- Very Strong 3D Performance
- Good Overclocking Results
- Lifetime Limited Warranty
- High Price Tag
- No True Software Bundle
- ATI Radeon 9800 Pro (R350) Graphics Processor
- 128MB Samsung 2.8ns DDR
- 400 MHz RAMDAC
- AGP 4x/8x Compatible
- Fully Supports DirectX 9.0 and OpenGL 2.0
- VGA, DVI and S-Video Output Connectors
- Driver CD and WinDVD Software
- Lifetime Limited Warranty
12/16/03 - Ever since the release of the Radeon 9700 Pro graphics card, ATI has become very popular with the enthusiasts due to its performance over previous cards. Crucial recently expanded its graphic card lineup to include a wider range of ATI based graphics cards including the Radeon 9800 Pro 128MB.
Don't expect much in the package. Software included only the ATI drivers and a copy of WinDVD for software DVD playback. The card did include a variety of cables and adapters to allow the card to connect to a wide range of displays.
Performance wise, Crucial's Radeon 9800 Pro does not disappoint. It provides excellent frame rates both in synthetic benchmarks and real world games. In fact, the level of performance is high enough to allow for full screen anti-aliasing and anistropic filtering at high resolutions with playable frame rates. This is far beyond the capabilities of the middle range cards such as the 9600 Pro.
The card tested fairly well during overclocking, getting about a 10% performance increase. Of course, overclocking the card will void the Lifetime Limited Warranty provided by Crucial, so those wanting to overclock should consider their options.
The problem with the card is the price. An ATI branded Radeon 9800 Pro is offered for less currently than the Crucial card. The only difference between the two cards appears to be the warranties. This would be a stronger recommendation for a buy over ATI or other companies cards if the prices were lower.
