What's the better TV+video card?

[LastStop]

I was thinking of replacing my GF3 Ti200 with either a Gainward Ti4600 (VIVO) or an ATI AIW Radeon 8500 both with 128mb of ram, and from what I found similar in price. I probably only need a video in so I can watch and record TV, PS2, or XBOX.

 

[AMD_Man]

The AIW R8500 has far superior Video In.

<b><i>"A penny saved is a penny earned!"</i></b>

 

[Oni]

If you want the current best gaming performance on top of your video capture ability then get the Ti4600. If you want to save some cash then go with the Radeon AIW. I don't think either will lead you wrong just go with what you need. Also remember you willl NEED fast hard drives to be able to capture the video, consider getting the Radeon and with the money saved from not getting Ti4600, get a RAID card and some more hard drives for a RAID-0 array.

If my response is brief and vague its because the info you provided is too!

 

[AMD_Man]

Actually, he won't be saving anything. The AIW R8500 128MB is priced the same as the Ti4600.

<b><i>"A penny saved is a penny earned!"</i></b>

 

[chuck232]

If he is getting either a Ti4600 or a AIW 8500 128MB, the Radeon AIW isn' going to be cheap either. I'm going to guess that the Radeon will cost just as much if not more. The Radeon 8500DV right now has a MSRP of $399US so since the 128MB AIW will cost more than that, and you can get a Ti4600 for as little as ~$340US, I'd say the 128MB AIW will cost more. If you're not going to be watching TV on your comp or using many of the other options available, you'll be better off getting a Ti4600. Another tip, if you don't feel like paying too much, you could get a Ti4400 instead of a Ti4600 and it'll still outperform the AIW 8500 128MB.

 

[AMD_Man]

The Radeon 8500DV right now has a MSRP of $399US

No, it doesn't it has a MSRP of $299US now.

so since the 128MB AIW will cost more than that

The AIW R8500 has a MSRP of $399, the same goes for the Ti4600. You'll find both for a lot less online.

If you're not going to be watching TV on your comp or using many of the other options available, you'll be better off getting a Ti4600.

He said he's going to be watching TV and hooking up a game system. The AIW R8500 is the only way to go in that case. It has far superior Video in quality a high-quality TV Tuner, and an RF remote so he can pop up the TV screen or game console screen with the press of a button from across the room or even across the house.


<b><i>"A penny saved is a penny earned!"</i></b>

 

[chuck232]

Well then as you said his only choice really would be one of the Radeon line. Just depends on his wallet.....

Edit: All-in-Wonder line I mean.<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by Chuck232 on 04/27/02 03:18 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

[AMD_Man]

If he's not into gaming then the AIW R7500 would be a fine choice. Don't get me wrong, it's still a good gaming card, but only about as fast as a GF2Ti.

<b><i>"A penny saved is a penny earned!"</i></b>

 

[Chris_Jones]

You're replacing your GeForce3????!

Chris J

 

[LastStop]

Well newegg as the AIW card for $355 and the Ti4600 for $399 (I believe Googlegear has it for 388). The only computer games I play right now is Counter-Strike, Day of Defeat, and War Craft III Beta. I know either of these cards will work great with those games. It maybe even too good of a card. I would stick with my GF3 Ti200 but I'm transfering to a University next semester and I can't bring my (parents) TV along.

Thanks for your guys opinions, I'll probably go ATI as most of you are recommending.

 

[AMD_Man]

Then I recommend the AIW R8500DV. You won't need the power of the 128MB AIW R8500 or the Ti4600 and the R8500DV includes a silicon digital TV-tuner that should be faster and higher quality than the analog one in the 128MB AIW R8500.

<b><i>"A penny saved is a penny earned!"</i></b>