The lastest and the greatest... Which? 2

[Echoe]

Well, I always see a post about this and don't even bother to read it, all the while thinking what a n00b. But now I am looking at all the new video cards, it is confusing which one performs better. I usually like to figure stuff like this out what I want before I lay down $400. So I went to two places for good reliable reviews. PC World and Anandtech.com.

http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,116681,00.asp

At PC World(you can see the article at the link listed above),they are saying that they both perform basically the same, but ATI has some better features incorporated. They recommend ATI for that reason.

http://anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=2146&p=3

At Anandtech.com, the most current test they have is with Doom 3. Here, the cards are pitted against each other, but this time all the different versions of the GeForce 6800 prevails, and it has pulled ahead by quite a considerable distance over the ATI Radeon X800 XT.

Which should I go with? I am open to any opinions/comments/suggestions. Thanks for your guys help!

 

[paparazi]

As you point out it is pretty clear at this time that the Geforce 6800ultra is considerably quicker and offers greater sophistication with the introduction of new advancements and features when compared to any ATI card at present.
The GT version is the best value and only slightly slower than the "ultra"
Things may change with ATI's new card just around the corner (don't know details)
These two cards are a mamoth leap when compared to the old 9800XT and 5950ultra, in certain benchmarks the 6800U is more than TWICE the speed of a 9800XT "one hell of a leap.
Martin


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[Echoe]

Thanks for the info Martin. You just confirmed my thoughts about getting the GeForce. By the way, I like your quote ;-)

 

[Echoe]

Ok, I have one more question.... I plan on getting the 6800 GT 256Mb DDR, but then I realized I could get one with 128 MB DDR for about $100 less. In you mind, is the extra 128 MB of memory worth the difference in price?

 

[paparazi]

Echoe
In my opinion NO! although others may disagree.
The actual GPU (processor) is far more relevant to the performance than the extra ram, infact it has been shown on occation that the 128 cards in certain graphics card ranges have performed better than the 256 versions.
OK! it also has to be said that at ultra high resolutions the extra memory does improve rendering power and performance does improve over the lower endowed cards.
SO! if you have a TFT that has to be run a relatively low default resolution (typically 1280x1024 for a 17inch) or you don't have a massive monitor and don't intend to run games at top res the 128 card will perform just the same and you will have saved yourself $100.
Martin


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[norty303]

One thing Id also add is that you should really ask yourself what you want the video card to do. If you are a hardcore gamer then the latest and greatest is the way to go. If not then there a number of cards that will perform to the same standards in most modern day applications for a fraction of the cost of these latest cards.

Just how much performance do you want out of a spreadsheet???!?!

 

[Echoe]

Hahahah, I think I will go with the 256 in that case. I have a 21 inch CRT and I play a lot of FPS such as Doom 3, Americas Army, and soon Half Life 2. Thanks again for the help guys!

 

[Echoe]

Alright, now I have more problems.... There a a few companies putting out 256 Mb 6800 GT's for less than Asus's regular 256 Mb 6800. But on the Asus website, it says their advanced circuitry allows for speed 25% better. Should I go with say a Leadtech/eVGA GeForce 6800 GT 256 Mb or the Asus Geforce 6800 256 Mb.... Whats the difference between the 6800 and 6800 GT chip?

 

[paparazi]

Echoe
There are fore models in the 6800 range:

6800, 6800GT, 6800ultra and 6800ultra extreme

The GT is better than the straight 6800 by vertue of it's better specs:

Core of 350mhz compared to 325

16 instead of 12 pipelines,

Fillrate 5600 M/pixels/s compared to 3900

Memory clocked ar 1000mhz compared to 700

And Peak memory bandwidth of 32.0GB/s compared to 22.4

So all round quicker.

Martin

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[Echoe]

Yes, I found that, but looking at the Asus website, it appears that their GeForce 6800 IS in fact a GT. Take a look:

http://usa.asus.com/prog/spec.asp?m=V9999GE&langs=09

-Core of 350mhz
-Memory clocked at 1000mhz

So is their V999, basically a GT in terms of performance?

 

[Echoe]

By the way, forgive me for being so ignorant and annoyingly persistant

 

[paparazi]

Echoe
Yes! it looks like they have just called their GT something else but it definately is the same card by the look of the specs.
Asus are a good brand so recommended.
Martin

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[paparazi]

Just as a footnote*
It seems all the manufactures are having problems with their 6800ultra's
A colleage of mine rang up Gainward in Holland and spoke directly to their technical department.
The reason for shipping delays is down to overheating problems (with all makes) and cooling solutions, he added that it was unlikely the "ultra" would ship much before christmas.
Now this information is just from one source but does seem to make sense given the continues delays for this product in the UK and I guess everywhere?

Martin


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[Echoe]

Yea, there were a lot of these on back order here in the US as well. It took me like 5 calls to finally find a vendor who had one, and it was an Asus. Thats why I asked, because it was the same price, but seemed to be a lesser GPU. Shortly after I order though, they ran out as well. The day day on their site it said out of stock, and my package tracking number is in the mail. so I guess I am safe ;-).

 

[paparazi]

Echoe
Well done!
I bought one in for a friend on friday, the Gainward PowerPack! Ultra/2400 TV/DVI/DVI 256MB (his money, I've had his Leadtek 5950ultra)
I went around to his house last night to see how Doom3 played with it, all I can say is you won't be disapointed.

Martin

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