9600xt/9800 PRO for my current rig

[p0lish_p0w3r]

I have a dilemma.
9800 PRO was my weapon of choice until someone told me that my current cpu [look-signature] would not enable me to get all juice out of that Gfx card.
1. To what extent is that true?
2. Should I get 9600xt instead? ($50 price difference)

I am really confused. I am not going to buy a new CPU+MOBO+RAM any time soon.

Suggestions as always greatly appreciated :)

[schuey74]

No way you should get a 9600XT over a 9800 Pro with only a $50 price difference. Your CPU is just fine unless you will be playing at low rez with low details.

[p0lish_p0w3r]

Well, he gave as an example - FARCRY, and said that AI is CPU dependant and if CPU isn't fast enough it might cripple the GPU. I am not an expert on Gfx nor an ignorant. 9800pro is far better than 9600xt and I was only wondering if that CPU dependance is really a noticeable issue here.

:)

[schuey74]

OK, put it this way. You can play Far Cry w/ your CPU and a 9800 Pro @ 1024x768 w/ max details and even some AA/AF. At these settings your CPU would not be the bottleneck and your frames will stay consistently between 30 and 60. A 9600XT would hold you back severely at the same settings.

[saturnotaku]

9600XT - 128-bit memory bus
9800 Pro - 256-bit memory bus

That alone should be enough to justify the price difference between the two cards. The XT's clockspeed advantage doesn't make up for its lack of memory bandwidth - kind of like comparing the 5700 Ultra to the 5900.

[anzak]

Just a heads up. If you do buy a 9600XT make sure it's a Powercolor card since it has memory rated at 400mhz. If your not planning to upgrade in the next 6 months then go for the 9800 pro, it's about 50% faster.

[Cyrris]

Yeah look, I got a 9600XT for my 1800+ and now my CPU is the bottleneck, but that's really only because I like to play with a good load of bots and other such things, like in UT2004 and CnC Generals.

Far Cry, however, would definately require the 9800 over the 9600.

[p0lish_p0w3r]

Yeah look, I got a 9600XT for my 1800+ and now my CPU is the bottleneck, but that's really only because I like to play with a good load of bots and other such things, like in UT2004 and CnC Generals.

Far Cry, however, would definately require the 9800 over the 9600.


See, thats what I am worrying about. Just don't feel like buying a better card and not feeling a difference :)

[Johnmcl7]

You will definitely see a difference between the 9600XT and 9800 pro, there's no doubt about it, with the 9800 pro you will not only get better framerates but be able to run at higher resolutions and with higher degrees of AA and AF. The 9600XT isn't a great midrange card pricewise with the 9800 pro having come down so much in price.

John

[Fahim]

Definitely 9800 Pro, or you will regret later.

[p0lish_p0w3r]

Thanks guys - 9800 pro it is :)
In the beginning of June :P
Hopefully that card will last me as long as my gf2MX and ti4200