GeForce 6800 (non-ultra) Brand Choice

Linxor

Junior Member
Jul 16, 2004
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I've narrowed my graphics card searches down to getting the GeForce 6800 Standard 128MB DDR. I won't be going for the GT or Ultra models because they're a bit too expensive for me at the moment. So the last question I have is what manufacturers would you recommend for this video card?

Here's the brands I'm evaluating. Please add your own thoughts if I missed any:
Albatron - $282
Chaintech - $288
eVGA - $283
Gainward (double slot design) - $299
Gainward (single slot design) - $296
Leadtek - $283
MSI - $292
PNY - $292
Prolink - $294
XFX - $283

Apparently that Chaintech is a "Turbo" model, meaning that it's OC'd 10% out of the box (read thread), and this article gives a good review of it.

The only games I intend to play with this are UT2004, Doom3 and FarCry (all of which I've already bought). So software bundles aren't really that big of a deal for me.

Noise is also a concern for me, so if any of these are particularly loud, I might end up getting a VGA Silencer (like one of these).

Modding to GT: I've been reading forum posts (like this one, this one and this one, and this article) about mods to unlock the extra 4 pipelines to essentially give you a GT model. I know it's not available yet, but has anyone heard which models are good for that? I'm still debating if I'll do it, but it might be a nice feature to have though when it becomes available. This isn't a requirement though.


Your opinions and technical expertise is appreciated!
Thanks!
 

jimithing2077

Member
Mar 22, 2004
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well...

eVGA has the upgrade option..where you can trade in the 6800 withing 90 days of its purchase and upgrade to a newer video card (GT or Ultra)

PNY- own this card myself. No problems once so ever with it, the speeds are all stock but my performance in all games is amazing

Chaintech- this one comes out of the box clocked slightly higher than the others, and uses i think 2.2ns memory?

so i guess its up to you, they are all the same card, same deal..nothing special, just whichever you want i guess? More warranty (eVGA)..more speed? (chaintech)..or just any other regular card i think would suit you well
 

Aleksandar

Senior member
May 31, 2004
420
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Well man just got the eVga today and i cant complain quet fast no font problems like some other people i see on this forum
 

Linxor

Junior Member
Jul 16, 2004
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eVGA has the upgrade option..where you can trade in the 6800 withing 90 days of its purchase and upgrade to a newer video card (GT or Ultra) -- jimithing2077
Good point. I just looked that up on their website... it's called the Step-Up Program. That'll be especialy nice incase the GT falls in price in the next 3 months.

no bfg? -- Rage187
Nope, no BFG... because they don't make 6800 standard models (or at least I can't find any).
 

Actaeon

Diamond Member
Dec 28, 2000
8,657
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Originally posted by: Linxor
eVGA has the upgrade option..where you can trade in the 6800 withing 90 days of its purchase and upgrade to a newer video card (GT or Ultra) -- jimithing2077
Good point. I just looked that up on their website... it's called the Step-Up Program. That'll be especialy nice incase the GT falls in price in the next 3 months.

no bfg? -- Rage187
Nope, no BFG... because they don't make 6800 standard models (or at least I can't find any).

They make the 6800. It comes preoverclocked as well. Comes with Farcry too!
 
Apr 17, 2003
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Originally posted by: Actaeon
Originally posted by: Linxor
eVGA has the upgrade option..where you can trade in the 6800 withing 90 days of its purchase and upgrade to a newer video card (GT or Ultra) -- jimithing2077
Good point. I just looked that up on their website... it's called the Step-Up Program. That'll be especialy nice incase the GT falls in price in the next 3 months.

no bfg? -- Rage187
Nope, no BFG... because they don't make 6800 standard models (or at least I can't find any).

They make the 6800. It comes preoverclocked as well. Comes with Farcry too!

yup, sell the FC and you are looking @ ~$270
 

flamingspinach

Senior member
Nov 4, 2004
354
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NewEgg, oddly enough, did not carry the BFG 6800NU. I requested they carry it back in October. Then they did. Then they dropped it within days. Now they have it again. Buy it while you can... o_O I have no idea what's going on with that... I really hope they still have them on the menu around Christmas, when I'm planning to buy my system...

-fs