I'm an nVidia user, and am contemplating changing to the ATI range of cards, given the comments I've read here and the need to upgrade from my current Ti200 card. So please forgive the somewhat naive questions.1. I assume a 9800 Pro is better then a 9700 Pro? The reason I ask this is some advice I read here about using a 9500 Pro in preference to a 9600 Pro (I assume the 9600 was a "dog" ? ). If the 9800 Pro is indeed superior for FS, is the degree of "betterness" worth any additional $$? (I also note that the 9700 Pro is no longer available at my favorite on-line hardware place).2. Is ATI an OEM? (ie. are there ATI cards manufactured by other card brands, such as Creative, etc., under license? ). If so, any recommended "brands"?3. Any other advice in shopping for an ATI cards?Thanks for any answers.Bruce.

>I'm an nVidia user, and am contemplating changing to the ATI>range of cards, given the comments I've read here and the need>to upgrade from my current Ti200 card. So please forgive the>somewhat naive questions.We'll excuse the Nvidia user part simply because your contemplating a switch LoL..J/K but to be more serious....>1. I assume a 9800 Pro is better then a 9700 Pro? The reason>I ask this is some advice I read here about using a 9500 Pro>in preference to a 9600 Pro (I assume the 9600 was a "dog" ? >). If the 9800 Pro is indeed superior for FS, is the degree>of "betterness" worth any additional $$? (I also note that>the 9700 Pro is no longer available at my favorite on-line>hardware place).Correct the 9800 is better than the 9700 but not by as large a margin as you would suspect. AHH...The 9500Pro. Absolute king of the budget Video Cards. Dollar for dollar can't be beat by anything out right now and probably for a while to come. ATI is a little confusing w the nomenclature they use. A 95 beats a 96 but not a 97...LOL>2. Is ATI an OEM? (ie. are there ATI cards manufactured by>other card brands, such as Creative, etc., under license? ). >If so, any recommended "brands"?There are other companies manufacturing card but all use the ATI GPU and usually stick very to close to the original reference design. My personal view has been that OEM ATI cards tend to be better than aftermarket. 9 out of 10 were better Overclockers.>3. Any other advice in shopping for an ATI cards?Money no object....9800Pro 256 or dare I say it....5900FXSave some money budget...9700Pro while you can get them.Best dollar for dollar performance card made...9500ProRun the 9500 w the softmod and it will perform at or near 9700 Speeds for about $50 less.Good Luck whichever you choose.Bobby

Thanks Bobby, some good information.On switching from an nVidia card to ATI, I've read here the need to ensure that all nVidia files are deleted. I've got Driver Cleaner, does that do the job? Any comments on the order of business in installing a new ATI card, when nVidia was the encumbent?Thanks,Bruce.

I personally use Det Destroyer, from www.guru3d.com. The readme is easy to understand and will get the job done. I don't know a thing about Drive Cleaner, so I can't tell you if it will work :)