What do you think of this card?

[roomwithamoose]

I'm looking to upgrade my video card, and I'd like to know what all your thoughts on this card is. Go here. I like the price and the remote control. Is this a good buy, or should I look at something else around the same price range?

[TwoRails]

It's a good card at a good price from a good place to buy. In your sig you already have a 9600... just curious, are you replacing it or would it be for a different build?

[roomwithamoose]

I am replacing my 9600. The problem is it's the SE, so I put my setting for most games pretty low, and I'd like to get them a bit higher. I have a lame excuse: I'm building my sister a computer for Christmas, and I'll put my 9600SE in her's and put the new 9800XT in mine, mainly to help my benchmarks. Then I'll add another 512 of RAM to mine, and I'll be set!

[TwoRails]

I like it!! I also use any "excuse" to upgrade my stuff

[roomwithamoose]

Me too! I had to skimp on the vid card when I built, so I figured an early Xmas present to myself was in order.

Now, a quick question: What do I do with the remote? Will I be able to play/pause music and movies? I want it and I don't even know what I can do with it!

[AgentVX]

It's an All-In-Wonder, so I think you can watch TV on your computer (that's presumably where the remote comes in) and listen to the radio, in addition to the usual display capabilities of a video card.

[OLLY89]

Plan on spending $300 well buy the 9800 se or the 9600 XT EXTREME 128mb fantastic Card's and they Are 1 GAME BREAKER.

[TwoRails]

I've never used the remote, but ya, it controls the AIW's multimedia software "from the couch" and I believe you can use it as a mouse, too. Since I sit at my computer, I have no need for a remote but if the computer were to be in the entertainment center, I can see how it would be handy.

Also note that there are difference between the AIW models. For example, the 9600 has FM while the 9800 doesn't.

Here's a comparison chart:

http://apps.ati.com/ATIcompare/result.asp

[roomwithamoose]

Hmm, I've always read around here that All-In-Wonders are discouraged. Am I missing out on anything by getting and All-In-Wonder model? Should I just go with a 9800Pro instead? I guess it doesn't really matter, as long as it's 256 bit instead of my 64bit 9600SE.

[TwoRails]

Originally Posted by roomwithamoose Hmm, I've always read around here that All-In-Wonders are discouraged.....

Not sure where you heard that, as there are a lot of AIW fans here, including me. Game wise, there is no difference, but you do get the added benifit of all the multimedia goodies, capture TV / tape, etc. I'm more than happy with my AIW 9800 Pro.

[Hi Ho]

The AIW cards are good. However, sometimes you can get a more powerful card plus a TV tuner for the same price or a little more. Take this combo for example.

CONNECT3D ATI RADEON 9800PRO Video Card, 128MB DDR, 256-bit, DVI/TV-Out, 8X AGP -RETAIL - $198.00

Leadtek PCI TV/FM Tuner Card, REMOTE, Model "WinFast TV2000 XP Expert" -RETAIL - $51.00

TOTAL: $249.00

$50 more for more powerful graphics and you still get a good TV tuner card with remote.

[TwoRails]

As another option, for another $20 ($269), you can get the ATI AIW 9800 Pro and have it all in one neat package:

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...102-297&depa=0

[roomwithamoose]

Cool guys, thanks for setting that straight for me. I've got two weeks to decide which card to go with (need another paycheck!). So by then Ill have decided. I may pick up the 9800Pro AIW, but we'll see how big this next paycheck is. Thanks again!