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Boochie · Dec 2, 2003, 11:15 PM

Thoughts on this? I can get instant gratification if I go with the off-the-shelf configuration, which comes with the nVidia FX5200. Is it worth it to order online and wait an indeterminate length of time to upgrade the graphics card to the ATI Radeon 9600?

My usage would be the usual desktop productivity apps, Quicken, iPhoto, some iMovie, and first-person shooter games (mostly JKII and MoH).

bimmerphile · Dec 3, 2003, 12:59 AM

Lets run the math:

You order your dual 1.8 and spend nothing on the graphics card. (you down $0)

I do the same with my dual 2.0GHz. I do, however, buy an retail 9800 Pro. (Kris down $360)

You buy my Radeon 9600 for $210. (you down $210, Kris down $150)

You sell your nVidia 5200FX on eBay for $200 (you down $10).

$10 is a lot cheaper than $50, don't you think?

Plus no CTO wait time.

Amen to that! (And Amen to my 9800 Pro for $150)

-Kris

Cadaver · Dec 3, 2003, 02:00 PM

The stock nvidia card is pretty poor for games. I say order the CTO 9600 (or 9800 if you're a hard-core gamer).

Leonis · Dec 3, 2003, 03:42 PM

Looks like the current batch of ATI 9600 cards is the serious cause of the "screen black out" problem

Boochie · Dec 3, 2003, 07:41 PM

Could you elaborate on this? I haven't heard about this issue.

Originally posted by Leonis:
Looks like the current batch of ATI 9600 cards is the serious cause of the "screen black out" problem

a2daj · Dec 3, 2003, 08:11 PM

Who would by an OEM GF5200FX? It won't work in anything but the G5s.

bimmerphile · Dec 3, 2003, 09:25 PM

Originally posted by a2daj:
Who would by an OEM GF5200FX? It won't work in anything but the G5s.

I dunno, but I've watched 3 in the past week sell on eBay for $181, $229, and $216.

Truepop · Dec 3, 2003, 10:16 PM

instant gratification. my GeForce4 MX can run those FPS very nicely (yet I don't know about halo).

Plus it gives you reason to get a new card when the next batch comes out.

Also one off the self will allow you to go with a reseller like powermax.com or macmall.com and you save $200+ on taxes.

mac freak · Dec 4, 2003, 12:05 AM

Yeah, it's BS that Apple charges tax when you order online

Especially since they don't tell ya they're doing it until after they've charged your credit card.

WizOSX · Dec 4, 2003, 08:18 PM

Originally posted by Boochie

Topic: G5 DP 1.8: stock gfx card now or CTO Radeon 9600 later?
Thoughts on this? I can get instant gratification if I go with the off-the-shelf configuration, which comes with the nVidia FX5200. Is it worth it to order online and wait an indeterminate length of time to upgrade the graphics card to the ATI Radeon 9600?.

My suggestion at this point would be to do neither. It looks like we will see a major speed bump in about 5-6 weeks. My guess is that the current 1.6 SP will become a 2.0ghz SP, same motherboard, price and config. The current 1.8DP will become a 2.2DP, same price. And the 2.0DP will become either a 2.4 or 2.6 DP, same price. The current 1.8DP looks like the best bargain right now but won't in 8 weeks.

Boochie · Dec 4, 2003, 10:02 PM

Interesting -- source for this rumor?

I'm always ready to procrastinate, given a good reason!

Originally posted by WizOSX:
My suggestion at this point would be to do neither. It looks like we will see a major speed bump in about 5-6 weeks. My guess is that the current 1.6 SP will become a 2.0ghz SP, same motherboard, price and config. The current 1.8DP will become a 2.2DP, same price. And the 2.0DP will become either a 2.4 or 2.6 DP, same price. The current 1.8DP looks like the best bargain right now but won't in 8 weeks.

WizOSX · Dec 4, 2003, 10:21 PM

Originally posted by Boochie

Interesting -- source for this rumor?

http://www.appleinsider.com/news.php?id=259

That is their "today's news."