• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Best card to tie me over until next gen?

Page 2 - Seeking answers? Join the AnandTech community: where nearly half-a-million members share solutions and discuss the latest tech.
Originally posted by: slash196
Maybe no one told you, but next gen is NOW.
Click to expand...

What I mean, is that by the time the games I want to play come out (NWN2 and Oblivion), the successors to the 7800 series will be out...
 
I really don't like people saying that an x800GTO is a better value than 6800GS.

OUT OF THE BOX/AS SHIPPED it is NOT better, it has to be unlocked and overclocked (warranty voiding moves) before it can compete. The 6800GS gives youy the expected performance level straight out of the box, no modification needed.

This may or may not be an issue to experienced hardware enthusiasts (and I acknowledge the OP here seems to have the requisite skills given his system specs), however, x800GTO's should not be reccomended willy-nilly based on the performance you *MAY* obtain from modifiications (remember the 6800 can be overclocked too). How would you feel if you were sold a system with a modified x800GTO and you weren't informed of the mod?
 
Again, how high a % is there of unlocking that x800GTO? I'd ponder it, but only if its really going to unlock. Otherwise, that 6800GS looks ok to me and has SM3. (it is her system specs btw 😉)

Either way, perhaps I should wait a couple of weeks and see if either of these gets a nice pricecut for thanksgiving?
 
Thanks. 🙂 The old BFG 6800OC I gave to my fiance was one that I lucked out and it unlocked all the pipes, so I don't mind trying to unlock the x800gto. I'll just wait until the holiday deals come out and then compare prices (then with my luck, none of the x800gto's will be moddable any more).
 
Originally posted by: Jagercola
x800GTO Connect3d from Monarch... Once unlocked and O/C rough 6500-7000 in 3dmark05. Can be had for $139 no tax and free shipping. 179-25 Rebate-10 Coupon-5 Pricegrabber Review Rebate
Click to expand...

This is what I would get - its $50 less than the GS, all but assured to unlock, and its only disadvantage is no SM3 support, but you already said you will be buying another card next year, so I wouldn't worry about that.
 
Originally posted by: Hikari
That Connect3D x800gto...how good of a chance of OC does it have? If its not a sure thing I think I'd go 6800GS, but if so it makes it harder to decide. 🙂
Click to expand...

Most gto's hit at least 520 mhz on the core, but some can get higher. There's no sure thing about overclocking anything, some cards just OC better than others even if it's the same model. There's also a high success rate of unlocking it to 16 pipes.

The GS is not a sure thing either about OC'ing, but it has no pipes to unlock.
 
Originally posted by: tuteja1986
C3D x800GTO > X850XT 600/615 : ) and only like $180ish
Click to expand...

You really think so? You'd have to overclock that Connect3D x800 GTO past 600/615. You'd also need to increase the price to account for after market cooling. It can't be good for the card to go to 600/615 with the stock cooling.
 
Originally posted by: Gstanfor
I really don't like people saying that an x800GTO is a better value than 6800GS.

OUT OF THE BOX/AS SHIPPED it is NOT better, it has to be unlocked and overclocked (warranty voiding moves) before it can compete. The 6800GS gives youy the expected performance level straight out of the box, no modification needed.
Click to expand...

Well, even at stock speeds, if you could get one for $139 or $144 shipped AR it might be a better deal due to the price difference. What we really need to see is how the cards match up when the x800 GTO is unlocked and when both are overclocked.
 
I would certainly class that as a winner.

Question though, is money not an issue for you while waiting (In your situation, I'd be inclined to put a 6600 or possibly a 6600GT in and save as much money as possible towards the future high end card)?
 
Originally posted by: Gstanfor
I really don't like people saying that an x800GTO is a better value than 6800GS.

OUT OF THE BOX/AS SHIPPED it is NOT better, it has to be unlocked and overclocked (warranty voiding moves) before it can compete. The 6800GS gives youy the expected performance level straight out of the box, no modification needed.

This may or may not be an issue to experienced hardware enthusiasts (and I acknowledge the OP here seems to have the requisite skills given his system specs), however, x800GTO's should not be reccomended willy-nilly based on the performance you *MAY* obtain from modifiications (remember the 6800 can be overclocked too). How would you feel if you were sold a system with a modified x800GTO and you weren't informed of the mod?
Click to expand...

I know you like Nvidia, but it would be pretty stupid IMO to buy a 6800gs, fully knowing that a GTO has 16 physical pipes and can OC to XT PE speeds, all it requires is a bios flash and some OC'ing. And it costs less than a GS. Until you show me a GS that can beat this, the GTO >>>>> GS. And, so far the success rate has been very high, and even with only 12 pipes (before unlocking) I managed to get 6000 in 3dmark05 on my gto only with OC'ing, so it was close to XT PE levels of performance. Considering that it costs $30-50 less than the GS, you'd have to be a pretty devout Nv supporter to recommend the GS over the GTO.

edit:sp
 
I honestly don't care either way, munky. 🙂 Its just that the person I'll be giving whatever card I buy to next year will be playing some games that do have SM3 support in them.

So does SM3 not matter much? Thats really my only concern in all of this. Personally I'd just be playing some unreleased MMORPG that is in beta now, HL2, NWN, and probably Morrowind , and some 3D Studio Max until I buy a GF8000 or whatever comes out when Oblivion and NWN2 do.

The connnect3d deal requires a mail in rebate, too, right? So its $154 after MIR, versus $196 (total) for the 6800GS in my case. My head hurts 😛
 
The x800GTO is the best bet if you know your stuff (as far as modding is concerned), but personally I'd say that if you're just getting this as a stopgap solution, get a cheaper card that can do what you need, like the 6600GT/x800 (your choice, both are good cards).
 
Yeah, but we're looking at like saving only $30 and getting less memory if you get a 6600GT. I can just not eat out w/my coworkers for a week. hehe
 
One last question. 😉

Between the C3D x800GTO and the eVGA 6800GS, which is going to run cooler? I have a nice silverstone case that is quiet, but it isn't exacly superbly ventilated (silent fans and stuff).
 
I would think the 6800GS... but I have no reasoning other than the fact that my 6600Gt runs hot.

Norm
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top