews/video/fic_r9600pro/</A>

I think for the most part the GF4ti will have good price/performance; and should suffice in gaming, and wherever it doesn't then the FX5600Ultra Revision 2, or the Radeon 9600Pro will do much better. And out of those the R9600Pro tends to be the wise price/perfoormance buy (and then considering an R9700non-pro might be an option)

I still love the R9600Pro but it all depends on your money/needs/availibility situation.

EDIT: Oh yeah here's another recent review from PCSTATS
<A HREF="http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=1440" target="_new">http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=1440</A>

- 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 <P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by TheGreatGrapeApe on 08/06/03 02:15 AM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

[RRAMJET]

He mostly plays FPS, online ones, UT 2, Raven Shield, planetside etc, and a few space games to. I realise that an upgrade card will prob be required in 12 to 18 months. This is the reason i'm a a bit hesitant to spend $350-$400 AUD, halve to get US dollars. I can get a MSI Ti4200 for about $230, maybe a bit less, a crap brand FX5600 for $300, 350 for a good brand, and a 9600 pro Ati for about $370.

If he doesn't die, he'll get help!!!

 

[TheGreatGrapeApe]

Under those circumstances I'd say go with the GF4ti. Best TOP FPS for FPS(s) (at low quality but not much lower than the FXs) Save the diff. and re-invest later.
If you want something that is bullet-proof in the category then the R9600Pro is your choice, along with the FX5600U-Rev.2.
The question is whether you want to spend the extra coin. If it was for me, then I'd go with the R9600Pro (like I did), but really, will your Cousin notice the diff.? Will you get $100+ worth of additional play from the DX9 cards? I don't know. HL2 and D]|[ do come out in 6-9 months, but the GF4ti will not be unplayable, so it should have you covered for the basics. Also what are you upgrading FROM? The GF4 wouldn't be worth it if moving from a GF3 or R8500 class card, but if it's a lower card the diff. should be signif. and will likely pull minimal duty ok.
I don't see the FX5600non-ultra as even a consideration even if it were the same price, and like I said above do you think he will notice the $100 premium? I personally doubt it.
But see what others say.


- 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

 

[JP5]

4200 is still a great card. I am still using mine at 1280x1024 with no problems. It's a great value at under $100. Most of them overclock to 4600 levels too.

 

[Flipphone]

ti 4200 or maybe get the ti4600