Toying with the idea for a GPU upgrade

[Dark_Angel]

Well,

Since a few games are starting to come out on the PC that I have an interest in playing, I am considering grabbing a new GPU, to replace an X800XT (clocked to 540/540)

I was considering an X1800XT... though I have to admit to liking the idea of a 7900GT. I have noticed that the 7900GT's dont really have VIVO though, and I really do need that

How do X1800XTS compete with 7900GT's (when they are both overclocked... on average?) I have heard that the 1800s win when not clocked, but if the 7900's win if you clock both the cards... ?

 

[fenderbass86]

The X1800XT and 7900GT are pretty much neck and neck, don't let anyone sway you by saying one is miles better than the other because it just ain't true. Here's the facts:

X1800XT
-allegedly better image quality
-Slightly quicker at stock
-Runs a bit hotter and louder (depends what your used to though)
-Cheaper

7900GT
Overclocks well
Can be volt modded to a 7900GTX apparently
Runs cooler and a bit quieter

 

[Minstadave]

I went from an X800Pro @ X800XT to an X1800XT 512Mb and it was a massive upgrade. I watercool my X1800XT so temps aren't an issue, but the stock cooler is pretty rubbish and they do use a lot of power. The 7900GT is cooler and quieter, and I much prefer Nvidias drivers, but it can't do AA+HDR like the X1800XT.

 

[Dark_Angel]

Well, I guess I would grab an X1800XT then, since I cant find a 7900GT with VIVO....

Would I be better to get the:

Sapphire ATI Radeon X1800 XT 256MB GDDR3 AVIVO TV-Out/Dual DVI (PCI-Express) - Retail (GX-121-SP)

OR

Connect3D ATI Radeon X1800 XT 256MB GDDR3 AVIVO TV-Out/Dual DVI (PCI-Express) - Retail (GX-044-CO)

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatalog/X1800_Series.html#agx_2d044_2dco

They both look very similar, only the Connect one is cheaper

 

[jellybeard999]

dont let brand sway you...

look for

PRICE
Clock speeds (if not mentioned, theyll probably be reference clocks (same) )
VIVO
Amount of ram and type
Bundle

thats about all that matters tbh... very rare it makes a difference

 

[Dark_Angel]

Hmm... I was just wondering if people knew if either brand was better known for a better stock cooler/overclocking?

What type of overclocks are typical with the X1800XT's

 

[fenderbass86]

On anandtech they review a bunch of X1900's (I know you're going for X1800) and the Sapphire one overclocked best, used less power at idle and load and was second best in quietness (the HIS ICEQ3 beat it). I think the X1900's use the same fan as the X1800's but don't hold me to that. If they do, then i'd go Sapphire.

I think you could bump the core from 625MHz to 700MHz and the memory from 1500MHz to atleast 1600MHz.

 

[Dark_Angel]

That sounds like a nice increase tbh

I am guessing I will see quite the improvement over my current x800XT

 

[lay-z-boy]

On anandtech they review a bunch of X1900's (I know you're going for X1800) and the Sapphire one overclocked best, used less power at idle and load and was second best in quietness (the HIS ICEQ3 beat it). I think the X1900's use the same fan as the X1800's but don't hold me to that. If they do, then i'd go Sapphire.

I think you could bump the core from 625MHz to 700MHz and the memory from 1500MHz to atleast 1600MHz.

hold on, how can the same card with a different label on the cooler fan make it use less power and overclock better?

itsnt that a bit like 'go faster stripes' ?

 

[Minstadave]

hold on, how can the same card with a different label on the cooler fan make it use less power and overclock better?

itsnt that a bit like 'go faster stripes' ?

Sapphire may have used a lower Vcore and slacker timings to get better clocks. Reducing memory voltage can get you better clocks too, so they may have tweaked the bios a bit.