Hello,I've seen a lot of videocard discussions on this forum, so perhaps you can help. I have to choose between a Radeon 9800 XT or a FX5950 for my new system. After reading some comparissons on the web I still do not have a clue about what to choose. Any Advise?Kind regards,Huppel

Maybe this helps a little:http://www.hardocp.com/article.html?art=NTM3LDc=

Yes, read that already. Read another one (believe it was tomshardware) where the 9800 beat the 5950 running FS2004

I had a 5900 when I first built this rig and in under 2 weeks the memory went bad. I thought about getting it replaced with the same but after long reading disscusions and reviews I went with the 9800XT. I have been a nVidia user from day 1. All I can say is I love mine.Good luck choosing yours,Jay:-wave

I say neither. You're better off going with a 9800OPro OR 5900Ultra. The new XT and 5950 are NOTHING more than slight overclocks of the memory and cpu of the earlier models. Hardly worth the 500 pricetag in my opinion.If you know how to overclock, I'd say save some bucks and get either the 9800 or 5900 and then let riva tuner or whatever overclocking program you choose raise the megahertz for you. I am running a 5900 Ultra overclocked and watercooled, and it's faster than the 'new' 5950. Even my aircooled 9800Pro is as fast as the 9800XT with a minor overclock.The only time a card is worth that kind of money is when it is a 'new' product. Don't buy into marketing and go for something you can have with the older models with some tinkering, and saving yourself some cash in the process.*

Yes, read that already. Read another one (believe it was tomshardware) where the 9800 beat the 5950 running FS2004

*I wish I could believe this. Owning both cards and running FS9 on both sytems, my 5900 Ultra kills the 9800Pro in FPS and has equal IQ.Just my 2MikeP4 2.4C @3.44 285FSBAsus P4C800 Deluxe1gb Corsair XMS PC3500 Asus V9950 FX5900 Ultra 256mb 500/950SB Audigy2 Platinum ExWatercooled baby!!!Pics: http://community.webshots.com/user/chksix2002

I think it is all a matter of taste now. You can't say ATI beats all the time or vice versa.They are both outstanding cards.I used to have a Albatron FX 5900 but traded that in for the smaller 9800 PRO from Sapphire. I didn't feel like offering a PCI-slot for that GFX-card.Since I have tested them both on my system I know there isnt a major difference between the two cards. However when it comes down to AA and AF, the 9800 Pro gained the upperhand...To be honest I wouldn't go for the newest cards, just like Mike said. The 9800XT and thh 5950 are just marketing. I overclocked my 9800pro beyond a 9800XT without any problems.In the end a 5900 ultra or 9800pro will have a better price/performance than the newer versions.Just my opinion...*:-*

I concur. The IQ was a tad better on my 9800pro than on my 5900Ultra. Hardly noticeable, but definitely a slight difference. Where the 9800Pro has better IQ, the 5900Ultra has higher fps when both are running at 4xFSAA, 8XAnio.Both are excellent cards and it is a matter of taste and personal preference.Cheers,MikeP4 2.4C @3.44 285FSBAsus P4C800 Deluxe1gb Corsair XMS PC3500 Asus V9950 FX5900 Ultra 256mb 500/950SB Audigy2 Platinum ExWatercooled baby!!!Pics: http://community.webshots.com/user/chksix2002

http://www.ocprices.com/index.php?rev_id=1...&action=reviews

http://service.futuremark.com/compare?2k3=1290937 (as compared to 7128 on a overclocked spanking new 9800XT)Is why I personally say....DONT believe the hype. Imagine what I could do with a 5950? Hehehe It is all boils down to personal preference, but as far as what these reviewers state...take it from someone who has both cards....the differences are MINIMAL!! And my 5900 (as you can see from my 3dMark scores) flies past my 9800Pro in those exact same benchmarks. I guess I have personally been around computers too long to believe what someone else states. Not taking anything away from Ati because their cards rock, however any test and conclusion are subjective..from one site to another.MikeP4 2.4C @3.44 285FSBAsus P4C800 Deluxe1gb Corsair XMS PC3500 Asus V9950 FX5900 Ultra 256mb 500/950SB Audigy2 Platinum ExWatercooled baby!!!Pics: http://community.webshots.com/user/chksix2002

Read this a while back (-: :http://www.futuremark.com/companyinfo/3dma...udit_report.pdfYou can go to www.futuremark.com and select news and enter either nvidia or ati and click list and it will give you plenty of reading.http://www.firingsquad.com/hardware/imageq...ty2/default.aspMy first scores on this rig were "3dmark03 score.... 6709 & 2001 SE was 16812" there is no overdrive or overclocking yet. Tons of roomfor that when I need it.I am no way telling you what to get, you should make an informed descision for yourself. :-) Make sure you let us know what you get.Jay:-wedge

I'd really go for the Nvidia card. Form personal experiance, I've had a lot of trouble with ATI cards in the past. The problem with Nvidia that you have to watch is their vast number of cloning licences. I'd stick mainstream here. I'm running a Jaton 3Dforce 5200 with no problems. XFX and PNY cards are supposed to be good too. If you haven't heard of the manufacturer, don't buy the card.From other forums, I've read numerous reports of instability with FS2004 and ATI's (3.9 I believe are the most recent) Catalyst drivers. Many people have been complaining about graphics corruption and such.

Hello All,Thanks for all the info!! I guess none of the top cards would be a bad pick. I'll do a little investigation on the prices and most probably will buy a 9500.greetings,Huppel

Great choice! Make sure it is a 9500pro so you can softmod it to a 9700.MikeP4 2.4C @3.44 285FSBAsus P4C800 Deluxe1gb Corsair XMS PC3500 Asus V9950 FX5900 Ultra 256mb 500/950SB Audigy2 Platinum ExWatercooled baby!!!Pics: http://community.webshots.com/user/chksix2002