6800nu or X800XL

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SGtheArtist

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Apr 5, 2001
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I have an older system as follows:

P4 1.8 (Northwood > will probably o/c to 2.4)
1.5GB RAM
SCSI Seagate X15 18GB HDD
80GB IDE HDD
60GB IDE HDD
DVD-ROM
CD-WR
AIW 9600XT (AGP)
Matrox G450
Adaptec 19160
TBSC
Gb NIC PCI Card
USB 2.0 PCI Card
56k PCI modem
Antec 550 True Power PSU
+ 6 fans & 5 lights

:p Ok I want to extend the life of this PC with a video card upgrade and I have been doing the research over the current cards in the market and I have a couple concerns.

-Power consumption
-Heat

I have read that the 6800nu consumes @ load about 40-50 watts where as the X800 XL @ load consumes in the area of 70 watts.

Also the 6800nu runs idle at about 50C & at load at about 70C where as the X800 XL is around 30C when idle & 50C under load.

Currently the 6800nu can be purchased for about $150-$200 where as the X800 XL is about $250 - $300.

*** My questions are:

1. Can my PC/PSU support the X800 XL with its power consumption?
2. Why does the X800 XL run cooler while using more power compared to the 6800nu?

Thanks
 
blckgrffn

blckgrffn

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May 1, 2003
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X800XL, for power out of the box, no doubt. Your PS will be able to handle it no problem. My guess on your figures is that the X800XL can simply cool it self better, but my X800XL idles at 42C.

You should drop a newer processor in there, man! ;)

Nat
 
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speedstream5621

Senior member
Jan 9, 2004
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The XL and GT can be purchased for the same price...how do you figure your options are XL and NU? Are you not in the USA?
 
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SGtheArtist

Senior member
Apr 5, 2001
508
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I figured the X800 XL & 6800nu based on power consumption, heat, cost & how many molex connectors they require.

I didnt want a Gfx card with a floppy connector or 2 molex connectors.

(I am in the U.S.)
 
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SGtheArtist

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Apr 5, 2001
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Do you think the answer to #2 could be the diffent manufacturing processes used for the two chips?

By the way the mobo wont support any processors above 2.4 :p If I upgrade the mobo I might as well build a new system (which I dont want to do).
 
M

mwmorph

Diamond Member
Dec 27, 2004
8,877
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6800gt has 1 molex connector, still uses less power than the x800xl by a bit, is much better ocer. get a 6800gt.
 
P

Pete

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Oct 10, 1999
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An AGP 6800GT compares favorably to an AGP X800XL in TechReport's tests. I also imagine core temp would depend on the cooler, so getting one better than stock--like the Leadtek's copper unit, or possibly MSI's copper unit--may mean better temps. Of course, temps across different GPUs (much less from different IHVs) probably aren't comparable, as probe placement as well as accuracy are two big variables.

You might also consider an AIW X800XT, which can get pretty price competitive with a rebate (~$330?), and is technically one notch above the GT and XL in speed. It, however, one notch above both in price, too, so it's really only worth considering (plus waiting for the rebate check) if you want AIW functionality.

I believe the 6800, with its low power draw, relatively large core, and low core clock and relative utilization (one quad disabled) would be the coolest. It may not, however, be fast enough for you. That leaves you with the GT, XL, or XT. Looks like a toss-up among them.

I don't think power will be an issue, but you could save about 30W in start-up draw if you consolidate those two IDE HDs with a single ~$40AR 160GB one (someone has a Hitachi on sale until today, IIRC--maybe BB).
 
S

SGtheArtist

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Apr 5, 2001
508
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Thanks for everyones input. After spending a lot of time & consideration I realized I had another constraint. That is the new card has to be very close in size to the AIW 9600XT due to case restrictions & hardware placements.

With that in mind all the 6800's become unacceptable due to their length from the output panel. In addition after careful analysis of images of the AIW 9600XT & X800XL, XT & Pro cards it appears as though the XL & XT cards will be just a hair too lengthy.

Therefore I have decided that I will upgrade the system to the X800 Pro. Specifically the Sapphire Radeon X800 Pro 256MB AGP.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102380

Thanks for everyones help.
 
S

SGtheArtist

Senior member
Apr 5, 2001
508
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That's a good point.

I was thinking after my analysis of the board sizes that the X800XT maybe the same size as the X800Pro (which I've concluded will fit).

If you compare the size of the AGP lock to how long the board is from the DVI & VGA ports it appears as though the X800Pro & X800XT from Sapphire are identical in size.

AIW 9600XT
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102352

X800 Pro
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102425

X800XT
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102398

X800XL
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102520

Am I correct or are the images not accurate to the products? (Assuming that Sapphire used the ATI suggested board layout then my asumption that the X800XT was identical in size to the X800XL was where I was wrong)

The X800XL is obviously significantly larger.
 
N

nRollo

Banned
Jan 11, 2002
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Originally posted by: SGtheArtist
Thanks for everyones input. After spending a lot of time & consideration I realized I had another constraint. That is the new card has to be very close in size to the AIW 9600XT due to case restrictions & hardware placements.

With that in mind all the 6800's become unacceptable due to their length from the output panel. In addition after careful analysis of images of the AIW 9600XT & X800XL, XT & Pro cards it appears as though the XL & XT cards will be just a hair too lengthy.

Therefore I have decided that I will upgrade the system to the X800 Pro. Specifically the Sapphire Radeon X800 Pro 256MB AGP.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102380

Thanks for everyones help.
Click to expand...


When I read this thread I think: This guy just wants to pimp the X800XL.

When told an AGP 6800GT costs less than a X800XL, "Oh but the 6800GT is a little hotter!"

Than when told it's not much different, "I just remembered! The card has to be exactly the same length as my X800XL!"

:confused:

Why don't you just title the thread "Why I'm buying a X800XL"?
 
blckgrffn

blckgrffn

Diamond Member
May 1, 2003
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I would have to say that I was surprised at the size of my XL. The XT and Pro are supposedly identical except for the number of rendering pipelines (800 series). I would say that you could just stick with a pro though, you are going to pretty processor limited as it is.

Nat
 
blckgrffn

blckgrffn

Diamond Member
May 1, 2003
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www.teamjuchems.com
Originally posted by: SGtheArtist
Thanks for everyones input. After spending a lot of time & consideration I realized I had another constraint. That is the new card has to be very close in size to the AIW 9600XT due to case restrictions & hardware placements.

With that in mind all the 6800's become unacceptable due to their length from the output panel. In addition after careful analysis of images of the AIW 9600XT & X800XL, XT & Pro cards it appears as though the XL & XT cards will be just a hair too lengthy.

Therefore I have decided that I will upgrade the system to the X800 Pro. Specifically the Sapphire Radeon X800 Pro 256MB AGP.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102380

Thanks for everyones help.
Click to expand...


Rollo, why don't you reread the last damn post before saying something like that... :roll:

Nat
 
N

nRollo

Banned
Jan 11, 2002
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Originally posted by: blckgrffn
Originally posted by: SGtheArtist
Thanks for everyones input. After spending a lot of time & consideration I realized I had another constraint. That is the new card has to be very close in size to the AIW 9600XT due to case restrictions & hardware placements.

With that in mind all the 6800's become unacceptable due to their length from the output panel. In addition after careful analysis of images of the AIW 9600XT & X800XL, XT & Pro cards it appears as though the XL & XT cards will be just a hair too lengthy.

Therefore I have decided that I will upgrade the system to the X800 Pro. Specifically the Sapphire Radeon X800 Pro 256MB AGP.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102380

Thanks for everyones help.
Click to expand...


Rollo, why don't you reread the last damn post before saying something like that... :roll:

Nat
Click to expand...

Sorry the thread just didn't seem to make much sense.
1. He's comparing different price points of products.
2. He's asking if his high end 550W PSU can push a single card?
3. He doen't know when posting how big of a card he can fit?
4. He doesn't know AGP 6800GTs are cheaper/better?
5. He doesn't know the heat difference isn't that much?
etc- a lot doesn't add up in this thread. If heat is a concern to him, he should be shopping cases.
 
S

SGtheArtist

Senior member
Apr 5, 2001
508
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Sorry if my thread seems confusing Rollo.

I simply want to extend the life of this PC a little longer with a Gfx card upgrade at some point.

However there were many factors I had to consider and that is why I created this post to get other forum members opinions on these factors.

Nat, that is strange that the X800XL would require more PCB, while the X800Pro & X800XT are on the same PCB. I do believe you are right in that the X800XT would be unnecessary consider the limitations within the current system.
 
N

nRollo

Banned
Jan 11, 2002
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Originally posted by: SGtheArtist
Sorry if my thread seems confusing Rollo.

I simply want to extend the life of this PC a little longer with a Gfx card upgrade at some point.

However there were many factors I had to consider and that is why I created this post to get other forum members opinions on these factors.

Nat, that is strange that the X800XL would require more PCB, while the X800Pro & X800XT are on the same PCB. I do believe you are right in that the X800XT would be unnecessary consider the limitations within the current system.
Click to expand...

Out of curiosity, what case do you have?
 
S

SGtheArtist

Senior member
Apr 5, 2001
508
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0
Rollo,

1. Cost is a consideration & no one said you cant compare different price points.
2. I thought my PC was pretty well loaded (I'm no electrician)
3. I can fit an AIW 9600XT. (The new card simply cannot increase in size too much, and it slipped my mind intially.)
4. Sure 6800GTs maybe cheap, however the higher the operating Temp the shorter the life expectancy. (Not only for the Gfx card but all other parts near it.)
5. As I stated it is hard finding consistent temperature measurements and I do find the differnce between 70C and 50C more than enough for consideration.

Finally, If I shop for a case why stop there how about a mobo>cpu>DDR400>DVD burner>etc.

The whole point of this was to arrive at a solution that does not require the upgrading of several significant parts or building a new PC.
 
Z

zendari

Banned
May 27, 2005
6,558
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I think you are placing way too much importance on operating temps. I would just buy a 6800 GT.
 
mb

mb

Lifer
Jun 27, 2004
10,233
2
71
Originally posted by: SGtheArtist
Rollo,


4. Sure 6800GTs maybe cheap, however the higher the operating Temp the shorter the life expectancy. (Not only for the Gfx card but all other parts near it.)
Click to expand...

Wow. Just, wow. The 6800 has a high threshold for heat. It will last every bit as long as an X800. And it's not going to shorten the life of all other parts near it, in any way, shape, or form.
 
S

SGtheArtist

Senior member
Apr 5, 2001
508
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0
I bet it will be hard to be disappointed upgrading from an AIW 9600XT to either an X800 series or 6800 series.
 
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