Is there any point to buying a REAL 9800 pro

CaxusCaxus
edited October 2003 in Hardware
I know that with the softmod you can run a 9800 np at 9800 pro speeds as long as you have the right memory but i'm curious if the actual 9800 pros are gonna reach much higher clock speeds when overclocked. Or are the real 9800 pros only gonna go as high as you could take a sapphire atlantis np softmodded and overclocked anyway?

Comments

  • SimGuySimGuy Ottawa, Canada
    edited September 2003
    The 9800 Pro cards have 2.8ns Samsung DDR memory modules on them, which are almost guarunteed an overclock from 340 MHz to roughly 390 MHz, more than any 9800 Non-Pro has been able to reach using conventional cooling.

    The 9800 Pro core overclocks just as well (sometimes better) than a 9800 Non-Pro with the BIOS mod made to it.

    It really depends on why you are purchasing your video card. For best bang for your buck and to get a moderate overclock out of the card, go for the Sapphire or PowerColor 9800 NP's and perform the soft-mod.

    If you are purchasing your video card because you have tons of money to burn, want to benchmark insanely high numbers and be the envy of all your friends, go for the Radeon 9800 Pro and OC the hell out of it. :)

    Although I'll eat my words in 2-3 weeks when the Radeon 9800 Pro XT is available through all retail channels, which will showcase just how far ATI has been able to push the R3XX technology process.
  • 289Mustang289Mustang Husker Nation
    edited October 2003
    Anyone know of a reputable dealer of Radeon 9800 non-pros? I've been looking but not having much luck and Newegg doesn't seem to have any :(:
  • CaxusCaxus
    edited October 2003
    Anyone know of a reputable dealer of Radeon 9800 non-pros? I've been looking but not having much luck and Newegg doesn't seem to have any :

    I wonder if the reason newegg doesn't have any is because they flashed them all to pros and are selling them as pros. :)
  • Al_CapownAl_Capown Indiana
    edited October 2003
    Newegg would never do something like that. That's like saying I wonder if 1 + 1 = 54
  • SimGuySimGuy Ottawa, Canada
    edited October 2003
    ATI is phasing out the 9800 Non-Pro series of cards to replace the entire lineup with the following:

    High-End: Radeon 9800 XT
    Mid-Range: Radeon 9800 Pro
    Value: Radeon 9800 SE

    Hence, there's plenty of sense in purchasing a 9800 Pro, as it will be the mid-range defacto performance card.

    However, if you can get a 9800 Non-Pro right now, that's the most economical solution (when it's price -vs- performance). :D
  • EQuitoEQuito SoCal, USA
    edited October 2003
    289Mustang said
    Anyone know of a reputable dealer of Radeon 9800 non-pros?

    Here for $290 (ouch!): http://www.gameve.com
    IMHO, it'll make sense to spend $30 more and buy the PRO version for $320
  • Mt_GoatMt_Goat Head Cheezy Knob Pflugerville (north of Austin) Icrontian
    edited October 2003
    Caxus

    You have been teetering on this and as I recall even tried getting a NP to mod but couldn't find a suitable candidate locally. I say either go to pricewatch and start from the bottom and check the retailer with resellerratings.com to find a NP Saphire ot Powercolor or just bite it if ya got the cash and or want the best performance.
  • PreacherPreacher Potomac, MD Icrontian
    edited October 2003
    I just went to NewEgg, PriceWatch, and PriceGrabber and had no luck with any of the three. They are selling plenty of 9800 SEs and 9800 Pros, but none of the Non-pro models. The release of the XT is causing prices to drop though according to Pricewatch and articles around the net.
  • Mt_GoatMt_Goat Head Cheezy Knob Pflugerville (north of Austin) Icrontian
    edited October 2003
    I bet by turkey day you should be able to get some hot deals on 9800 Pro's
  • PreacherPreacher Potomac, MD Icrontian
    edited October 2003
    Me thinks and hopes thou art correct, Sir Goat!
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