Which GeForce FX to buy?

[davemar14]

I was on newegg and saw an eVGA 5900 SE 400/700 for $199.00. I also saw the eVGA 5900 400/800 for $ 225.00. Lastly, I saw the Gainward 5900 400/850 for $229.00. I liked the Gainward cause it came with VIVO. My question is what card is the best? Is there a BIG difference between the 5900 SE and the 5900? I see on eVGA lists that both of their cards have 256 bit memory. Also, if I get a card that doesn't have VIVO, can I buy the cable later and plug it into the S-Video plug?

 

[kinney]

I dont think it matters. I'd suggest any 5900 nonultra if you are looking for an FX. Should be able to get one for around $200 like the evga you listed that isnt an SE.
SE probably means it has a 128bit bus compared to 256bit bus but you'd have to do some reading to confirm that.

----
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[Spitfire_x86]

Can't you find a Radeon 9800 (non-PRO) at this price?

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[davemar14]

According to Tom's, the GeForce FX 5900 beats the Radeon 9800 Pro 128 and 256.
<A HREF="http://www.tomshardware.com/graphic/20030714/vga_card_guide-12.html" target="_new">http://www.tomshardware.com/graphic/20030714/vga_card_guide-12.html</A>

 

[Ion]

If you only using that guide, why not getting the MSI FX5600 as recommended???

 

[davemar14]

I have a GeForce 4 Ti 4200, and I want something with some more performance for the upcoming game Half Life 2 (if it ever comes out). The 5600 is a good card, but it is not a BIG upgrade from my GeForce 4. The only difference is that it supports Direct X 9.

 

[Vapor]

I'm not sure if it is even considered an upgrade...5600 kinda sucks. DX9 support is all you gain, not that it can run DX9 games with decent alacrity anyway!

Damn Rambus.

 

[TheGreatGrapeApe]

Don't use the Buyer's Guide, it's VERY outdated. Even Lars/Borti himself said he needed to update it in light of recent performance figures in newer titles.

You will find it as the only place where the FX5600 outperforms the R9600Pro. And that's definitely NOT the case everywhere else.

The FX5900 is a match for the R9800 until the DX9 titles get involved and then there are some compromises and some issues.

If you feel more secure with an nV product, so be it. But if you are using that buyer's guide as a decision making tool, you really neeed to check other sources.


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[endyen]

If you want a card for HL2 find a site that uses HL2 benchies, but mostly remember what Valve said.

 

[Crashman]

These cards had their DX9 components designed improperly. The newer drivers improve DX9 performance by comprimising quality. That review was previous to any DX9 titles to compare it with. The only FX card I know of with real hardware fixes is the FX5700.

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[Crashman]

Oh, and if you like non-current standards, get a VooDoo card, they do great in Glide. Same deal with the FX5900, they do great in DX8.

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[TheGreatGrapeApe]

For a good Recent Review comparing the various Cards, check Digit-Life's reviews, very detailed plus screenies, and yes even HL2 benchies (but remember that isn't a finalised game);

<A HREF="http://www.digit-life.com/articles2/radeon/asus-ati.html" target="_new">http://www.digit-life.com/articles2/radeon/asus-ati.html</A>

<A HREF="http://www.digit-life.com/articles2/gffx/nv38-36.html/nv38-36.html" target="_new">http://www.digit-life.com/articles2/gffx/nv38-36.html/nv38-36.html</A>

Review of the 5900SE. Click the benchies at the bottom for a TON of cards. But keep in mind those benchies are mainly DX8 (just gives you an idea of where the SE finds itself);
<A HREF="http://www.digit-life.com/articles2/gffx/gffx-32.html" target="_new">http://www.digit-life.com/articles2/gffx/gffx-32.html</A>

Alot of them are 5950/9800XT reviews, but they usually include the lower models, and should give you an idea of how the various marchitectures function for the different games.

Hope that helps.


- You need a licence to buy a gun, but they'll sell anyone a stamp <i>(or internet account)</i> ! - <font color=green>RED </font color=green> <font color=red> GREEN</font color=red> GA to SK

<b>-NEW PIC IN THGC ALBUM-</b>

 

[Michaelius]

I'd take gainward (as long as it's Golden Sample/1200 which is full 5900nu while Golden Sample/1100 is SE version of that card):
1. It's a good brand
2. It gives you enhanced mode so they are guarranting overcloking.
Here's some reviev of gainward card (the benchmarks are outdated but still nice description of the card)

http://hardocp.com/article.html?art=NDg5

<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by Michaelius on 12/04/03 02:50 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

[Rabbitrunner51]

I purchased a FX5900 card from a site (listed in the Spitgire Post of 8/03 top of page ) and the service was good and fast
This is an excellent card and yes I saw one for $189.00 at NewEgg which is where I buy all my stuff (mostly)
You definitely couldn't go wrong as that XFS brand card looks better than the one I bought and for less. Great price (non better) and fast delivery (Fed EX ) What more could you ask for?
It has definitely impressed me and there is a world of difference.
If you look up the stats,numbers and benchmarks you will find that it outperforms even the ATI9800 by a bit.
I have an ASUS board and instalation and drivers were no problem. You will want to immediately download the latest drivers which are 52.xxx something ( no problem there.)