9600 pro which version ?

[parkerobed]

How can I tell If I purchased the right version. I just placed an order on the Dell website and I can't tell if its on their spec page...

[TwoRails]

Don't understand the question.... some more details would be helpful...

[Sinner]

It's like my message that 17 people read and nobody felt the need to reply to.

Which is goddamn annoying.

I think I need to go buy a 9600 Pro too, just like Parker.

But how do I know which one to buy? There's only twenty million of them to choose from.

Sure, I want a Pro not a Non-Pro. But do I want an Ultimate? What is an Ultimate? Does it matter? What?

Yes, I know I want a Pro with a core clock of 350Mhz.

That's all I know. Parker apparently bought his from Dell. (Never a good idea, I'd think.. but hey.. to each his own).

The price range for a 9600 Pro ranges from under $150 to almost $200 bucks.

I could use some help and advice on this purchase, and it sounds like Parker could use the same.

Should I spend the close to $200 bucks on the most expensive 9600 Pro available, or should I save the cash and spend less. Or should I spend that same $200 on a 9700 Pro or a 9800 Non-Pro? Or whatever?

This is supposed to be the Vid-Card forum, let's talk about which cards are better and at what price point!

That's the sole reason people read and participate here.

Sure.. If I had $400 bucks, I'd buy a 9800 Pro.

But I don't.

I'm looking to spend $150-$200 bucks.

Let's talk about my options, and lets talk about specifics. Because apparently, it's all about specifics.

It's not enough to say buy a 9600 Pro. Because they range from $150-$200 depending on who makes the card, how fast they run, etc.. etc.. etc...

Do I need JoeSchmoes Platinum XE GOLD 9600 Pro Ultimate Better Than Your Mom's card for $200+?

or can I just buy Generic's 9600 Pro for $150?

Some help would be GREAT!

[glc]

Hmmm........old saying.........you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar........

If you search the forums (and other forums, for that matter) for previous posts on this subject, I'm sure you will find plenty of information to get you going, Sinner.

Please don't hijack other posters' threads.

[skeeter]

The Ultimate is the one with the Heat pipe cooling and no fan. It does have 2.8 memory. This is what you need to look for....fast memory. There is one that has 2.5 memory and if you can swing it that is the one to get. Cores are the luck of the draw. Some o/c better than others. But you can control the memory. There is another one too that has fast memory and o/c's wel. I think that it is a Sapphire model. If you are buying local try and look at the memory. Stay away from 256 mb models(slow memory), LITE (slow memory). Gigabyte models are susposed to o/c well. If you need a quick answer then the ATI forums would probably get the info quicker. Most of us work during the day and don't get a chance to look until evening.l

[Sinner]

Skeeter your help was invaluable!

I assume from reading your message that 128 MB is preferred over 256 because cards using more memory are using slower memory? So they try to beef up their card with extra slow memory?

Is that correct or did I infer something you didn't mean!

Back atcha Glc! Love ya!

[TwoRails]

parkerobed, are you still out there??

[parkerobed]

Still here, just enjoying my new video card. I'm using two 18" flat panel monitors and wondering how I ever did without?
This is great!

[TwoRails]

Good deal!! I take it everything is fine and your happy, eh? :D

(PS: I'm jealous! LOL :) )

[skeeter]

Sinner: From what I hear the 256 models are just using old slow memory that the mfgrs had laying around. As there is maybe 1 game ever made that uses above 128 then why even consider 256. Withe the new 9600XT so close unless you just have to have one today I would wait for it. This is probably going to be the one you want. If not read some of the ATi 9600 threads to see which memory you want for o/c. Keep in mind that ino/c there is no guarantees as to what you can get. You might want to check some of the ATI oriented forums to research memory before you buy. From your comments however I think that you would LOVE the 9600XT. I hear it is going to have a 500 clock. Don't know about the memory though but probably at least 2.5.