Don't know what to buy - G400

[Akj]

Hi I am confussed whitch card to buy.
Hardware: Asus P2B PII-350 64 mb Ram
OS: Win 98 / 2000
I'm going to do : Some gaming, some sv-developing, watch DVD / VCD on PC-monitor and TV
I think i have seen 5 different "models" og G-400, and I'd like to buy the right one !!

How about overclocking with this configuration ??

What is the diff. between bulk and retail ??

[James]

I went through a similar decision and decided to get the G400 32 meg Dual Head OEM.

You should get the Dual Head version of the G400 if you want to output to a TV. Although I think I did come across some sort of software utility to get a single head to work with a TV, it's probably better just to go with a Dual Head.

If I recall correctly, all retail versions are Dual Head whereas only some OEM versions are Dual Head.

Both come in 16 and 32 meg versions. As far as I know, RAM seems to make a significant difference at higher resolution levels. Seemed like the thing to have though. I believe that RAM is NOT upgradeable on the G400 (i.e. can't buy a module to go from 16 meg to 32), so you might as well top out for the extra change.

Let's see, oh ya, the retail version is bundled with a bunch of software, some useful and entertaining, some not. I think it has Expendable. Anyway, I actually considered the retail version, but I couldn't get one quickly at the time. The 32meg Dual Head OEM version was the only thing I could get in a reasonable amount of time.

On the issue of MAX vs vanilla, well... some vanillas can be overclocked fairly well. As I recall, the MAX has 5ns memory and a fan and, as such, clocks at a higher speed than vanillas with 6ns memory and no fan. Note, some vanillas have 5ns memory (aka "MAX rejects"). You're a lucky bastard if you get a vanilla with the fast ram.

To me, going to a MAX was a luxury that I didn't need. It might be worth it if you're a serious gamer interested in high FPS. In any event, I've overclocked my vanilla 119% over stock already and it handles pretty well. If my 6ns memory doesn't get in the way, I might push it further if I get a fan hooked up to the card.

If you really want to make use of a G400, though, you might want to upgrade/overclock your CPU. The card is fairly CPU dependent. As well, only P3s and Athlons? can make use of the TurboGL driver which apparently boosts performance by as much as 20%, if I recall correctly. Anyway, I only have a Celeron @ 550, but I'm happy with that for now. I don't plan on upgrading for a year or two if I can help it.

Does that sound about right? I'm sure someone will jump in if I've mistated something.

--------------------------------

Windows 98SE
AOpen AX6BC Pro Gold
Cel 366 (@550)
64 Megs PC100
Matrox G400 Dual 32 Meg w PD5.30 (@119%)
Sound Blaster Live!Value w Liveware 3.0
Pioneer DVD3 6x
3DMark99 Results (@ 1024 x 768 x 32 x 32, triple)
3DMarks ~4200
CPU 3DMarks ~5250
No Overclocking (@ 1024 x 768 x 32 x 32, triple)
3DMarks ~3000
CPU 3DMarks ~3500

[Rohde]

As James also points out the G400 is very CPU demanding, so unless you plan to upgrade your CPU somewhere in the near future, I would go for a TNT2 instead.

I have a 333 MHz K6-2, and I get TNT-like scores (Ahlon coming soon )

Torben R

[Zwisch]

nah, with waht you want and the features that you may use, such as TV out and dual head... i would higly recommend the G400 32 megs Dual Head... Only take the MAX is you are using very big and high quality monitors and if you are into gaming... I wouldn't go with a TNT2. I had one and would not put another one in my system.

[Kruzin]

Your CPU is plenty for a G400. I ran mine on my P2-350 for a couple of months, and was very pleased with the performance. I wouldn't bother with the TNT cards if you want quality DVD viewing (plus with dualhead, you can watch a DVD on your TV, and use the main monitor for other stuff).

I wouldn't bother with a MAX on a 350 though...just a "vanilla" 32meg DH (oem or retail).

[Akj]

Thanks alot for your response ;-)
Just two more questions:
What is a "vanilla" ??
How will I know if is a "vanilla" ??

Akj

[wars]

basically all that means is that it isn't the MAX version.

wars

[rjcarr]

Like wars said, vanilla means the non-max version. But, don't confuse this with the OEM single head version.

I had a few problems deciding on a new board myself. Always repsected matrox (long-time customer), so I went with the 32mb (vanilla) g400 dualhead bought in bulk.

At the time of my purchase, only a few dealers had the bulk version, and none had retail. With my bulk g400 I got the video adapter and drivers and dvd player. I am very pleased with the visual quality / performance, but I have had a few hickups. These little speed bumps seem to be common, but don't think of them as a deterrent, but as a learning experience.

Good luck, you have my recommendation

-joe

[PaulS]

I see Windows 2000 in your OS list. Matrox's record with NT is not great, especially in the 3D department. Lots of NT users got stung with the G200, and many more are still waiting for a G400 OpenGL ICD at least on par with Win9X offerings.

If you are hoping to shift to Windows 2000 then it would probably be worth waiting until we know how good the drivers are. And by then, there may be better cards available.

Paul

[SteveC]

Odd how so many people don't get the term 'vanilla'.

Think McDonalds - you can have Chocolate, Strawberry, Banana flavoured milkshakes (the MAX ones!), or the boring plain old vanilla (The non-MAX one!).

Geddit?

------------------
Cheers,
Steve

"The chances of anything coming from Mars, are a million-to-one", he said.

[Paddy]

Vanilla is my fav. :-)

[Tessen]

LOL Steve, the phrase "sucking back a Max" just comes to mind.

Heh heh

....Tessen....

[merchant2112]

hey vanilla shakes are great . exspecialy with vodka irish whiskey irish cream and kaluha added (equial ammounts add ice cream till thick.