Feature | 9500 | 9500 pro | 9700 | 9700 pro |
---|
#pixel pipelines | 4 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
memory bus | 128/256 | 128 | 256 | 256 |
core speed | 275 | 275 | 275 | 325 |
mem speed | 270 | 270 | 270 | 310 |
mem type | 3.6 | 3.6 | 3.3/3.6 | 2.8/3.3 |
mem size | 64/128 | 128 | 128 | 128 |
| price | <€200 | €220 | €300 | €400 |
So, to sum up: the 9700 is exact the same as the 9700 Pro, expect it´s running on lower core & memory frequency.
Increasing the core frequency shouldn´t be a problem, but most models are equiped with cheaper ram (3.6ns = 275mhz). Don´t expect to see the memory go as high as a 9700Pro.
A 9500 Pro is the same as a 9700 pro, but the memory bandwith is cut in half. Still, this cards remains very powerfull and can be compared to a GF4 Ti4600. It even outperforms it when FS AA is enabled.
The 9500 non pro is a 9500 pro with 4 of the 8 pixel pipelines disabled. This results in a major performance loss, which makes the 9500 Pro a better buy. However, the 4 pipelines are DISABLED, not REMOVED. A simple software hack can re-enable these pipelines AND double the memory bandwith to 256bit. Basicly, this software hack turns your 9500 non pro into a 9700! We will go into this later on.