Difference between Pro, XL. XT, GT & others

[LoopyLee]

I bought a budget card for my copmuter but looking to upgrade it.

I have been looking at auction sites and adds on Overclockers.

With overclockers they list clock speeds. I am wanting a second hand AG
p card. I have seen the 9800pro and 9800 ending in other letters.

Is this based on the makers of the card or do they reprosent somthing different?

I am wanting the fastest card for £65. So my question would be what is the best and should I be looking for a card with a particular ending ?

 

[ACESHIGH]

Fastest at top...
9800XT
9800PRo
9800SE

(XL & GT were not used on 9800 series cards afaik)


Generally for ATI cards though ...
Fastest at top...
XTX
XT PE
XT
XL / Pro / GTO16 (for X850 series) similar
GTO
GT
GTSE
"Vanilla"

 

[TaKeN]

Some are clocked higher than others..

and some are just given fancy names to sell

 

[semi-pro waster]

The designations can change between models so it isn't always an easy way to compare unless you know what you are looking for but basically Pro, XL and XT are always ATI, GT and Ultra are always Nvidia however there are cards like the X800 GTO by ATI and..... I could go on but I think it best to stop here. The letters are used to designate the speed but it isn't always easy to tell if you don't have an idea of the naming scheme and underlying technology as well

For your price range you are looking at a 9800pro, 9800XT(this might be one of the other variations you saw) but don't go for the 9800se as this card is crippled in terms of the number of pipelines and also normally on the memory bus as well.

You should also be able to get either a 6600gt, 6800le or maybe even a 6800 for the price from the Nvidia range, any of these cards are better than the 9800pro and some may unlock or overclock.

You should also make sure that your PSU is up to the job.

 

[LoopyLee]

I have used the Nvidia range last one was TI4200 but have always been told that Radeon are currently the better (same old agument).

I dont mind what I get as long as its the best for the money.

The 6800 sounds the best is that better then the Radeon range for the same value? or what is the aquivalent?

And what would you recomend, Make things to looks for and any other tips

 

[ACESHIGH]

Also look for X700Pro (bit faster than 9800Pro).
X800GT (faster than 9800 pro, X700pro & 6600GT)

 

[nO}{8]

http://www.tomshardware.com/2005/12/02/vga_charts_viii/

look here to measure up the cards speeds/prices.

sorry look here instead. I didnt see you wanted a AGP card

http://www.tomshardware.com/2005/07/05/vga_charts_vii/page4.html