9800se or 9600xt???

Most 9800SE's have only 64-bit access to the on-card graphics memory. If that's the case, then a 9600XT would outperform a 9800SE in most cases.

On the other hand, if that memory bus is 128 bits wide (as that page in the link provided has claimed), then both would be roughly equal to each other.
 
thanks for the help, i havent bought new hardware in so long; i forgot how much work was involved in finding the best stuff.
 
I think you're wrong, its a 128bit memory bandwidth vs the 256 of a native 9800, same as the 9500 vs 9700 it has half the pipelines and half the memory bandwidth but in some cases can be unlocked to a full 9800non pro :) so a 9800se is actually a 9500non pro i think it even uses the same pcb with the old style connectors?
 
Well, I stand corrected on the memory bus width on the 9800SE. I was thinking of the 9600SE when I mentioned "64-bit".

Anyway, even with the 128-bit memory bandwidth, the 9800SE still loses out to the 9600XT in most tests, primarily due to the significantly slower GPU core speed of the 9800SE relative to that of the 9600XT. The 9800SE does have a slightly faster memory speed than the 9600XT, though, and both GPUs have 4x1 texel texturing (4 pipelines, with 1 texturing unit per pipeline).
 
plain and simple, get the 9600XT. getting an SE card was the worse decision OF MY LIFE.
 
Out of those two cards you mentioned, I'd go for the 9600XT. But also keep in mind there is also a 256bit version of the 9800SE which can be softmodded for only a few more dollars. Theres some risk involved, but it can pay off.

But yeah digital is right, the 9800SE is on a very similar pcb to the 9500np... both the 128bit and 256bit versions.
 
actually... there are two versions of the 9800SE. the 9800SE 128bit, which has aout a 50%chance of being softmodded to a 9500pro and the 9800SE 256bit which has about a 50% chance ofbeing softmodded to 9800pro.

the 9800SE 256bit performs on par with the 9600xt in almost all benchmarks.

stay away from the 9800SE 128bit version unless you know it is guaranteed to softmod to 9500pro. these cards oc very well so you would then have a 9500pro oc champ. but that is only if you know it softmods flawlesly (like mine ;))

the 9800SE 256bit has a small percentege better shot at softmodding perfectly than the 9800SE 128bit (but also ~$50 more). but not by much.

I would go with a 9800SE 256bit card. seeing that it performs on par with a 9600xt. then you can try and softmod it and if the softmod work, you'll be one happy camper.
 
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