Originally posted by: vois2
I think you would be remiss to go for the X1800XL when you can get the 256MB X1900GT. I've seen the X1900GT 256MB for as low as $245.
Don't get the X1800XL - it's slower than a 7800GT!!! It's slow by today's standards.
Also, the X1900GT is a "crippled" X1900XT - it's missing 4 quads and 12 pixel shader pipelines, and that slows it down by a good clip (around 25% is about accurate). PLUS it has lower core and memory clockspeeds!
Originally posted by: Matt2
7900GTO for $229.99 AR is a better deal than all of those.
DEFINITELY!!! A 7900GTO is basically an underclocked 7900GTX - most importantly it's got the full 24 pixel shader pipelines.
OP -- either get a 7900GTO or look for a cheaper X1900XT 256MB or 512MB -- you should easily be able to find 256MB versions for under $300.
The X1800XL (discontinued because it couldn't compete) and X1900GT (soon to be discontinued for the X1950 Pro) are inferior cards, and at the price points you quoted, are not worth the money. Especially ~$300 for a X1900GT - yuck! I just sold my X1900XTX for that much!!!!!