Dilemma

[VioletSky]

First, hello everybody, first post here

I'm looking for a new midrange video card to replace my aging GeForce2MX.
I've searched a bit on the forum, and found some info, but I'm looking for some more as it's going to cost me quite a bit, and I don't want to screw up.
Aaanyway, I was looking for a Radeon 9600. I don't want to spend more than 120, 130? on the card, and the 9600 seemed to fit the bill.
In another forum I've been told I'd do better to try finding a ti4200: relatively outdated, but in Directx8.1 still beats the pants off a 9600. Since I'm not looking for super effects but just want decent graphics at fast framerates, it seemed to be a good idea.
So yesterday I visited the local shops to compare prices. Turns out nobody has a non-SE 9600 card in stock, I'd have to order it and wait for ages. Nobody has a ti4200 either, as it's a relatively old card.
But one shopkeeper has a GeForce4 5600FX for 130?. I searched a bit, and it seems to be a card that has disappointed many a buyer.
So the dilemma is: do I go for the 5600FX (is it a good price? I've been out of the market for a while) or do I keep looking for a 9600 or ti4200?
The 9600 pro is out of the question, unless I can find it for no more than 130?, which seems impossible around here...
Thank you

 

[RGuedes]

Hi man...
its a difficult choice but i would spend money with the 5600FX...
i dont know if the price is good... but is the best in relaction cost and benefit....
Good luck...

 

[sharq]

First off, Welcome to AT
I noticed you're using a different symbol for money, so I will assume you're in europe. Do you have any site online that you could use to order your card instead of a B&M store? If not, can you find out from those stores when they can get the 9600 that you're looking for? As in a specific time frame, or if they're even interested. Maybe they just gave you a large estimate cause they would much rather you spend money on the more expensive product.

 

[VioletSky]

Thank you for the welcome
I'm in Italy, so I'm using ?uros.
That shopkeeper was obviously overinterested in selling me the GeForce: he even said Radeons have problems with some games, driver incompatibility and so on. Possibly trying to trick me, as I don't have the typical geek look that says to shopkeepers "Power user! Be careful, he knows his stuff". I would buy the 5600FX from him nonetheless though... it's not like the guy's morals have anything to do with how the card works.
By the way, I wouldn't trust any of those shops' delivery times... I've had bad experiences in the past.
Oh, I dunno... I need to see what other shops have in stock and their prices. All opinions are appreciated in the meantime

 

[Confused]

Take a look here at the kind of games you're playing, and see if it is worth the upgrade

I would take a look at see how much a 9800 is going for too


Confused

 

[boran]

the 9600 and the Ti4200 are a close call, but a 9600 pro would be preferred over a Ti4200 because it's equal in speed in DX 8.1 titles but much faster in DX9 titles, the 5600 is also close to the 9600 so if it were between those two go with your wallet.