very respectable card now at a great price
Written: May 10 '03
Pros:Gorgeous rendering, relatively quick, recent price reductions, new AGP 8X compatibility.
Cons:Reportedly now taking second fiddle to nvidia's FX series
The Bottom Line: Great performance, (i.e., frame-rate/graphic imaging), combined with a price reduction adds further credence to the adage: “champagne at beer prices”.
SPECS:
(Retail Boxed Version - Purchased from CompUSA)
64MB DDR Memory
AGP 8x compatibility
256-bit graphics core
8.0GB/sec. memory bandwidth
113 million vertices/sec
500MHz effective memory clock rate
TV-Out
Video Driver CD-ROM
OVERVIEW
Computer technology is never static: this axiom is particularly true when one considers graphic/video cards.
Consequently, with the advent of the new FX series from nvidia, the price of the PNY Verto GeForce4 Ti 4200 has fallen like a rock. I was able to obtain a unit a few months ago with AGP 8x compatibility for less-than $85.00!
Per previous reviews, the card is quick and it renders absolutely stunning images. No arguments here
Prior to getting my paws on a Verto GeForce Ti, I was using a 3Dfx Voodoo4 card in my system. I thought the frame rates were acceptable and the image quality was decent anytime I booted up MS Flight Simulator 2002 or EAs Tiger Woods 2003. Nevertheless, as soon as I installed the Verto GeForce Ti, I was flabbergasted and blown away. It literally was like comparing apples to oranges.
For example, reflections, certain lighting effects, and other "eye-candy" were nowhere to be found while the Voodoo4 was still taking up real estate in my machine. The Voodoo4 also took a huge performance hit anytime I attempted to use an archaic form of antialiasing developed by 3Dfx.
The PNY Verto GeForce4 Ti, on the otherhand, was able to churn out antialaising and every conceivable reflection/special effect with no significant penatly in frame rate.
Moreover, I have read several "professional" reviews of the new nvidia FX cards and every author indicated that they are currently no faster than the Ti series. This may change with the advent of new drivers, but during the interim, the Ti cards probably will be your best bang for the buck.
Recommended: Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 80
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