[fortune82]

So I'm currently running an ATI X1900GT, and it's really starting to show it age. Was looking around for an upgrade, and I found this:

http://www.tigerdire...p?EdpNo=4352341

A Sparkle GeForce 9600GT with 2GB of memory, all for $100.

Question is, is it worth it?

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Nope. The 9600GT's 256-bit bus isn't able to fully utilize 1GB, much less 2GB. Memory is very cheap these days, and companies often throw more memory on a graphics card than it can handle as a marketing gimmick.

A 512MB 9800GT has more horsepower, and will outperform any 9600GT. It is probably your best option at the $100 price point.

To elaborate on your question of "is it worth it?", spending $100 on a graphics card may or may not be a wise investment depending on your needs. What sort of games do you plan on playing with this card? (If you won't be gaming, then a $100 graphic cards is overkill for things like watching video, image editing, etc.)

[stettybet0]

Nope. The 9600GT's 256-bit bus isn't able to fully utilize 1GB, much less 2GB. Memory is very cheap these days, and companies often throw more memory on a graphics card than it can handle as a marketing gimmick.

A 512MB 9800GT has more horsepower, and will outperform any 9600GT. It is probably your best option at the $100 price point.

To elaborate on your question of "is it worth it?", spending $100 on a graphics card may or may not be a wise investment depending on your needs. What sort of games do you plan on playing with this card? (If you won't be gaming, then a $100 graphic cards is overkill for things like watching video, image editing, etc.)

[fortune82]

PC for everything, but I do game on it (most recently, Mass Effect and Mirror's Edge)

Also, the card you gave looks good. I really like having an S-Video output.

Edited by fortune82, 20 April 2009 - 06:06 PM.