Which video card to buy?

HeadHolio · Guru Joined: 10 Aug 2002 Posts: 445

I need to purchase a video card for my cousin who will be setting up a Gentoo system. The choice is down to the Chaintech Ti4200 AGP 8X 128M, or the ATI 9500 Pro. Upon first glance the 9500 Pro seems like the better deal (it's only about $25 more and offers better performance). I'm hesitant though because I've had hideous problems with ATI and their Linux drivers on my Radeon 8500 (even when I got them working, the rendering sucked, and TV out did not work). I'm wondering if the situation has changed much with the newer cards and drivers. Should I just go with the Ti4200?

Malakin · Posted: Thu Feb 06, 2003 8:37 pm Post subject:

An Ati 9500 Pro is $183usd from my local retailer ($178 for the sapphire manufaturered board) and the ti4200 128M is $145usd, if you're paying much more then this you're getting ripped off. (both are listed about $15 cheaper on pricewatch)

The 9500 Pro is a better card but also costs more, I'd say you're about paying for what you get with either card. If you feel more comfortable with the Nvidia when taking it's drivers into consideration I'd say go for the Nvidia.

HeadHolio · Guru Joined: 10 Aug 2002 Posts: 445

In case anyone is wondering, I went with the Soltek Ti4200 (APG8X, 128MB, TV-Out, Video-In) for $230CDN. Nice looking card if you ask me. And nice Linux drivers to go along with it.