6800GS or X800GTO

[NewBlackDak]

The X800 is unlockable to 16 pipes, and about $20 cheaper.

I'm nor sure which is the best value, and which is actually faster.

Thanks for any input
NBD

 

[Munky]

Not all gto's can unlock. Only some connect3d gto's are unlockable, and all the sapphire gto2's can unlock. A unlocked and OC'd gto or gto2 is faster than an OC'd 6800gs, but if you cant unlock then I think the gs would be a bit faster.

 

[the Chase]

If you are going to keep the card for a long time I'd say pay the extra $20 for the 6800GS or go with the GTO2 which will def. unlock and be faster than the GS(but no shader model 3 if that matters to you).

 

[imhungry]

Originally posted by: the Chase
If you are going to keep the card for a long time I'd say pay the extra $20 for the 6800GS or go with the GTO2 which will def. unlock and be faster than the GS(but no shader model 3 if that matters to you).

The C3D won't unlock for sure, especially with the new batch. And both the 6800GS and x800GTO are monster overclockers in general, regardless of make / brand.

The 6800GS has SM3.0, has SLi easily, and takes a lesser hit with HDR.
The x800GTO might unlock, will be harder to crossfire with another x800gto if unlocked, doesn't support SM3.0, takes a hard hit with HDR, can't even PLAY Far Cry with HDR, but will / can generally be faster than the 6800GS if unlocked / overclocked HARD.

If you get lucky with both cards, it's basically comparing a ~6800ultra and an ~x850xt.

 

[McArra]

6800GS w/o doubt.

 

[dug777]

if you can be vaugely sure of an unlocker, the x800 for sure...

 

[NewBlackDak]

I'm sure about the unlock. A buddy of mine has a local shop, and he offers tested unlocked/overclocked cards as part of his services. Every card in his current GTO batch has been unlockable. He also said I could try it right there in the store to see if it works. Maybe I can talk him into letting me try to Unlock/OC both in the test-rig, and run some benchmarks.

I'm not worried about SLI or crossfire, but I am worried about decent linux driver support.