GeForce 4 4200 64MB vs 128MB

[kurac]

I was reading the review on THG and noticed that the 4200 64MB card was faster than the 128MB card. What is the reason for this? Is it worth spending the extra $50 for more RAM and slower performance? Thanks!

 

[bront]

THe 128 MB version has a slower clocked core and slower memory. Go for the 64 MB version, or go for a TI4400. It's not worth it to go with the 128 MB TI4200 unless you know you're getting good memory on the board.

"Search your feelings you know it to be true, I am your... twin sister" - Darth Vader

 

[kurac]

Any reason why the 128 MB version has a slower clocked core and slower memory? Seems kinda odd to price a card higher for worse performance.

 

[bront]

Because it's only supposed to be priced $20 more, and have twice the memory, which is expensive.

"Search your feelings you know it to be true, I am your... twin sister" - Darth Vader

 

[UoMDeacon]

It uses the older method of attaching memory to the board which doesn't allow for frequencies as high, thus they can use slower RAM and lower the price of the board while still offering 128MB of marketing goodness 4400's can be had for around $215 right now if you look on pricewatch.com.

 

[chuck232]

It uses the older method of attaching memory to the board which doesn't allow for frequencies as high

That is incorrect. BGA merely allows it to clock higher becuase it runs cooler, but the standard way still allows it to go higher than 250MHz. What am I saying, the 64MB version uses the standard packaging also. The R8500 64MB uses the standard packaging and it runs at 275MHz DDR. The Ti4400 would probably be the best way to go , if you wanted to get the Ti4200 128MB, since Ti4400 is quite a bit better and for the extra 10-15% price differnce, you also get about that much difference in games. If you don't have the dough, the 64MB versions are fine.

My firewall tastes like burning.

 

[UoMDeacon]

Aye, you're correct Though running cooler does allow it to clock higher, right? The 128MB 4200 will not be able to OC nearly as high as the 64MB version using the BGA packaging. I think we're both stating the same point...I just neglected to give the 'technical' reasonings Anyhow, I'm done with this thread. I hope we managed to answer the guy's questions.

I think to sum it up though... No current games are going to be pushing the 64MB card to it's memory limits thanks to the z-culling, or whatever it's called, and memory management on the GF4, but I guess we can never be sure about future games. I originally bought the 64MB GF2 GTS, and then they release the drivers with the compression enabled and rendered my extra 32MB moot. So if you are limited in funds, then the 64MB version of the 4200 will be great.

 

[kurac]

That clears it all up! Thanks a lot for the explaination. I think I will go with the 4400 since it is not that much more in price. The difference is in the noise compared to the total cost of the rig I'm building. I saw a MSI 4400 for $230. Good investment to ensure that I will be able to run future games. Although I'll probably upgrade to the fastest card when Doom III comes out!

 

[HansMoleman2]

Man I just got a 4400 I hope I don't need to get another card to play doom.

Boo-earns

 

[chuck232]

Well, ok none of the Ti4200 has BGA packaging, but it doesn't matter now. It really depends on how fast the RAM is rated to run at.

My firewall tastes like burning.

 

[chuck232]

If I were you I'd not get the MSI Ti4400. IT has a pretty loud fan first of all. And second the LeadTek Ti4400 is a lot better for overclocking with its huge HSF combo. I've seen it for $225.

My firewall tastes like burning.

 

[kurac]

Thanks man! I was almost gonna buy the MSI. It was between those 2 since the performance seems higher than the other cards out there (according to the THG review). I'll definately look into the LeadTek!

 

[chuck232]

No prob, just thought if you were gonna overclock, then the LEadTek would be the best way to go. <A HREF="http://www.tbreak.com/hard/grfx/leadtek_4400/index.html" target="_new">Here's</A> a good site to demonstrate the LeadTek's overclocking abilities. It can get up to near where the Ti4600s overclock!!!

My firewall tastes like burning.

 

[Oct_7]

how about the ti4200 from gainward? I read that it can be oced to 300+/560. Well, i also want to ask, can a 64mb card can last for around 2-3years? I am not playing FPS though.

Thanks

Regards,

[] [_] [--

 

[kurac]

Word

Now I'm definately sold, looking it up on Pricewatch as we speak. Thanks again for the help!

 

[phsstpok]

2 or 3 years equates to 2 or 3 generations of video cards. I wouldn't believe even a Ti4600 would last you 3 years. 2 years, don't know.

Oh, you said you're not playing FPS games. What kind of games are you playing? You might get more use than FPS players from your video card.

<b>I have so many cookies I now have a FAT problem!</b><P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by phsstpok on 06/04/02 09:45 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

[flamethrower205]

My Quadro DCC's over a year old now- I can still run everything.

My frog asked me for a straw...dunno what happened he's all over the place

 

[phsstpok]

Do you think that Quadro DCC will still be playing games well, after 2 more years?

<b>I have so many cookies I now have a FAT problem!</b><P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by phsstpok on 06/04/02 10:52 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

[Croaker]

newegg.com ti4200 from gainward $154.00 + $4 shipping the best value around.

 

[10Mhz8086]

I'm able to overclock my Gainward Ti4200 to 330/570

Who ever made up the phrase, "If it aint broke why fix it" just didn't get it...

 

[Oct_7]

well, i play RPGs, and some strategy games.

Thanks.

Regards,

[] [_] [--

 

[bront]

The actual electronics of a card will last for several years regardless of performance (I know of old 8086 and 8088 comps that run perfectly well still, just not worth using).

As for how long it will last you with acceptable performance, many people get acceptable performance out of their GF2 MX400 and TNT2 cards, and those are 2-3 years old.

The only wrinkle in that time table is M$'s Longhorn, which could integrade 3D graphics into the desktop, and that could require a lot of power, but no one will be sure till they get close to releasing it.

"Search your feelings you know it to be true, I am your... twin sister" - Darth Vader