FIC A92 Radeon 9200 64MB - Conclusion
(Page 5 of 5 )
AGP 4x vs 8x
For some reason, setting AGP4X in the Abit BIOS prevented Windows from booting properly; it would hang every time. RivaTuner however, could set AGP4X/8X in Windows just fine, without even restarting.
To test the performance of the 9200 in AGP4X, I ran 3DMark01 again, in both optimal performance and optimal quality settings.
As shown, the differences in AGP4X performance and AGP8X is minimal, and it should really make you question if AGP8X is even that important. Nonetheless, it's nice to see the slight performance boost from 4X to 8X is consistent.
Overclocking
I was unable to overclock the FIC Radeon 9200. No matter what program I tried, the clock settings were always reset to default whenever a 3D app was run once. I tried RadClocker 1.6, Rage3D Tweaker 3.8C, Rivatuner 2.0, and Powerstrip 3.4, all which came to the same conclusion. All three programs, however, were able to detect the stock core and memory speed.
I also tried Radeonater 2.0 which was not even close to working.
It looks like a modified bios is necessary before any overclocking of the 9200 can be performed.
Conclusion
It is apparent that the FIC Radeon 9200 is far inferior to the 128MB Ti4200, but it is important to note that the 9200 is about $30 cheaper. Also, the 9200 I tested was only the 64MB version. From my experience with this card, FIC builds and packages a quality video card, but for a lack of better words, the ATI Radeon 9200 is a weak GPU. The 9200 is in very much the same position as the FX5200; neither card performs exceptionally well, and while they are extremely inexpensive, older models i.e. MX440 are yet still cheaper and just as good for word processing, web surfing, playing movies, and other things that budget cards are meant to do.
Personally, I think that there are better options besides the Radeon 9200. Its AGP8X function is relatively useless, and for just a little bit more money you can get a much better performing GeForce 4 Ti. If you looking for a simple graphics card to install in your mother's computer, the MX440 which performs the same VGA/DVI/TV-out functions as the 9200 is more appealing. If you're an ATI fan, guess what! The next level up Radeon 9500 is a little under twice the price of the 9200 and that begins to cross the border of the whole "budget" idea.
FIC has the right idea by keeping their bundled package small, but useful; inexpensive, yet important! While the A92 comes with relatively little "bonus software," it has vital video accessories and that scores an A++ in my books. From simply looking at the Radeon 9200 from FIC, I would feel fairly comfortable purchasing a FIC 9700 or 9800. Here are some highs and lows of the FIC 9200:
HIGHS
Inexpensive
Decent performance considering the price..
Composite video extension cord, s-video to composite converter, s-video extension cord, and DVI-VGA adapter all included
VGA/DVI/TV-out
Passive cooling (quiet)
LOWS
Overclocking is restricted (for now...)
Low FSAA performance
My final thoughts? I'm not going to sell this card short. It "packs a punch" for less than $70! For enthusiasts, the 9200 is nothing to be excited about, no matter who makes it. In the case of the A92, FIC makes a solid built video card, and it is not their fault but ATI's fault that the 9200 is so crippled it does not deliver. Although the 9200 is budget in terms of both price and performance, it is safe to say the FIC Radeon 9200 is one of the first to deliver 3D performance of today's acceptable standards at a very attractive price.
And by 3D performance, I mean some serious Unreal Tournament fragging! BBL...
*Editor's Note: We are currently trying to get a 64MB GeForce FX 5200 card (non-ultra) to go head to head with the ATi FIC Radeon 9200. The cards are priced VERY similar and we think it will be a good show to compare the low-end cards from both the video card giants. We'll keep you posted.
Special thanks goes out to FIC for providing the unit for review. We'd also like to thank you for joining us here today. Feel free to checkout any of our other reviews, or head into our forums to discuss this one.
| DISCLAIMER: The content provided in this article is not warranted or guaranteed by Developer Shed, Inc. The content provided is intended for entertainment and/or educational purposes in order to introduce to the reader key ideas, concepts, and/or product reviews. As such it is incumbent upon the reader to employ real-world tactics for security and implementation of best practices. We are not liable for any negative consequences that may result from implementing any information covered in our articles or tutorials. If this is a hardware review, it is not recommended to open and/or modify your hardware. |
