Help choosing between these cards

[wgoldfarb]

I am starting my first build -- all parts are ordered, except for the video card.

I can get a used, factory overclocked 7800GTX (460MHz core clock, 1300MHz memory clock) from a friend, so I am trying to decide if I want this card or if I should get a newer card.

I found these two cards, each for very close to $200 after rebates:

GeForce 7900GT

Radeon X1950XT

The used card I can get is this one: GeForce 7800 GTX OC. I believe I can get it for about $200 as well.

How do these three cards compare (approximately) in performance? Since the 7800 is an older card I had trouble finding direct comparisons of these cards. If I understand things correctly, a 7800 card is approximately equivalent to a similarly clocked 7900 card, but the 7800 uses slightly more power and runs hotter. From this point of view, the 7900GT card above is better than the 7800GTX. I am not sure where the X1950XT fits in.

If they are all the same price, which card is the best value? Also, given the choices above for the two new cards, how much do you think it would be reasonable to pay for the used 7800GTX?

Thanks for your input!

 

[Captante]

The X1950XT is faster then either of the other two & is the overall best bet for that price.. the only negatives it has are a louder HS/fan & higher power draw.

 

[wgoldfarb]

Thanks!

I am trying to build a relatively quiet system, so the loud fan on the X1950XT might be point against it.

But still, based on your comment, the 7800GTX appears to be the lowest performer in this group. What would be a fair price for it? Or am I incorrect in assuming it is the lowest performer?

Finally, is there a difference among the brands in terms of quality? Any of these brands better than the rest? Any of these that I should stay away from?

Thanks again!

 

[tuteja1986]

Battlefield 2 1600x1200x32 4xAA 8xAF
X1900XT 256MB : 80.1
7900GTO : 77.3
X1950PRO : 64.2
7900GT : 59.7

Halflife 2 Lost Coast 1600x1200x32 4xAA 8xAF
X1900XT 256MB : 57.2
7900GTO : 51.9
X1950PRO : 43.5
7900GT : 40.9

Fear 1600x1200 0xAA 8xAF
X1900XT 256MB : 47
7900GTO : 41
X1950PRO : 35
7900GT : 34

Quake 4 1600x1200x32 4xAA 8xAF
X1900XT 256MB : 55.1
7900GTO : 55.5
X1950PRO : 40.1
7900GT : 45.4

Call of Duty 2 1600x1200 4xAA 8xAF
X1900XT 256MB : 40.5
7900GTO : 34.9
X1950PRO : 32
7900GT : 30.7

Farcry HDR 1600x1200 0xAA 8xAF
X1900XT 256MB : 54.1
7900GTO : 50
X1950PRO : 44.1
7900GT : 39.5


Oblivion HDR Mountain Area 1600x1200 0xAA 8xAF
X1900XT 256MB : 39.1
7900GTO : 32.5
X1950PRO : 31.3
7900GT : 24.1

Oblivion HDR Foliage Area 1600x1200 0xAA 8xAF
X1900XT 256MB : 26.8
7900GTO : 16.9
X1950PRO : 21.3
7900GT : 12

http://www.firingsquad.com/hardware/ati_radeon_x1950_pro/


X1900XT = 256MB , 625Mhz , 1450Mhz , 16(48 Pixel shader processor)
X1950XT = 256MB , 625Mhz , 1800Mhz , 16(48 Pixel shader processor)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102067

In conclusion the X1900XT 256MB beats all and X1950XT beats up X1900XT. Winner is X1950XT

 

[Munky]

Both the 7900gt and the 7800gtx OC are almost identical in specs, so they'll perform very similarly. The 7900gt usually OC's very well, and with a volt mod it can reach similar performance to a x1950xt, but at stock clocks both are considerably slower than the x1950xt, and are missing some features present on the x1950xt. Some 7900gt also come with loud little fans, so it's not a quiet card. IMO, both the 7900gt and the 7800gtx should be selling for well under $200 to be competitive pricewise with the x1950xt.

 

[wgoldfarb]

Thanks to everyone for their input. I guess that if I can get the 7800GTX OC for less than the retail 7900GT is would be a fair price, specially if it is for under $200. The 7800GTX OC is used but it is a BFG, and BFG's lifetime warranty makes up for the fact that it is not new.

EDIT: And thanks to tuteja1986 for the very detailed benchmarks!!!!

 

[Cookie Monster]

The stock HSF used on the 7800GTXis quieter than both the 7900GT and the X1950XT. The X1950XT has the worst cooler out of both choices in terms of noise.

However the X1950XT is faster than both cards by a pretty good margin. I would grab the X1950XT with a better cooler like a zalman vf900 or something that cools well and is silent.

If not, the 7900GT + 3rd party cooler, apply vmod and OC which can result in 7900GTX performance.

 

[Showtime]

I just grabbed a 7900GS from frys for $190 with an $80 MIR. Came out to $211 shipped... so just $131 after rebate.
http://shop4.outpost.com/product/4977711?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

It should be a KO version and should OC pretty well according to the thread here.
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=40&threadid=2011488&enterthread=y