xfx 7800gt-$279.00 after mir

[videopho]

Originally posted by: nealh
will artic silencer nv version 5 rev 3..fit on this card

No problemo!

 

[nealh]

crap... I hardly game anymore..but $280 for this card looks like a steal..then add $30 or so for cooler...

Hmm..wonder what my X800XL with aritc cooler could get....

 

[evil204]

On XFX's web site, it says the CoD2 offer expired on November 30th. Does anyone know for sure if it's still valid?

 

[keeleysam]

Originally posted by: evil204
On XFX's web site, it says the CoD2 offer expired on November 30th. Does anyone know for sure if it's still valid?

No longer valid.

 

[jamesbond007]

Originally posted by: videopho

Originally posted by: Corporate Thug

Originally posted by: jamesbond007
What kind of boost would I get upgrading from a vanilla 6800?

a lot

More than double based on my personal benchmark data between my Dell 4700/6800 (3dmark05:3000) and my signature system Dell XPS/7800GT (3dmark05:7000)

Wow, that's nuts! I play BF2 at 1280x1024, max everything including FSAA and it runs like butter now that I have 2GB of RAM. I can't imagine it getting any better...

I think I am going to hold off for now as my 6800 keeps my 17" 1704FPT happy. I'll get a 7800GT/X when I get a 2005FPW or a second 1704FPT.

 

[Jaguarfxf]

Doesn't make sense how these things are selling at the same price as the 6800 GTs are selling right now.

 

[CZroe]

If the 6800GT is AGP it does.

 

[wmansfield]

Now $309 - 20 Rebate, leave it to newegg to mysteriously jack the price up $10 for no reason.

 

[hytek369]

isnt this a repost?

 

[costi]

The card has nice looks and a copper heatsink. But it is also a redesigned PCB (most likely to cut the cost). The power circuitry is different (and uses Molex connector) and the cooler connection points are changed. I don't think you'll be able to use the Arctic Silencer on this card (it lacks two mounting holes on the PCB).

I bought the original reference model from Monarch, but I received this one instead. XFX says they discontinued the reference card (the one reviewed by Anandtech) and now they're only shipping this new black card. I was not happy with it due to the flashy but cut-down design and Arctic Silencer issue. You might like it though.

As a side note, XFX was not helpful at all in providing an exchange (apparently they don't have a single reference card anymore). Thankfully Monarch solved this problem in the end by sending me a better card at no extra cost (their customer support was very good).

 

[zervun]

what do you mean by flashy but cut-down design? Is the design not as good as the reference? - I got a reference one and was hoping to get the black one..

 

[smage]

I had no problem at all contacting XFX and having them provide me an RMA for a mixup (packaging error: their manufacturer mislabeled and boxed up some of the UDE7 models, the ones with Molex connector, as UDF7 models, the ones with PCI-e connectors); I haven't received my replacement so far, but considering that they called me on the phone to take care of it, I'm willing to cut them some slack.

As far as I am aware, the only issue with the UDE7 version of their card comes in the form of increased heat and noise; performance-wise, it is identical to the UDF7 version. So, if performance is all that matters to you, I wouldn't worry about the redesign.

P.S. - There are actually 3 or 4 versions of this card floating around out there; the basic UDE7 and UDF7 models and another that is like a hybrid of the two (same power circuitry as the UDF7, but has a blue PCB similar to the UDE7, complete with copper heatsink and "stylish" redesign); there may even be a 4th version as well (the 3rd version was reviewed at several sites, but I have yet to hear of anyone actually receiving one through retail channels).

 

[costi]

The power circuit is redesigned - whether this actually has a perceivable negative impact (especially on overclocking) I do not know. I did not have the time to run tests on it. I personally trust the Nvidia reference design more (think about the motivation a vendor has for going through the trouble of redesigning and manufacturing a new PCB in an increasingly price-driven market).

In my case the non-standard PCB size and cooler mounting points were the deciding factor (I want a quiet PC). The standard cooler is noisy and the card would benefit from an Arctic Nv Silencer.

 

[CZroe]

I ordered two and seemed to notice the noise many were talking about. Later, I noticed that one had a much louder HSF. It turned out that it was the only one making all the noise! I loosened the plate covering the HSF fins and it shut right up. Those of you complaining about the noise need to try this! It's clearly touching the fan in some way though if I didn't have the other card I would not really be able to tell without loosening it.