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Replacement for Radeon X1800XT 256MB?

Teasy

Teasy

Teasy

Associate
Joined
23 Oct 2003
Posts
229
I've had this card for a while and its a great performer. However its quite big, requires a power connector at the front and isn't that quiet. For those three reasons I'm looking to replace it. Would it be possible to find a new card for £150 or less that:-

- Is at least as powerful as the X1800XT (but perhaps with 512MB instead of 256MB)

- Doesn't require a seperate power connector from the PSU

- Is quieter (it would be great if it was fanless, but otherwise one with a quieter fan would do).

- Is smaller then the X1800XT (this isn't as important as the others, but its preferable).
 
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Is the 8600GT slower then the X1800XT? I used to be right up to speed on all the new graphics cards and graphics architectures. But after not taking much notice for the last couple of years I find myself having absolutely no idea what's what anymore :)..

I'll take a look at those cards, thanks.
 
Has to be 3850 Pro if you can put up with the extra power connector from PSU. They're dead quiet, single-slot and probably twice as quick as the X1800.

Out of interest, why don't you want the power connector?
 
Just so there's one less thick cable inside the case really. But the 3850 does look really interesting.. I've seen a Powercolor HD3850 512MB GDDR3 256bit Dual DVI/TVO for £115 including VAT and free delivery. Are these definitely quieter then the X1800XT? Because if so I might just go for one.
 
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The 3850's are almost silent in comparison to X18/19**'s if you can live with the cable then these are the only option, low power requirments, low noise, low heat output. win/win/win

put it this way I've just bought one so I'm putting my money where my mouth is
 
Teasy said:
Just so there's one less thick cable inside the case really. But the 3850 does look really interesting.. I've seen a Powercolor HD3850 512MB GDDR3 256bit Dual DVI/TVO for £115 including VAT and free delivery. Are these definitely quieter then the X1800XT? Because if so I might just go for one.
Click to expand...

I haven't used one, but everything I've read says that they're pretty much inaudible, even during games. You can also control the fan speed using RivaTuner etc.

TBH you can tuck the power cable round the back of your motherboard tray and you'll barely notice it :p
 
Another vote for the 512mb 3850 if you don't mind the extra power connector, best card in that price range, even the 8600 would be a downgrade from your x1800, as said above, 3850 will be more than double performance. :)
 
It looks like I'm going to go for either a HD3850 or a HD3870. Apparently the 3870's are even quieter then the 3850 due to the bigger fan in the two slot cooler (also the two slot cooler seems a better idea IMO as it removes hot air out of the case). Having said that I've just found a Gecube HD3850 X-Turbo III 512MB (which has a two slot cooler) for £115 delivered. So while I have narrowed my search to the HD3000 series I've still got some deciding to do :) Definitely getting much closer to a decision though, so thanks to everyone for the help.
 
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For £150 the 3870XT is probably the best bang for buck choice. There is no card that card more powerful than 1800XT and has no extra power connector as well, it's a prerequesite nowadays. 8800GT might come down to around £150 as well once stock is stablised.
 
If you look around the 3870 can be had for £130 ish so I imagine once more stock is available the price should drop to this everywhere.
 
I've just plumped up for 2 Gecube 512mb 3850 for £115 each including Free delivery. I think they currently have the best coolers on the 3850/3870, even if they are dual slot.

Heatpipes for the win.

So yeah, get a HD3850.
 
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Just wanted to let you all know that I just ordered a Sapphire HD3870 512MB for £139.99 with free delivery. Sold my X1800XT 256MB to a friend for £60 so the upgrade wasn't to expensive really :)
 
Ah right, thought it would be fine as long as I didn't say where I bought it from. I can edit the post if its definitely not allowed, or any mod feel free to remove the price yourself if you like.
 
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