X800 vs. X800GTO

[AStar617]

I just bought a PowerColor X800/128mb from someone who was upgrading for $70 shipped, which I don't think is a bad deal. But now I'm seeing X800GTOs on Newegg and the like, going for ~$100.

When I compare the specs, my X800 is 392/350 stock, and the X800 is 400/350 stock, only 8mhz core difference... both are 12-pipelines... for right now, I still feel content with my X800 purchase, but what am I missing that might explain the X800GTOs "raison d'etre"? The only thing I can think of is maybe it's based on a newer core but I can't confirm that. Any insight appreciated.

Thx

 

[lein]

It could be based on a different core, and usually its based on the R480. Your X800 is based on the smaller R430 (I think). The R480 is used in the X850s so those cores usually overclock more and have the possibility of unlocking pipes. The R430 usually doesn't unlock and has poor overclocking potential.

 

[Termie]

I'm fairly certain that those are really the same card. The x800 came out first, and as far as I can tell the x800gto was released as part of a marketing strategy. I bought an x800, and it performs similarly to benchmarks of the x800gto 128mb. I get close to 4000 in 3dMark05 with an AMD 3800+.

Edit: Just saw lein's post. He's probably right. But performance-wise, without overclocking, you'll get the same results.

 

[Ika]

x800gto is generally more overclock-friendly, and at stock will run faster than the x800.

 

[AStar617]

Thanks guys, that's what I thought. I had considered downloading atitool and toying with minor OCing, but honestly, if I was that concerned with performance I wouldn't be in the sub-$100 market... I'm upgrading from a 64mb Radeon 9100 PCI, for chrissakes It plays Guild Wars smooth enough (with moderate settings) on my SC420 with a 2.8 Prescott, but I know it's at the end of its usefulness, plus I have a PCI-only Dimension 2400 that can use it.