V3-3000 or TNT2-M64?

[ToastGodSupreme]

The Situation:
My gf's computer.

It's a DECENT machine IMO. I emphasize that word because it can do what she wants, and then a little bit more if need be.

I can upgrade her video card though from her current ATI Rage Pro Turbo with one of two cards I have in my collection.

A Voodoo3 3000 (w/TV out).

OR

An NVIDIA TNT2 Mach64.

Either card WILL be an upgrade from her current.

The OS is WinXP Pro.
Games played are:
UT
The Sims
Random other games
UT2003 (maybe after the upgrade, doubtful though)


The Specs:
Voodoo3 3000 -
Core Speed: 166Mhz
Memory Speed: 166Mhz
Memory Size: 16Mb

TNT2 M64 -
Core Speed: 125Mhz
Memory Speed: 143Mhz
Memory Size: 32Mb


So yeah, even though the V3 sports faster core and mem, it's only got half the mem as the TNT. That, and I'm an NVIDIA fan for quite some time, so that's why this is such a toss up for me...

Heat isn't an issue here either as I can rig up something to keep either card very cool in little time.

[thcdru2k]

i'd personally go with the v3 3000. ut is extremely playable on it because its main api is glide. the sims wouldn't matter either card. ut2003 would be playable, but at lowest settings.

[Starscream]

I'd go with the Voodoo too. The m64's have always sloooooow.

[StealthHawk]

the V3 would definitely be the better choice in all aspects.

the only questionable thing is WindowsXP support with that card, i guess. i don't know how well the hacked(?) 3dfx drivers are for that OS.

[thcdru2k]

oh geesh..i didn't notice that you were using windows xp.

i'd definately go with the tnt2 mach 64 even though its a bad performer. nvidia is still alive and kicking and releasing their drivers. you'll run into alot less compatibility issues with games using it. if it was win 98, etc definately the voodoo 3.

[Grechie]

dude the m64 use that, user friendly driver,s and future drivers make it run faster, the voodoo 3 u have to find drivers made by people, eg voodoofiles.com. the m64 is a nvidia, it uses one driver for all nvidia products, and as more come out it may get faster, 3dfx is gone, hence no driver xp support. if u get the m64 u will have less compatiblily probs, seeing there drivers support xp.... hope this helps

[Raptorman]

Personally, I'd give her the V3 3000. It's a better board than the M64.

Anyways, you can find GOOD drivers for the V3 at x3dfx.com

[legion88]

Originally posted by ToastGodSupreme
The Situation:
My gf's computer.

It's a DECENT machine IMO. I emphasize that word because it can do what she wants, and then a little bit more if need be.

I can upgrade her video card though from her current ATI Rage Pro Turbo with one of two cards I have in my collection.

A Voodoo3 3000 (w/TV out).

OR

An NVIDIA TNT2 Mach64.

Either card WILL be an upgrade from her current.

The OS is WinXP Pro.
Games played are:
UT
The Sims
Random other games
UT2003 (maybe after the upgrade, doubtful though)


The Specs:
Voodoo3 3000 -
Core Speed: 166Mhz
Memory Speed: 166Mhz
Memory Size: 16Mb

TNT2 M64 -
Core Speed: 125Mhz
Memory Speed: 143Mhz
Memory Size: 32Mb


So yeah, even though the V3 sports faster core and mem, it's only got half the mem as the TNT. That, and I'm an NVIDIA fan for quite some time, so that's why this is such a toss up for me...

Heat isn't an issue here either as I can rig up something to keep either card very cool in little time.

Looks like you did your homework. However, as I recall, the M64 is using 64-bit memory, not 128-bit memory that other TNTs used. So not only is the memory speed set slower than other TNT2s but the bandwidth is cut to less than half.

I do not know how well the V3 works under Windows XP. On any other operating system, I would recommend the V3.

[ToastGodSupreme]

well, I went with the voodoo and the Amigamerlin 2.5 drivers/tools. everything is running great. UT2003 is now playable while UT99 rocks with glide :)

so yeah, wasn't as painful as i thought it would be...

[Gator]

Originally posted by ToastGodSupreme
well, I went with the voodoo and the Amigamerlin 2.5 drivers/tools. everything is running great. UT2003 is now playable while UT99 rocks with glide :)

so yeah, wasn't as painful as i thought it would be...

glad everything is working well with the Voodoo3, it's still a great card for UT1. But for UT2k3 it's gotta be slow, no? What is your system specs? If money is an issue, we could all probably help you find a cheap yet more suitable card for UT2k3.

GF4 TI4200 is only $109us these days. If you're really really strapped for cash, then the Radeon 9000 is only $65us and the GF3 TI200 is only $69us. Any of these cards should provide superior performance over the Voodoo3 or TNT64 in UT2k3.

prices from http://www.pricewatch.com

[ToastGodSupreme]

Originally posted by Gator
glad everything is working well with the Voodoo3, it's still a great card for UT1. But for UT2k3 it's gotta be slow, no? What is your system specs? If money is an issue, we could all probably help you find a cheap yet more suitable card for UT2k3.

GF4 TI4200 is only $109us these days. If you're really really strapped for cash, then the Radeon 9000 is only $65us and the GF3 TI200 is only $69us. Any of these cards should provide superior performance over the Voodoo3 or TNT64 in UT2k3.

prices from http://www.pricewatch.com


Haha, thanks for the offer but no. I'd feel horrible taking any money from you guys. Save it for someone who really needs it. :)

And yeah, things are cheap, but with both of us in college, we're living tight here. Luckily, my bday is comming up and I'm hoping for a nice GF4Ti4200 (Gainward flavor). So that should be nice. She'll probably end up getting my GF2MX (don't make fun, please? ;) ).

Anywho, all is good and she's happy. We're playing a bit more UT together than we used to. :)

[saturnotaku]

Originally posted by ToastGodSupreme
Anywho, all is good and she's happy. We're playing a bit more UT together than we used to.

Man, wish I could find someone of the feminine persuation with whom I could spend hours gaming. :(

[Gator]

Originally posted by ToastGodSupreme
Haha, thanks for the offer but no. I'd feel horrible taking any money from you guys....

I wasn't offering money I was offering technical assistance as to which card to choose. LOL :cool:

[ragejg]

I lost $5 on a trade up from GF2mx400/tv to XFX GF4MX440 last week... (sold for $50, bought new for $55 from xtremegear)

I bought a GF2ti for $58 incl. shipping a couple months ago.

I've seen GF2GTS's for $40 in various locations... now that's a great deal... Twice the perf. of a GF2MX, which is still sold in some parts for $60-$90.

Bypass TNT (unless you find an Ultra for less than $45) and GF2MX for the higher torque ti or GTS... It will positively last much longer... I personally think those cards still have a lot of life left in them.


-r-a-g-e-j-g-:D