G400MAX vs. G450

[pgde]

Hi:

I am in the process of building a new CPU for my daughter. I currently own the G400MAX. Should I keep the G400MAX and buy her a G450 (32 MB) or the other way around. This is a graduation present so I don't know if I can wait until the 550 is out. Both CPUs are ASUS CUSL2-C motherboards, 933 Intel Chip, 512 MB CAS2 Crucial RAM, minor amounts of overclocking. I play Flight Simulator and Star Trek games, she doesn't play any games but is interested in the multimedia end of things (video, etc). I am NOT planning to add on a marvel or whatever it is called however.

Thanks for any insight. ALso, at the present time is there any difference between the OEM G450 and retail, other than software?

P.

[cbman]

Welcome to the Forums.

The Max is better for gaming... (Faster)

The G450 Has Better Multimoniter Handling capabilities (Higher Refresh, Resolution on second monitor)

I say.. Keep the Max and get the Daughter a G450...

As for the OEM vs. Retail ... Well... I will let someone else handle that question.

[EvilDonnyboy]

OEM and Retail G450's are pretty much the same, hardware wise.

[Rags]

Nope, Evil is wrong.

OEM G450's can be lower clocked, and less overclockable. This is because OEM cards are made for particular mfrs' specs, and some want to get them really cheap, so that's what they get.

Rags

[Kruzin]

OEM cards can also have SDR instead of DDR ram, which really cripples the card...

[Guru]

I would go with the OEM version since they are cheaper! Just make sure you get a 32MB DDR DH version and the cable for the second head is included!

Don't know about the "lower clocked, and less overclockable" thing Rags just posted about all G450 OEM cards I have sold has been at default clock speed (I have not tried to OC them)!

Do you have any more info on that Rags? We sell lots of OEM G450's and it would be nice to know if there is something I should look out for!! This far all have been 32MB DDR DH's!

[dZeus]

If you're daughter is interested ni outputting to TV, then you might consider switching cards, as the G400 does TV out without using (many) extra CPU cycles, contrary to the G450.

[pgde]

Thank you all for your comments and suggestions! I guess I will keep the G400MAX and buy a G450 for her.

P.