6800NU questions

[nanaki333]

I'm in the market for a new video card. I was looking at the 6800GT, but then I've been reading on people getting the NU and being able to unlock all 16 pipelines. Does doing this with the NU put it on par with a stock 6800GT? I know there's still that memory difference, but as far as the overrall performance. Should I save myself the extra $100+ and buy the NU? Also, which NUs are able to unlock all 16 pipelines anyway?

 

[df96817]

Can get almost 10K on 3DMark03 at stock speeds? Looks pretty good to me. As for a comparison with the 6800 GT, I think they can get up to 12K on 3DMark03.

http://forums.anandtech.com/me...=y&keyword1=6800nu

 

[MDE]

The NU has 128MB of DDR RAM while the GT has 256MB of GDDR3 RAM. There's a big speed difference there (in clock frequency), plus you're nowhere near guaranteed to unlock all of the pipes. IMO, the real choice is which one you want or can afford. Unlocking and overclocking are just icing on the cake.

 

[mray]

I have a 6800 OC and unlocked the pipes...my 3DMark03 score went from 9200 to 10200 after the mod. Card kicks butt...

 

[mray]

I have a 6800 OC and unlocked the pipes...my 3DMark03 score went from 9200 to 10200 after the mod. Card kicks butt...

 

[Cannabis]

Even with pipes unlocked and the core overclocked you start to notice a difference at Hi-res + AA/AF because of slower memory.

 

[slag]

bfg nu oc here.


before overclock and unlock =9145.

After overclock and unlock = 10,948

 

[Avalon]

Originally posted by: Cannabis
Even with pipes unlocked and the core overclocked you start to notice a difference at Hi-res + AA/AF because of slower memory.

That's where the differences between an unlocked NU and a stock GT lie. However, you have to remember that not many people play games at 12x10/16x12 with 4xAA/8xAF. If you're gaming at 10x7, like the majority of people at this time, there should be very little difference. Go for the NU if you're on a tight budget and don't do more than 10x7 with AA/AF or 12x10 without AA/AF. Else, get the 6800GT.

The BFG 6800NU OC would be the best NU to buy, coming in at $250 at outpost.

 

[Jhatfie]

Chaintech AA6800 (6800nu) @ 430/920 (paid $268 at newegg)

3dMark03 before overclock and unlock =9164
3dMark03 after overclock and unlock = 12549
no unlock or OC Doom3 timedemo @ 1280x1024 HQ 2xAA/8xAF = 58.7fps
OC and unlocked Doom3 timedemo @ 1280x1024 HQ 2xAA/8xAF = 79.6fps

I think that the extra memory really comes more into play at 1600x1200 as opposed to 1280x1024. GT is of course a better choice, but if (if being the key word) you get a 6800nu that is a decent overclocker and unlocks the pipes, they are good performers!

 

[nanaki333]

my LCD can only handle 1280x1024. should i still just go for the NU? i generally play in 1280x1024 or 1024x768. only time i play in 1024 is when my pc can't take higher.

only runnin a 2800 with 512MB ram and a radeon9700.

 

[Cannabis]

Get a Limited Edition eVGA 6800 off ZZF and flash it to a ultra if you can afford $330 otherwise I would go with the chaintech AA6800 for $268

 

[Rhagz]

Yeah, the LE is really the card of the year it seems. Basically just an Ultra at half price. Takes a little effort to get it there, but it seems to be reliable and effective.

 

[nanaki333]

are the chaintechs known for their ability to unlock the 8 extra pipes? that's mainly what i'm looking for. i don't want an NU if i can't unlock them. i know it's usually pot lock, but i just want to know which cards have the higher success rate.

 

[Marsumane]

Originally posted by: nanaki333
are the chaintechs known for their ability to unlock the 8 extra pipes? that's mainly what i'm looking for. i don't want an NU if i can't unlock them. i know it's usually pot lock, but i just want to know which cards have the higher success rate.

Its only 4 extra ps pipes, 1 extra vs pipe. Yields in general are getting better, but im not sure about chaintech.

 

[egoadk]

yah, with the 6800 LE, it is like getting all best goodies at half the price.
Everyone should probably be going for that great value.

Though GT has more headroom for O/C ing. But at $325, you can't go wrong.

Comparing GT and LE without O/C ing... LE probably is slightly slower than GT, but you probably
won't notice the speed difference in games?