Graphics Cards

It will all depend on what software you will be running.

Most CAD/CAM/CAE systems I have used would prefer the Nvidia card.

I am running XP pro, to play some games, such as Grand theft auto 4.

Have a look at the speed and performance comparison tests that have been done like the following

http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=3405&p=7

They are very, very similar in performance (so similar you won't be able to tell the difference).

I would go with the NVIDIA 9600GT over the ATI (even if it was slightly more expensive due to their better product support and compatibility in my opinion).

The conclusion on the anandtech website says the Nvidea is an epic fail at it's price point, and to buy the ATI. I currently have an ATI 3450 HD, so based on the review,and my experience, I am inclined towards the ATI.

If this specific Nvidia model is not competitive due to price what about another Nvidia model?

There is after all more than one way to render a car, and you should always look at the entire range of latest and slightly older graphics cards to ensure you are getting the best bang for your buck. Latest model always means expensive but not necessarily the best performance increase per dollar you can spend. Check out the slightly older models of Nvidia cards before you decide what to buy.

I am not familiar with Grand Theft Auto or the specific cards in question; however I have noticed that while most games are list nVidia cards as compatible, fewer list ATI cards. I would therefore instinctively lean towards nVidia however I am not a serious gamer so others may be better placed to advise.

Go with the GTX9800 1GB DDR3, I got this card a couple months ago and it is wonderful.

I'm running it with 64 bit Vista on 8GB of 1000MHz DDR2 RAM, and a multi core motherboard with two 2.8 AMD Processors. I can run 3 Cad programs at once and not lag. Crysis runs like a champ, and Fallout3 on ultra graphics runs at a smoking 98 FPS.

The GTX9800 1gb DDR# will cost you no more than $160 and is one of the only cards under $200 that can compete with the $400+ cards. You will need a PCI express slot though.

You can also duel the card out later on and run two in relay on your board! =] FUN FUN!

Both are too good for your eye to notice a difference.

Yahlasit

Hello Bondy,

Before we can ascertain which card is of greater benefit to you, we need know more about your computer component spec's; mother board, CPU, RAM etc. and what type performance you expect from it.

Motherboard - Gigabyte GA-M52L-S3 nForce 520LE Socket AM2 8 channel audio ATX Motherboard CPU - AMD Phenom X4 9650 2.3GHz Socket AM2+ 2MB L3 Cache RAM - 2GB DDR2 - SDRAM PC6400 (400MHz) UDIMM 500W PSU. I am just wanting to play it with a reasonable graphics, and good performance - On GTA4 the lowest settings look fine (My monitor is not HD) (1024x768)

Frugality: GIGABYTE GV-NX84S512H GeForce 8400 GS 512MB 64-bit GDDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Low Profile Ready Video Card

*Budget conscious: EVGA 256-P2-N768-FR GeForce 8600 GTS SSC Edition 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card

**For the modest gamer: EVGA 512-P3-N871-AR GeForce 9800 GTX+ 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card

Cruising: Sapphire HD4870 1 gb

Authoritative: EVGA GeForce GTX 285 SC

The spec's given by programs indicate and absolute minimum don't go that way unless you prefer to learn by not getting what you want.

† Be sure to provide good air flow in the case for the G-card when purchasing low end products especially.

Hope this helps

Rockstar recommends a 256MB NVIDIA 7900 / 256MB ATI X1900