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This is the most Newbie question you all will answer about video cards.

VinnieColaiuta

VinnieColaiuta

Member
I'm looking at a list of GeForce 5900 cards, and I'm wondering why the price varies between around $180 to over $400 if it's the same model number? Why is it this way with all video cards? What does one 5900 have that another 5900 that's $200 less doesn't have? Like I said, I'm a newbie to all of this, so please forgive me.
 
There are various different gpu and memory speeds offered which are usually designated as different models SE, XT, Ultra, etc.

Here are some general speeds although they can vary:

Model: GPU/Memory
5900: 400/850
5900SE: 400/700
5900XT: 390/700
5900Ultra: 450/850

Also there are OEM and RETAIL cards available. The OEM card will be the card only while the retail card will come in a box with cables, software, etc. as they are sold in stores.
 
It's not the most newbie question I've answered.

---------------- SPEED ---- VRAM

5900 XT ---- 390/700 --- 128

5900 SE ---- 400/700 --- 128

5900 -------- 400/850 --- 128

5900 Ultra - 450/850 --- 256

5950 Ultra - 475/950 --- 256

These are in order of performance - top is the slowest.
 
Not to discourage you in your newbness or anything, but try a search through the Video forum; this question gets asked a lot. 😛
 
Originally posted by: Matthias99
Not to discourage you in your newbness or anything, but try a search through the Video forum; this question gets asked a lot. 😛
Click to expand...

Sorry to be repetitive................I will do a search. 🙂

 
3 pages of 5900 related posts in video alone--have fun, good luck. I'm planning to get the same series of card. You may want to check out some of the gaming sites that review hardware as well.

cb
 
This One

I chose this because I don't like software bundles. Manufacturer's may lower quality of parts to include the software bundles. Boxes w/out bundles is most likely to be the best quality at the cheapest price. Also a good company.
 
Thanks, Vian!! I really appreciate the input.

Here's another easy question: what's the actual difference(s) between the card itself of the exact same model of the exact same card? (ex. Chaintech's FX5900 and MSI's FX5900) I'm talking about the physical card itself (forget the bundles). I can see that colors and such are different, but what else?
 
Part of it's just the luxury factor. Like the Camry vs the Lexus (both are made by toyota). There are big real differences also of course but keep in mind the luxury factor.
 
Originally posted by: zephyrprime
Part of it's just the luxury factor. Like the Camry vs the Lexus (both are made by toyota). There are big real differences also of course but keep in mind the luxury factor.
Click to expand...

So basically, it performs exactly the same, but aesthetically differs from card to card?

 
no, performance will be different between each brands but I don't think you'll notice it. Other factors are heat, cooling, overclockability...
 
If you're getting a 5900XT I'd be looking for something under $150 since a 5900 SE can be had for under $200 easily.
 
The MSI 5900XT looks the best to me. It has the quietest cooler, it's the only one with VIVO, and it has a decent game bundle. Plus, it's the cheapest of the lot. What's not to like? 🙂

Edit: Whoops, forgot the link.
 
performance will differ by about a frame or two at most, nothing to be concerned about. Other factors are noise and overclockability.
 
The most newbie question??

Don't be so hard on yourself mate. 😀
The other guys helped you so I just have to say...
Welcome to AT. :beer:
 
Thanks for the welcome, Jim! I really appreciate everyone's input, and will now make the right (or best suited) decision. Thanks again, everyone!!! 🙂
 
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