Hi everyone and thanks in advance. I have studio 11 plus and am making "videos" (actually using only photos at this point) for personal/family not professional. I am adding 3 GB of memory to my computer and want to get a new graphics card. eventually I will be making and editing videos so I want a good card but I don't want to spend  a ton of money if I don;t ahve to. My hubby bought me the 8600GT with 512 mb memory for 100 bucks but I am thinking of returning it and getting the 9400GT which is at Costco.com for 49 bucks (plus 5.00 S&H). What do people think?

 Maureen

my specs:

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System Information
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Time of this report: 11/12/2008, 14:19:36
       Machine name: BRIAN-PC
   Operating System: Windows Vista™ Home Premium (6.0, Build 6001) Service Pack 1 (6001.vistasp1_gdr.080917-1612)
           Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: HP-Pavilion
       System Model: RK572AA-ABA a1700n
               BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
          Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 3800+ (2 CPUs), ~2.0GHz
             Memory: 894MB RAM
          Page File: 901MB used, 1150MB available
        Windows Dir: C:\Windows
    DirectX Version: DirectX 10
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
     DxDiag Version: 6.00.6001.18000 32bit Unicode

I wouldn't bother.  I believe that the 8600 GT, while a generation older, actually runs "better" than the lower-end 9400 GT.

Since you already have the 8600 GT, my suggestion would be to "run with it".  Unless you enjoy the "challenge" of an attempt at a return used hardware (unless the box is unopened, of course)... 

Thanks for the reply - actually I didn't open the box yet - I am waiting on a friend to come over and install the graphics card -my hubby just bought it last Friday so no problem with a return. But it looks like you think the 8600 may be the way to go. anyone else have an opinion?

Maureen Thistle:

Thanks for the reply - actually I didn't open the box yet - I am waiting on a friend to come over and install the graphics card -my hubby just bought it last Friday so no problem with a return. But it looks like you think the 8600 may be the way to go. anyone else have an opinion?

Look at the respective "fill rate" values for the cards here - the 8600GT is close to double that of the 9400GT - ie - stick with the 8600GT

wow - 8640 as compared to 4400 - not sure what "fill rate" means but sounds important so I won't be too frugal and keep the 8600-thanks LvR!

Maureen

Fill rate is a direct indication of the "customer satisfaction index" - the bigger the number, generally the faster the screen will be able to get updated and the smoother video playback and gaming will be

I'd stick to the 8600 GT myself. It's a better value in the long run.

Thanks Marc and Lawrence - so looks like 8600 is the way to go - just finished a 65 minute, 17 songs and 950 photo video and really wish I had more memory and a better graphics card but that said it came out pretty good. I imagine it will move a lot quicker once I do get it ( no more hangs or crashes.....can't wait! Happy Holidays to all!

Maureen