Choosing between - ATI/AIW 9800 Pro or GeForce's 6600 GT? Opinions Wanted...

[mjkovis]

Ok, I have checked into multiple threads here at PC-Mech about this subject and there hasnt been too much light shed on the similarities and differences between these two cards to help me make a choice. I dont know too much about numbers on the video card descriptions that NewEgg or ZipZoomFly post about their products. This is where I need everyone's help.

I want to upgrade from my nVidia GeForce Ti4200 to something much newer. Of course my choices are the GeForce 6600 GT and the ATI AIW 9800 Pro, but I am not sure which to take. Currently I do a lot of gaming on my computer, such as Madden 2005, FIFA 2005, Return to Castle Wolfenstein and I would like to get Doom 3 or Half-Life 2 someday. I would like to have the option of watching TV on my computer as well as dual monitor support so that I can use my regular TV as a monitor for games and surfing the internet once I can afford a wireless keyboard and mouse.

What would be the better choice? I know that the 6600 GT does not support watching TV, but both do have dual monitor support. I know that for gaming the 6600 GT is better from what most people have posted in threads. Please help me with my choice! I would certainly appreciate it!

[kram 2.0]

If you need build in TV tuner, the ATI AIW Radeon 9800 Pro is your guy. In games, I cannot say much since I've only used the Radeon 9800 Pro VPU, same found in the AIW model, but I hear the GeForce 6600GT is up to the task lately. I'd say if you're going to use the AIW functions, by all means go AIW Radeon 9800 Pro - it's a fantastic graphics card capable of handling HL2 without a hitch and has tremendous 2D graphical support but GeForce 6600GT will give you similar, what some want to say better, graphics. I'd personally say the AIW Radeon 9800 Pro with its built in VIVO/TV Tuner is a great deal.

kram

[mjkovis]

Thanks Kram...

I have been leaning towards the ATI AIW 9800 Pro more and more, but I wanted to weigh my options first.

[fedz]

6600GT's also have VIVO capacities (look for the VIVO models) and have an integrated video processor (videonow). They are very good, quiet, cool cards, which perform better than the Radeon 9800 series. If you want the TV tuner, however, AIW is for you.

:) fedz

[giuseppe]

I purchaed the AIW because I wanted the TV tuner and the video capture capabilities and have been very happy.

[mjkovis]

I purchaed the AIW because I wanted the TV tuner and the video capture capabilities and have been very happy.

How have you liked your AIW 9800 Pro while gaming though?

[HAL9000]

I still run my AIW 8500DV and I love it for some gaming, but mainly for the TV/recording functions. If you're looking for those options, it's a no brainer.

[james8547]

I purchaed the AIW because I wanted the TV tuner and the video capture capabilities and have been very happy.
same here

I play Doom 3 & UT. The graphics are good by my standards. I'm not that picky when it comes to the video.

[mjkovis]

Ok, from the feedback I am getting I think I am definately going to go with the 9800 Pro. It seems that would be my better choice for what I want and everyone is saying that it is a great card and they feel they have had no problems.

Thanks all!!! I appreciate it once again!!!