In House HD2900XT vs. 8800GTS 640

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: KeithTalent
I can do some 2900XT Crossfire benchmarks on XP and Vista if it would be helpful at all.

Let me know what games and benchmarks you want run and I can start them this Friday and over the weekend.

FYI 2900XT Crossfire is quieter at load than a single X1900XT (my subjective opinion).

Cheers,
KT

thank-you

a little *confirmation* is nice ... your HD2900xts are Diamond
... perhaps VT and Diamond use a slightly upgraded fan over the apparently cheaper components that i have noted in Sapphire [and i guess "reference"

and i got the PM ... i may also be able to compare XP with Vista ... of course if anyone is willing to let go a full retail Copy with SP2 ... it would be extra nice

see you after work

 

[KeithTalent]

Originally posted by: apoppin

Originally posted by: KeithTalent
I can do some 2900XT Crossfire benchmarks on XP and Vista if it would be helpful at all.

Let me know what games and benchmarks you want run and I can start them this Friday and over the weekend.

FYI 2900XT Crossfire is quieter at load than a single X1900XT (my subjective opinion).

Cheers,
KT

thank-you

a little *confirmation* is nice ... your HD2900xts are Diamond
... perhaps VT and Diamond use a slightly upgraded fan over the apparently cheaper components that i have noted in Sapphire [and i guess "reference"

and i got the PM ... i may also be able to compare XP with Vista ... of course if anyone is willing to let go a full retail Copy with SP2 ... it would be extra nice

see you after work

Good stuff. I either have, or can easily get, most of the games you would want benchmarked, so if you post which things you want tested and at what settings, I can go ahead and start doing so.

KT

PS: I'd give you my XP, but it is OEM. 🙁

 

[mruffin75]

Originally posted by: apoppin

Originally posted by: KeithTalent
I can do some 2900XT Crossfire benchmarks on XP and Vista if it would be helpful at all.

Let me know what games and benchmarks you want run and I can start them this Friday and over the weekend.

FYI 2900XT Crossfire is quieter at load than a single X1900XT (my subjective opinion).

Cheers,
KT

thank-you

a little *confirmation* is nice ... your HD2900xts are Diamond
... perhaps VT and Diamond use a slightly upgraded fan over the apparently cheaper components that i have noted in Sapphire [and i guess "reference"

and i got the PM ... i may also be able to compare XP with Vista ... of course if anyone is willing to let go a full retail Copy with SP2 ... it would be extra nice

see you after work

I've got a Sapphire HD2900XT... fan is quiet here too... (I'm thinking the fan is the same on all 2900XT's).. I guess we're (consumers) just aren't as tech savvy as those reviewers with those audio meters that tell us they're loud...

 

[KeithTalent]

Originally posted by: mruffin75

Originally posted by: apoppin

Originally posted by: KeithTalent
I can do some 2900XT Crossfire benchmarks on XP and Vista if it would be helpful at all.

Let me know what games and benchmarks you want run and I can start them this Friday and over the weekend.

FYI 2900XT Crossfire is quieter at load than a single X1900XT (my subjective opinion).

Cheers,
KT

thank-you

a little *confirmation* is nice ... your HD2900xts are Diamond
... perhaps VT and Diamond use a slightly upgraded fan over the apparently cheaper components that i have noted in Sapphire [and i guess "reference"

and i got the PM ... i may also be able to compare XP with Vista ... of course if anyone is willing to let go a full retail Copy with SP2 ... it would be extra nice

see you after work

I've got a Sapphire HD2900XT... fan is quiet here too... (I'm thinking the fan is the same on all 2900XT's).. I guess we're (consumers) just aren't as tech savvy as those reviewers with those audio meters that tell us they're loud...

Well that's the thing; I game and do everything else with headphones, so in order for me to actually hear the card(s) I need to take my headphones off and listen. Even then, it is only when I am using 3D apps that it makes a significant amount of noise. If I am watching a movie, the thing is silent.

KT

 

[superbooga]

Originally posted by: ArchAngel777
I am not sure how others feel, but everyone making a huge deal out of the cache, memory, etc... I know it is always best to match systems up. But seriously guys, I don't think this review was started over a few percent difference in the systems! I just want to know if the HD2900XT is a POS or not. I want to give it a fair chance... I don't trust some sites out there and there is very limited data on the issue. Therefore, I just want a ballpark figure. Does the card perform or is it pathetic? I am not going to argue 3-5fps and claim Keys rig is faster, or that Apop did something jaded. I just want to know one simple thing - Does the 2900XT blow? (besides hot air)

Anyway, I still support making the systems as close as possible, but I woudn't lose any sleep over it. I just want some numbers! 😀

I agree. Just set the cpu speeds and memory speeds so that you get approximately the same 3dmark cpu scores. Besides the difference is only going to come into play when you're talking about 110 vs 120 fps, which we shouldn't care too much about.

Anyways, I picked up a 8800 GTS 320, so I can do some comparisons with anyone with a 2900xt. My system is a E4400 with a P965-DS3, and I can run tests up to 1920x1200

In World of Warcraft, the game jerks if I disable vsync, so I usually play with it on. Now with vsync off, I'm getting around 120 fps at 1920x1200 4xAA, and around 80 with 8xTR SSAA. This is with a non-intensive scene though, walking from camp taurajo to the crossroads. It does drop to under 60 fps if I go into the very center of crossroads and then rotate my view.

 

[KeithTalent]

Originally posted by: superbooga

In World of Warcraft, the game jerks if I disable vsync, so I usually play with it on. Now with vsync off, I'm getting around 120 fps at 1920x1200 4xAA, and around 80 with 8xTR SSAA. This is with a non-intensive scene though, walking from camp taurajo to the crossroads. It does drop to under 60 fps if I go into the very center of crossroads and then rotate my view.

I think WoW is probably a bad idea. I really do not want to subscribe to a game to do benchmarks if I can avoid it.

I would recommend a downloadable demo of some sort; maybe Lost Planet? Then we can do DX9 and DX10 and XP Vista all quite easily.

Cheers,
KT

 

[superbooga]

Originally posted by: KeithTalent

Originally posted by: superbooga

In World of Warcraft, the game jerks if I disable vsync, so I usually play with it on. Now with vsync off, I'm getting around 120 fps at 1920x1200 4xAA, and around 80 with 8xTR SSAA. This is with a non-intensive scene though, walking from camp taurajo to the crossroads. It does drop to under 60 fps if I go into the very center of crossroads and then rotate my view.

I think WoW is probably a bad idea. I really do not want to subscribe to a game to do benchmarks if I can avoid it.

I would recommend a downloadable demo of some sort; maybe Lost Planet? Then we can do DX9 and DX10 and XP Vista all quite easily.

Cheers,
KT

You can download a free 10 day trial of WoW. Also, I was just giving an example. I think at the end of the day, we'll find that there really isn't that much of a difference between a 8800 GTS and 2900xt. Older games will favor the GTS simply because you can use 8 or 16xTR SSAA without the penalty seen on the 2900xt.

 

[TheRyuu]

I want to see how an overclocked HD2900XT compares to an overclocked 8800GTS 640 (at speeds like mine, 650/2050). I mean, at those speeds (which for some reason my card runs stable at) I've gotta be coming close to a stock 8800GTX right? 😛

 

[Extelleron]

Originally posted by: wizboy11
I want to see how an overclocked HD2900XT compares to an overclocked 8800GTS 640 (at speeds like mine, 650/2050). I mean, at those speeds (which for some reason my card runs stable at) I've gotta be coming close to a stock 8800GTX right? 😛

I don't think you're going to hit GTX speeds with a GTS on anything but water cooling (or more).

Looking at the theoretical performance, a GTS (with 96sp, vs 128sp on the GTX) would need to have its shaders clocked at 1.8GHz to equal the shading power of the GTX. In terms of core clock, it would have to be 766MHz to equal the speed of the GTX (GTX = 32 TMUs, GTS = 24 TMUs). To equal the memory bandwidth of the GTX, you'd need 2.115GHz effective on the GTS.

Obviously theoretical performance and the real world are different, but that gives you a general idea.

I'd also be interested in seeing the 2900XT at say 850/1800 versus the GTS at something like 625/2000, which most can reach.

I'd also like to see the power usage of the HD 2900XT at 850MHz core. :Q

 

[AnMig]

You guys should swap cards after you run you predefined benches and then run them again and then post your numbers on both cards, just to eliminate any obvious variables.

Do you guys trust each other enough to swap cards?

 

[Keysplayr]

So how is it percolatin' over there apoppin? Make any progress? Get your modem?

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: keysplayr2003
So how is it percolatin' over there apoppin? Make any progress? Get your modem?

just got home

modem ... RAM .. scythe fan


check, check, check ... all waiting in 3 boxes ... and that 120MM fan is HUGE ... there goes the "quiet" .... i KNOW hd2900xt won't be heard - at all

i'll check back soon

and it looks like i get a trial copy of XP .... i will use my upgrade copy to install it and the trial key ... i assume i won't have trouble getting the SPs without activating it ... right?

 

[soybeast]

Originally posted by: apoppin

Originally posted by: keysplayr2003
So how is it percolatin' over there apoppin? Make any progress? Get your modem?

just got home

modem ... RAM .. scythe fan


check, check, check ... all waiting in 3 boxes ... and that 120MM fan is HUGE ... there goes the "quiet" .... i KNOW hd2900xt won't be heard - at all

i'll check back soon

and it looks like i get a trial copy of XP .... i will use my upgrade copy to install it and the trial key ... i assume i won't have trouble getting the SPs without activating it ... right?

Actually larger fans can move more air at slower rpms and are thus usually quieter.

 

[yacoub]

Originally posted by: apoppin
check, check, check ... all waiting in 3 boxes ... and that 120MM fan is HUGE ... there goes the "quiet" .... i KNOW hd2900xt won't be heard - at all

You realize the larger the fan the quieter it is because it should be set to spin slower and move the same amount (or more) air that a smaller fan requires a higher rpm to reach, right?

 

[Keysplayr]

Originally posted by: apoppin

Originally posted by: keysplayr2003
So how is it percolatin' over there apoppin? Make any progress? Get your modem?

just got home

modem ... RAM .. scythe fan


check, check, check ... all waiting in 3 boxes ... and that 120MM fan is HUGE ... there goes the "quiet" .... i KNOW hd2900xt won't be heard - at all

i'll check back soon

and it looks like i get a trial copy of XP .... i will use my upgrade copy to install it and the trial key ... i assume i won't have trouble getting the SPs without activating it ... right?

So we can do XP to XP then? Nice. If you can't get SP2 for XP trial, let me know.

 

[ND40oz]

Aww, I wanted to see the vista benches...oh well, I'll do them myself and compare them to your XP ones.

 

[SolMiester]

Originally posted by: apoppin

[/i]
... and SolMeister ... personal attack ?
rotfl
no more than your posts
😛

Just quit with the personal attacks ok pop!, I havent once had a go at you personally...........

 

[bfdd]

I have a system REALLY similar to what Apoppin is running. E4300, DS3, 2gb ddr2-667 tho, and it only has a 160gb hdd, gfx card is a gts 320. It's sitting next to me and no I'm not lying in my sig. I have 3 C2D systems, the one in my comment and 2 with e4300s and 2gb of ddr2-667. One has a DS3 one has a 680i SLI mobo(foxconn piece of junk I bought to test out. I wish I hadn't given my brother a copy of Vista I would of let Keys use it for this test and if I wasn't trying to save money atm I would buy him a copy just to make it even.

 

[apoppin]

really really weird being connected in Vista using the latest version of IE ... it is SO alien ... Good Gawd --it's "tabbed" browsing with the tabs at the bottom!! ... so strange, i can't wait to use FF [and install updated AntiVirus ... i ain't going too far from "trusted sites" like here and MS unbtil i get everything updated] ... this is gonna take some time to get used to ... glad all i needed was an $8 modem ... it even installed with the generic Vista driver and connected even before i updated it properly.

the 120mm fan IS quiet ... my entire rig is the quietst i ever had ... well my laptop was quieter ... but ... you know ...

and i am getting temp reading all over the place ... one of my CPU cores is 10C higher than the other ... could be Vista .. i dunno ... the Thermalright CPU cooler is installed right ... screwed doen to the max and yet it twists a bit ... could need a lapping

ALSO, my rig would just not boot up with the Crucial PC8500 RAM ... i have to investigate further ... but it is not crucial to our experiment as i am using only 2GB Corsair XMS PC6400

OK, i got the CD key for XP "trial" ... i don't even know if i can update to SP2 without activating ... and i will do this AFTER i finish installing Vista and transferring everything from Win2K to Vista before blowing my 2K installation away. Will it be a rpoblem to set up on my old IDE drive ... there shouldn't be that much difference in "games" compared to my RAID-0 setup, should there?

and although i will bench against Keys using XP [if possible], i will ALSO attemp to compare the XP benchs with my Vista

and SolMiester, you are starting to get annoying with your silly accusations of "personal attack" ... no .. if you are serious and think it IS a personal attack, then you don't even know what one is
--would you like a demonstration?

 

[Keysplayr]

What flavor of Vista should I get? Home, Business, Basic, Ultimate. ?? They all game the same, right?
I can get Vista Home Premium OEM for 119.00. Still looking around for pricing on the others. So which one?

I play games, web, video capture, work. Basically, I'm looking to find out what I can't do if I get Home premium instead of Ultimate.

Thanks.

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: keysplayr2003
What flavor of Vista should I get? Home, Business, Basic, Ultimate. ?? They all game the same, right?
I can get Vista Home Premium OEM for 119.00. Still looking around for pricing on the others. So which one?

I play games, web, video capture, work. Basically, I'm looking to find out what I can't do if I get Home premium instead of Ultimate.

Thanks.

what i got - Vista Home Premium .. i think i paid $111 at NewEgg for OEM
--then you get to decide "32" or 64-bit ... i went for 32 ...

it is SO weird coming from Win2K ... XP users will feel at home
-windows "classic" is now soooo fUgly ... yeah, i am running Aero

so what are we gonna do ... run Vista ... or shall i install XP also?

you KNOW this is gonna take some time for me to setup over dialup - i hope

 

[hans030390]

The systems don't look too comparable...They're similar, but one is on XP, the other on Vista. I don't think the results will be extremely fair...(based off the "test" website)

Then again, maybe this was mentioned already...sorry if it was!

 

[Matt2]

Originally posted by: keysplayr2003
What flavor of Vista should I get? Home, Business, Basic, Ultimate. ?? They all game the same, right?
I can get Vista Home Premium OEM for 119.00. Still looking around for pricing on the others. So which one?

I play games, web, video capture, work. Basically, I'm looking to find out what I can't do if I get Home premium instead of Ultimate.

Thanks.

Just get Home premium. According to the back of my Vista Home Premium box, the things you dont get are:

1. Help protect against hardware failure with advanced business backup features.

2. Business networking and remote desktop for easier connectivity.

3. Better protect your data against loss or theft with Windows BitBlocker Drive Encryption.

 

[bfdd]

Get the 64bit version, there's slightly more problems with drivers, but in the long run I think it's the better buy. It's only getting better and better.

 

[BFG10K]

Have you got one? I mean..in your hands right now?

No, that's the point of reading reviews; to find potential flaws in the product before dropping down cash for it.

But you know..it's like apoppin said.. you hear it spin up when the card starts to do something, but when it's actually running you can't really hear it

So you're saying it's quiet when idle but noisy when gaming?

I think the whole noise thing has been blown out of proportion....sure it's not silent...but it's not really obstrusive... so who cares??

Multiple reviewers have said otherwise and I tend to believe them over someone with an emotional attachment to hardware, especially since they've provided hard numbers to back their claims while none of the end users have.