Hi there, after much consideration (see
this thread) I've decided to get off the nVidia bandwagon and jump aboard the ATi boat of bliss. It's no question that right now ATi's high end card's are outmatching nVidia in terms of performance, quality and speed so it brings me to this decision, which ATi card should Mr.Deflok buy? After much searching I've found these prices for this cards, all in the 9800 series.
ATI Original Radeon 9800 128MB 3.3ns DDR 256bits (325/580Mhz) w TV/DVI
$613.00NZD ($300 USD approx)
ATI Original Radeon 9800PRO 128MB 2.8ns DDR 256bits (380/680Mhz) w TV/DVI
$800.00NZD ($400 USD approx)
ATI Original Radeon 9800PRO 256MB 2.8ns DDR-II 256bits (400/700Mhz) w TV/DVI
$1,019.25NZD ($500 USD approx)
V0020003 Creative RX9800 RRO 128Mb DDR/TV/DVI (resolutions up to 1024X768)
$764.00NZD ($375 USD approx)
HIS Excalibur ATi Original Radeon 9800 PRO 128MB
$888.75NZD ($450 USD approx)
Powercolor ATi Radeon 9800 AGP 8X, 128M DDR, DVI-I+S-Video Out
$721.00NZD ($325 USD approx)
Powercolor Radeon 9800 SE (380/680MHz), AGP 8X, 128M 256-bit DDR, CRT+DVI-I+S-Video Out
Video $527.63NZD ($275 USD approx)
Is the 256MB card really worth the price difference? I mean shit, that's a lot of money! Will I be basking in the heavenly beauties of 256 or is it something I will only notice this time next year? (by then of course I'll have bought a newer video card anyway)
I'm looking to be able to play HL2 on at least 1024x768 with 4xFSAA, will these cards cut it?
I'd like to hear what are your recommendations are based on value. Thanks in advance!