ATI pros opinion??????

mikej · Aug 24, 2005, 05:08 PM

If you had $250 max to spend on an ATI-AGP based card would you go for:

A: The ASUS x800pro 256mb VIVO (last years model) RETAIL outstanding bundle IMO

[color=#800080]http://www.newegg.com/OldVersion/ap...-121-519&depa=1[/color]

or

B: The new Sapphire x800(non-xl version 12-pipe) 256mb VIVO OEM

[color=#800080]http://www.newegg.com/OldVersion/ap...-102-530&depa=1[/color]

I'm thinkin B.....????????

H3X4D3C1M4L · Aug 24, 2005, 05:51 PM

The sapphire VIVO's usually mod into full XT's so I'd go for that one

mikej · Aug 24, 2005, 05:54 PM

H3X4D3C1M4L

How is it able to be modded into an XL????
Is this a software (BIOS) or hardware... or both???

H3X4D3C1M4L · Aug 24, 2005, 05:56 PM

Its a BIOS flash. And it gets modded to an X800XT, or even better if you get a good overclocker

[hobo]eclipse · Aug 24, 2005, 05:57 PM

naw, outa them i'd prolly go for A, the pro version, its got bout 100 mhz on the core and 200 more on the memory, everything else should be the same, wat u really should do is locate any Best Buy stores u have in yer local and ring them up, they were stocking x800xl (AGP) @ 300 dollars a few months bak and now most r on clearance for 220, i got mine @ best buy in ohio for 240 after taxes and all, 16 pipes really takes the performance edge!!

mikej · Aug 24, 2005, 06:02 PM

If I understand these 2 cards correctly the ASUS x800pro is the older .13 micron and the Sapphire is a crippled x800xl .11 micron with 12 pipes and lowered clocks. If you notice the pics the sapphire card physically looks like an XL (HUGE) compared to the ASUS x800pro...

Necrosis · Aug 24, 2005, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by [hobo]eclipse

naw, outa them i'd prolly go for A, the pro version, its got bout 100 mhz on the core and 200 more on the memory, everything else should be the same, wat u really should do is locate any Best Buy stores u have in yer local and ring them up, they were stocking x800xl (AGP) @ 300 dollars a few months bak and now most r on clearance for 220, i got mine @ best buy in ohio for 240 after taxes and all, 16 pipes really takes the performance edge!!

Hey a guy from Ohio has the AMD Mainstream..sweet.

Tipstaff · Aug 25, 2005, 07:10 AM

ATI is still selling their refurbed X800 Pros (AGP and PCIE versions). @ $179 (US), and 3 year warranty it's a great deal.

However, if I had to choose between those 2 cards I would get the Asus one for the same reasons as mentioned by hobo.

The_Neon_Cowboy · Aug 25, 2005, 10:02 PM

find an X800XL thier around for perices like that!!! just have to look

Zardon · Aug 25, 2005, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Neon_Cowboy

find an X800XL thier around for perices like that!!! just have to look

Help them out neon, fire some links into the thread.

Dyre Straits · Aug 26, 2005, 02:11 AM

I've completely fallen in love with my B/B ATi X800 XL that I got a month ago from Best Buy. So, whatever you get, do make sure it's got the 16 pixel pipelines and good vRAM speeds.

The_Neon_Cowboy · Aug 26, 2005, 08:52 AM

there was a big rebate some were ARG... now i'm seeing PCIe as low as $239...
the was a big rebate some were but here a re a few price tha are a little higher
due to the bridge chip (up to $50 more), end up more then $250 though there was
some place with a rebate last week that the card was $250 think it was compusa
but their deals over, it was $299 with $50 rebate...

$269.90
http://www.provantage.com/buy-7atit4...8-shopping.htm

$265.84
http://www.mwave.com/mwave/skusearch...D=done&nextloc

265.97
http://www.compuplus.com/insidepage....gle&id=1004249

$264
http://www.maincomp.com/shop/product.jsp?id=1090&pg
$265
http://www.pricegrabber.com/user_sal...lot_id=1969328

(You really should upgrade you motherboard as you pay a premium of about
$30-50 for the new cards becouse of the added cost of the bridge chip. Not to
mention if you running AGP is is more then likely the card will be some extent
bottle necked by you system no matter what you buy on the high end.)

If you feel like takeing a gamble you can find them on ebay ....

$250 shipped
http://cgi.ebay.com/ATI-RADEON-X800-...QQcmdZViewItem

$250 shipped
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Sealed-ATI-R...QQcmdZViewItem

wer to look for prices? best there ones are here
www.pricewatch.com
www.pricegraber.com
http://froogle.google.com
though I use many others

Ferret_Style · Aug 26, 2005, 05:21 PM

Yah i have the x800 pro from ati on order

179 - 5% with the code... can't beat a x800 for 170!

GeneralClaymore · Aug 26, 2005, 07:07 PM

neither,i would go for a used X800XL agp8x for 230 off newegg used section

H3X4D3C1M4L · Aug 28, 2005, 03:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeneralClaymore

neither,i would go for a used X800XL agp8x for 230 off newegg used section

Why buy used.... if its just a factory refurb then thats ok but a used one might be a bit dodgy... I saw someone get a totally dead card used. Granted they got a good deal on it but it was dead all the same

Tipstaff · Aug 28, 2005, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H3X4D3C1M4L

Why buy used.... if its just a factory refurb then thats ok but a used one might be a bit dodgy... I saw someone get a totally dead card used. Granted they got a good deal on it but it was dead all the same

Actually, H3X, Neweggs "used" section is infact their refurb section. They don't, however, mention if it is a manufacturer refurb, or if the refurb was done by them, nor do they mention anything about a warranty.

H3X4D3C1M4L · Aug 28, 2005, 06:11 PM

Yeah. I guess the old axiom "You get what you pay for" stands up in this case.

mikej · Aug 30, 2005, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dailyus

Yah i have the x800 pro from ati on order

179 - 5% with the code... can't beat a x800 for 170!

What code are you speaking of ??? and is it still available ???

mikej · Sep 1, 2005, 02:03 PM

Greetings again,

I found the 5% discount code which comes to $170 and $15 for ground shipping... $185 to the door for an ATI refurb x800pro AGP seems to me a very equitable deal and I will likely order one.

Before I pull the trigger I do have 1 additional question regarding an XT flash with this card. If I do confirm that the card will run without issue at stock XT speeds with ATItool can I flash it to an XT? or are all XT's VIVO enabled by default (rage theater chip installed)?. I have read that the card needs to be a VIVO to accomplish this mod. For example if it wont run at XT clock rates would it still be possible to open up the 4 extra pipes while retaining the stock non-VIVO 475/450 clock settings ?? and if so what BIOS(s) would you recommend for each clock speed if possible.

I guess I could sum it up by asking can the x800pro non-VIVO be opened up to use all 16 pipes at stock speeds and what alternate bios(s) would be appropiate for the mod as there are a ton to choose from posted at techpowerup???

thanx in advance..................

redsolar · Sep 8, 2005, 05:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikej

Greetings again,

I found the 5% discount code which comes to $170 and $15 for ground shipping... $185 to the door for an ATI refurb x800pro AGP seems to me a very equitable deal and I will likely order one.

Before I pull the trigger I do have 1 additional question regarding an XT flash with this card. If I do confirm that the card will run without issue at stock XT speeds with ATItool can I flash it to an XT? or are all XT's VIVO enabled by default (rage theater chip installed)?. I have read that the card needs to be a VIVO to accomplish this mod. For example if it wont run at XT clock rates would it still be possible to open up the 4 extra pipes while retaining the stock non-VIVO 475/450 clock settings ?? and if so what BIOS(s) would you recommend for each clock speed if possible.

I guess I could sum it up by asking can the x800pro non-VIVO be opened up to use all 16 pipes at stock speeds and what alternate bios(s) would be appropiate for the mod as there are a ton to choose from posted at techpowerup???

thanx in advance..................

Any "soft" or "BIOS" modding is always a shot in the dark. Some cards successfully do it, some successfully don't. Chances are though, ATI-built x800 PRO will NOT flash. Overclocking follows the same pattern of luck. Most of the cards overclock at least some, but some just refuse to do it - it's all luck.

SexPistoL · Sep 8, 2005, 01:55 PM

Hey Neon you have a wealth of info...........good onya

Callandor · Sep 8, 2005, 02:35 PM

The Sapphire, I trust ASUS, but only with mobos, even if the ASUS is technically superior and performs better, the Sapphire will be more reliable than it over time. Trust me.

Edit: Esp. if you're going to be o/cing.

H3X4D3C1M4L · Sep 10, 2005, 05:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sun_walka

The Sapphire, I trust ASUS, but only with mobos, even if the ASUS is technically superior and performs better, the Sapphire will be more reliable than it over time. Trust me.

Edit: Esp. if you're going to be o/cing.

I haven't heard of ASUS being a bad overclocker, in fact I've heard the opposite in most cases

Aug 24, 2005, 05:08 PM	#1
mikej DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 16 Rep Power: 0	ATI pros opinion?????? If you had $250 max to spend on an ATI-AGP based card would you go for: A: The ASUS x800pro 256mb VIVO (last years model) RETAIL outstanding bundle IMO [color=#800080]http://www.newegg.com/OldVersion/ap...-121-519&depa=1[/color] or B: The new Sapphire x800(non-xl version 12-pipe) 256mb VIVO OEM [color=#800080]http://www.newegg.com/OldVersion/ap...-102-530&depa=1[/color] I'm thinkin B.....????????

Aug 25, 2005, 10:02 PM	#9
The_Neon_Cowboy HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 16,009 Rep Power: 92 System Specs	find an X800XL thier around for perices like that!!! just have to look __________________

Aug 26, 2005, 08:52 AM	#12
The_Neon_Cowboy HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 16,009 Rep Power: 92 System Specs	there was a big rebate some were ARG... now i'm seeing PCIe as low as $239... the was a big rebate some were but here a re a few price tha are a little higher due to the bridge chip (up to $50 more), end up more then $250 though there was some place with a rebate last week that the card was $250 think it was compusa but their deals over, it was $299 with $50 rebate... $269.90 http://www.provantage.com/buy-7atit4...8-shopping.htm $265.84 http://www.mwave.com/mwave/skusearch...D=done&nextloc 265.97 http://www.compuplus.com/insidepage....gle&id=1004249 $264 http://www.maincomp.com/shop/product.jsp?id=1090&pg $265 http://www.pricegrabber.com/user_sal...lot_id=1969328 (You really should upgrade you motherboard as you pay a premium of about $30-50 for the new cards becouse of the added cost of the bridge chip. Not to mention if you running AGP is is more then likely the card will be some extent bottle necked by you system no matter what you buy on the high end.) If you feel like takeing a gamble you can find them on ebay .... $250 shipped http://cgi.ebay.com/ATI-RADEON-X800-...QQcmdZViewItem $250 shipped http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Sealed-ATI-R...QQcmdZViewItem wer to look for prices? best there ones are here www.pricewatch.com www.pricegraber.com http://froogle.google.com though I use many others __________________ Last edited by The_Neon_Cowboy; Aug 26, 2005 at 08:57 AM.

Aug 26, 2005, 07:07 PM	#14
GeneralClaymore HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: MI Posts: 434 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	neither,i would go for a used X800XL agp8x for 230 off newegg used section __________________ Source: x-fi titanium hd 2x LT1124ACN+ 2x LT1115 > Matrix M-Stage V2 /w 2x LME49710NA> DT880 pro 250ohm

Sep 8, 2005, 01:55 PM	#21
SexPistoL DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: UK Posts: 604 Rep Power: 0	Hey Neon you have a wealth of info...........good onya __________________

Aug 24, 2005, 05:51 PM	#2
H3X4D3C1M4L DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 6,794 Rep Power: 0	The sapphire VIVO's usually mod into full XT's so I'd go for that one

Aug 24, 2005, 05:54 PM	Thread Starter #3
mikej DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 16 Rep Power: 0	H3X4D3C1M4L How is it able to be modded into an XL???? Is this a software (BIOS) or hardware... or both???

Aug 24, 2005, 05:56 PM	#4
H3X4D3C1M4L DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 6,794 Rep Power: 0	Its a BIOS flash. And it gets modded to an X800XT, or even better if you get a good overclocker

Aug 24, 2005, 05:57 PM	#5
[hobo]eclipse ...just bummin 'round Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 2,907 Rep Power: 112 System Specs	naw, outa them i'd prolly go for A, the pro version, its got bout 100 mhz on the core and 200 more on the memory, everything else should be the same, wat u really should do is locate any Best Buy stores u have in yer local and ring them up, they were stocking x800xl (AGP) @ 300 dollars a few months bak and now most r on clearance for 220, i got mine @ best buy in ohio for 240 after taxes and all, 16 pipes really takes the performance edge!!

Aug 24, 2005, 06:02 PM	Thread Starter #6
mikej DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 16 Rep Power: 0	If I understand these 2 cards correctly the ASUS x800pro is the older .13 micron and the Sapphire is a crippled x800xl .11 micron with 12 pipes and lowered clocks. If you notice the pics the sapphire card physically looks like an XL (HUGE) compared to the ASUS x800pro...

Aug 25, 2005, 07:10 AM	#8
Tipstaff HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Real capital of Canada: Torauna Posts: 6,773 Rep Power: 190 System Specs	ATI is still selling their refurbed X800 Pros (AGP and PCIE versions). @ $179 (US), and 3 year warranty it's a great deal. However, if I had to choose between those 2 cards I would get the Asus one for the same reasons as mentioned by hobo. __________________ Portal: The Flash Version _________________________________ Brain: So, you sacked the cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker? Mr. Sackett: The second cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker I've sacked since the sixth sitting sheet slitter got sick.

Aug 28, 2005, 06:11 PM	#17
H3X4D3C1M4L DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 6,794 Rep Power: 0	Yeah. I guess the old axiom "You get what you pay for" stands up in this case.

Sep 1, 2005, 02:03 PM	Thread Starter #19
mikej DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 16 Rep Power: 0	Greetings again, I found the 5% discount code which comes to $170 and $15 for ground shipping... $185 to the door for an ATI refurb x800pro AGP seems to me a very equitable deal and I will likely order one. Before I pull the trigger I do have 1 additional question regarding an XT flash with this card. If I do confirm that the card will run without issue at stock XT speeds with ATItool can I flash it to an XT? or are all XT's VIVO enabled by default (rage theater chip installed)?. I have read that the card needs to be a VIVO to accomplish this mod. For example if it wont run at XT clock rates would it still be possible to open up the 4 extra pipes while retaining the stock non-VIVO 475/450 clock settings ?? and if so what BIOS(s) would you recommend for each clock speed if possible. I guess I could sum it up by asking can the x800pro non-VIVO be opened up to use all 16 pipes at stock speeds and what alternate bios(s) would be appropiate for the mod as there are a ton to choose from posted at techpowerup??? thanx in advance..................

Sep 8, 2005, 02:35 PM	#22
Callandor Forged on Dragonmount Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 7,216 Rep Power: 303 System Specs	The Sapphire, I trust ASUS, but only with mobos, even if the ASUS is technically superior and performs better, the Sapphire will be more reliable than it over time. Trust me. Edit: Esp. if you're going to be o/cing. __________________