Voodoo3 2000 vs. Savage4

[vandal54]

I'm considering upgrading my system soon from an AMD K6-2 500 to a DFI AM75-EC motherboard and Duron 750 (I know, not the speediest of systems, but all I can afford for now).

Anyway, my question is, I currently have a Voodoo3 2000 AGP video card, and the motherboard I'm considering upgrading to has on board Savage4 video. Would I be better off going with the on-board Savage4 chip, or staying with my Voodoo3 and disabling the onboard video?

For gaming, I'm mostly into racing games like Nascar 4 and Need for Speed, stuff like that - in case that would make a difference.

[Tiretool]

You'll most likely get better performance from your (gulp) Voodoo 3. I personally don't like anything made by Savage. They usually provide shotty drivers and their chip's performance leaves a lot to be desired in picture quality. Even though V3 cards are severely outdated, they were designed for high framerates in gaming and I do give credit where it's due. 3DFX was still a 3D superpower when the V3 was unveiled. Pity they didn't use a little better business sense.

[glc]

Can I talk you into a better motherboard, without that onboard video, such as the Epox 8KTA3? It's only about $5 to $10 more than the DFI and its a FAR better board. Also compare the Duron prices at higher speeds - you may be able to get a 900 for a few bucks more than the 750. The Voodoo will be just fine on that system and you can always upgrade later when you get the $$$. I have nothing good to say about the Savage 4 - its the flakiest video chip I have seen since the ATI Mach 32.

[vandal54]

Thanks for the help guys - I'll be sure and ignore the Savage chip if I go with this mobo. I'll be sure and check out that mobo you mention glc - the DFI seemed to be the best bang for the buck at one of my local stores, but I'll have to look online for more options - I don't think they had the Epox.

Similarly, the prices on Durons at my local store were $50 for a 750, then $65 for an 800 and $75 for an 850, so the 750 just seemed like the best bang for the buck. Again, I can probably beat these prices online. Overall, for what I do with my computer, I've been ok with even my K6-2 500, so I thought a step up to the 750 would be enough for now anyway.

One last question - what would be the recommendation for the best video card for racing sims (NFS, etc) at under $150, preferably under $100? The two options I'm considering are the Raedon and a generic GeForce2 MX.

[HAL9000]

Radeon for quality graphics and good framerates, GeForce for good graphics and high framerates.

[glc]

vandal - the Epox was just one example of a board with the KT133A chipset - which is the one you want - and you won't be paying for crappy onboard video. The Epox has basic, usable onboard sound, but most boards do these days. It's easily disabled and you can put a premium sound card in if you want. That DFI has the KM133 chipset - a weak performer compared to the KT133A. I only mentioned the Epox because it's a very high quality board that I have used, and it's priced very aggressively for what it is. Finding an Epox in a retail store is not easy - they have some sort of deal going with Fry's.

Check out the motherboard/CPU/ram bundles at Mwave.com - save yourself some bucks and they are a reliable vendor. They carry Epox among others.

[SINND3R]

I own both the Savage 4 16mb card and a Voodoo 3 3000 (eventhough you said 2000) and I must say the difference is subtle in low-demand game. In games where there is a lot of action (Diablo 2, Quake III), the Voodoo destroys the Savage 4. I hate the hell out of Savage and condemn the company as a whole. I hope the designer of the chip dies in his sleep tonight. I get a bit emotional but the Voodoo 3 is a far better card than the Savage 4. Especially onboard (COUGH)

[vandal54]

Well I'm glad I asked, because it looks like I would have been making a mistake with that motherboard in general - thanks for all the help.

So I think I'm going to finally pull the trigger on this tonight and will go with either an Abit KT7A or an Azza KT3-ABX. I've heard a lot of good reviews about the Abit, and not much at all about the Azza, but the Azza appears to use the same chip set (KT133A) and costs $40 less and has similar features, meaning I'd probably just buy a faster Duron with the savings.

I checked out MWave - their prices and selection look great, but I'm too damn impatient to wait for things to be shipped to me when I finally decide to buy something.

[glc]

You get what you pay for - please do NOT cheap out on a motherboard. Azza is junk.

[vandal54]

Thanks glc - after thinking it through, I came to that same conclusion - the motherboard should not be the place to cut corners. I picked up the Abit and a Duron 750 last night, plugged it in, and so far I am very pleased. I can't believe all the tweak options this board gives you - very cool!

I did have a couple issues I'm trying to work through, but I think I'll start another thread on those. Thanks again for the advice.