What should I do?

[Axloz]

I currently own a Tyan Radeon 9000PRO 64mb and am thining of upgrading. My options are:

1. A 64mb X-micro GF4ti4200 - $232AUD
2. A 64mb Auriga Radeon8500LE - $183AUD
3. A 128mb Auriga Radeon 8500LE - $211AUD
4. A 128mb Sapphire Radeon 8500LE - $220AUD

My questions are:
Which will offer me the best performance jump when compared to my current Radeon9000PRO?
or
Should I just keep the Radeon 9000PRO?

Ive never had a GF4ti before or a radeon 8500, so I have no idea of how much better they would be.
Any input is much appreciated.

 

[AnAndAustin]

It does depend a little on what your reqs are and what CPU you're using or planning to use in the near future.

In terms of pure 3D Rad8500LE is about 15-20% faster than Rad9000PRO, GF4TI4200 is a great deal faster esp once o/c'ed. All 3 cards are very evenly matched regarding image quality, dual display, AF so the GF4TI is better for AA and cheap VIVO while the Rads are slightly better for DVD playback and TVout. I wouldn't say upgrading from a Rad9000PRO to a Rad8500LE a noticable upgrade, you'd have to see how much you could get for your 9000PRO, if you want more I'd aim for the GF4TI4200. Anyway here's some bms so you can compare yourself. Given the prices it would be a bit silly to go for anything other than the GF4TI4200 which is clearly the superior card.

Tech Report

AnAndTech

Firing Squad

HardOCP

 

[tenoc]

None of those options will make make you you sit up and go "Wow".

Wait, save up a few more Aussiebucks and get a 9700 or a 9500 Pro.

Then you can go "Wow".

 

[AnAndAustin]

Well it would seem Rad9700 would be the lowest upgrade truly 'worth it' for users who already own a Rad8500, GF3 or GF4TI. As for Rad9500 & 9500PRO although it is VERY early days it seems even the Rad9500PRO isn't going to be significantly better than the GF4TI4200 which is MUCH cheaper, in fact even the GF4TI4600 is likely to be cheaper by the time Rad9500PRO's are available to buy. Who knows, it'll be interesting to see how things unfold.

Axloz Rad9000PRO is a decent enough card, you could see how much you could get for it but if you do want more a 4200 seems the way to go. Judge by the bms given previously.

 

[aircooled]

Yeah, I'd hang out until after the holidays and see whats affordable. You already have a very respectable card.

 

[Axloz]

Thanks a lot guys. I think I agree with AnAndAustin, I wont bother gettting an 8500, but if i can get enough for my 9000pro, i'll buy a ti4200.

Thanks again!

 

[fluxquantum]

good advice guys. thanks

 

[Doh!]

Very good advice, indeed. As an owner of all those cards (8500LE, 9000 Pro, GF4 Ti 4200), I seldom notice any differences unless I'm using a benchmarking software. For everyday use, they are all more than adequate cards, and even in 3D games, the cost of the upgrade would not justify the end results (although it's really subjective to a user's opinion). I would definitely wait for another cycle.