Final decision: ATI X1800XT or NVidia 7800GTX

jpinard · Dec 31, 2005, 10:35 AM

OK, I think I've sold my current video card and I have to make a decision in the next 2 days. Do I go with the ATI X1800XT video card, or the NVidia 7800GTX based card? Don't let price be a factor.

I will have to swap out my motherboard at this point too. So if I get the ATI card, I'll get the ATI (shown below), and if I get the NVidia card, I'll get an NV board (shwo below).

ATI Crossfire board (A8R-MVP ):
http://usa.asus.com/products4.aspx?l...87&modelmenu=1

Asus NV SLI board (A8N32-SLI Deluxe)
http://usa.asus.com/products4.aspx?l...44&modelmenu=1

I'm also getting the Creative Labs XiFi sound card too (the cheapest version).

I am really desparate for some good advice. So I thank all of you that come in and help me make a tough decision.

Thank you so very much!

<<<<< note >>>>>

* I'm referring to the NVidia 7800 GTX with 256 Meg RAM, not 512. The 512 version is way too expensive.

* Also graphic quality is my number concern.
* Tied for my number one concern is playable framerates. I like playing games (if possible) 4x FSAA, 16x AF, 1600x1200, best quality textures.

Partizan · Dec 31, 2005, 11:03 AM

I would go ATI all the way. Superior image quality, excellent drivers and way cooler logo

I started with Radeon 8500, and been ATI user since then. No way I am getting a nVidia graphic card.

Asmoday · Dec 31, 2005, 12:28 PM

Hmmm, tough one...I've always been an ATI man myself, but since i picked my 7800gt up i'm converted. But if i tried the X1800X* it might be the other way around again.

You just have to read lots of reviews and decide for yourself, both sides has many pro's going for them and not many cons...

I think you will be very happy with what ever choice you make....

ViRuS2k · Dec 31, 2005, 03:48 PM

also dont forget the imagequality in movies.

ATI has AVIVO with H.264 Support
i bought the decoder and WOW watching HIGHDEF movies definaly is way awsome

for image quality and features ATI wins hands down.....

the x1800XT beats the NVIDIA 7800GTX in all tests but it doesnt beat the 512DDR GTX
but its that close and you probably wouldnt notice it in realtime

ATI all the way if i was you.

for next gen in about 4-6weeks time its a no brainer as no one will know for sure who is going to be the next gen top tog.

ATI need to get there god dam bugs ironed out though
im getting TFT signal loss sometimes and it happens when the screen freezes in some games with the sound looping problem.....

sometimes the screen will blank then come back lol most times it stays blank with looping....

still that doesnt happen to everyone.

Good luck in your choice but if it was me i would still go ATI hehe

Lowfat · Dec 31, 2005, 04:57 PM

I'd pick the X1800XT. If it were the 512 7800GTX, i'd take that card in a heartbeat, but I the X1800 is a faster card than the 7800GTX 256.

Necrosis · Dec 31, 2005, 07:48 PM

Hmm for my opinion I have to say this.

I would wait for the x1900xt which is coming out in 2-3 months. You might get away with getting a cheaper card right now. However, there are "rumors" floatin' around that Nvidia's next gen will top ATI's.

However, the statement about the x1800xt being faster than the 7800 GTX 256 isn't entirely true. If the standard 256 model is referenced it is true but not so for the Gamers Edition or OC versions.

http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/200...t_512mb/1.html

However, after seeing this price I will have to say x1800xt.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102629

Good lucking finding one of the Gamer Editions/OC's GTX's for that cheap.

The_Neon_Cowboy · Dec 31, 2005, 11:11 PM

Wait for R580 and G80 and rethink what you desire

soloz2 · Jan 1, 2006, 03:45 AM

I would honestly go w/ the NF4 board no matter what card you choose. The Crossfire boards have been riddled with bugs since the launch, while most are fixed at this point the NF4 is a much better board... plus it OCs better.

I know most people have said to go w/ the x1800xt, but I'd go w/ a 7800GTX. I love my 7800GT. I've always run ATI cards till last year when i switched over to Nvidia and I've gotta say that it's going to take ATI a whole lot to get me back the next time I make a purchase. So far I've bought 3 Nvidia cards in the last year and have been impressed w/ all 3 of them.

Also, I really like evga, they have great customer service, lifetime warranty. they still cover your card even if you swap the cooler or OC it. Yes, evga states that they will cover your card under warranty even if you OC or change coolers. They also have a great forum.

If money is not a problem I would get either the gtx 512 because it is hands down the best card you can get or I would get the 256mb version... but get the evga 7800GTX KO edition. it is basically the fastest 256mb card on the market. Plus if you buy an evga card they have a step up program, so if you decide you want to step up to a new or better model w/n the first 3 months of purchase you can do that and only pay the difference. (yes evga gives you the ful retail price for your used card... which in most cases is more than you paid for it) So get the 7800GTX KO and in 3 months when the g80 comes out step up to it w/o loosing out on anything.

Plus, I foresee nvidia being the first to release the next gen of cards anyway, they have been much better w/ keeing to release dates than ATI

jpinard · Jan 2, 2006, 10:46 AM

That is an amazing deal with eVGA. I wish ATI, or even ANY other company woudl do that.

Partizan · Jan 2, 2006, 11:32 AM

Probably US only?

soloz2 · Jan 2, 2006, 05:01 PM

yeah, I think evga's good warranty is US only, but a quick look at their website would tell you for sure. evga.com

I think evga makes some of the best cards. When it comes to Nvidia XFX and Evga are on top.

evga is the only gfx company to still warranty if you change coolers or OC your card. While you can always put your original cooler back on and RMA your card... cross your fingers and get it by (usually does) it's nice to know that evga knows that end users will tweak, putt better coolers on and use their cards to their fullest extent. and they're cool like that.

waterloo · Jan 3, 2006, 04:16 AM

NVIDIA For ME

Dec 31, 2005, 10:35 AM	#1
jpinard DriverHeaven Addict Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 278 Rep Power: 0	Final decision: ATI X1800XT or NVidia 7800GTX OK, I think I've sold my current video card and I have to make a decision in the next 2 days. Do I go with the ATI X1800XT video card, or the NVidia 7800GTX based card? Don't let price be a factor. I will have to swap out my motherboard at this point too. So if I get the ATI card, I'll get the ATI (shown below), and if I get the NVidia card, I'll get an NV board (shwo below). ATI Crossfire board (A8R-MVP ): http://usa.asus.com/products4.aspx?l...87&modelmenu=1 Asus NV SLI board (A8N32-SLI Deluxe) http://usa.asus.com/products4.aspx?l...44&modelmenu=1 I'm also getting the Creative Labs XiFi sound card too (the cheapest version). I am really desparate for some good advice. So I thank all of you that come in and help me make a tough decision. Thank you so very much! <<<<< note >>>>> * I'm referring to the NVidia 7800 GTX with 256 Meg RAM, not 512. The 512 version is way too expensive. * Also graphic quality is my number concern. * Tied for my number one concern is playable framerates. I like playing games (if possible) 4x FSAA, 16x AF, 1600x1200, best quality textures.

Dec 31, 2005, 11:03 AM	#2
Partizan Fun loving criminal Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Slovenia Posts: 1,182 Rep Power: 62 System Specs	I would go ATI all the way. Superior image quality, excellent drivers and way cooler logo I started with Radeon 8500, and been ATI user since then. No way I am getting a nVidia graphic card. __________________ Live and let live!

Dec 31, 2005, 12:28 PM	#3
Asmoday Demonic Join Date: May 2002 Location: In the cold, dark north... Posts: 5,198 Rep Power: 92 System Specs	Hmmm, tough one...I've always been an ATI man myself, but since i picked my 7800gt up i'm converted. But if i tried the X1800X* it might be the other way around again. You just have to read lots of reviews and decide for yourself, both sides has many pro's going for them and not many cons... I think you will be very happy with what ever choice you make.... __________________ How You can help Hardwareheaven by using Digg

Dec 31, 2005, 04:57 PM	#5
Lowfat Xtreme Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Grande Prairie, AB, Can Posts: 4,254 Rep Power: 101	I'd pick the X1800XT. If it were the 512 7800GTX, i'd take that card in a heartbeat, but I the X1800 is a faster card than the 7800GTX 256. __________________

Dec 31, 2005, 11:11 PM	#7
The_Neon_Cowboy HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 16,009 Rep Power: 92 System Specs	Wait for R580 and G80 and rethink what you desire __________________

Dec 31, 2005, 03:48 PM	#4
ViRuS2k HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Uk Posts: 8,334 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	also dont forget the imagequality in movies. ATI has AVIVO with H.264 Support i bought the decoder and WOW watching HIGHDEF movies definaly is way awsome for image quality and features ATI wins hands down..... the x1800XT beats the NVIDIA 7800GTX in all tests but it doesnt beat the 512DDR GTX but its that close and you probably wouldnt notice it in realtime ATI all the way if i was you. for next gen in about 4-6weeks time its a no brainer as no one will know for sure who is going to be the next gen top tog. ATI need to get there god dam bugs ironed out though im getting TFT signal loss sometimes and it happens when the screen freezes in some games with the sound looping problem..... sometimes the screen will blank then come back lol most times it stays blank with looping.... still that doesnt happen to everyone. Good luck in your choice but if it was me i would still go ATI hehe

Dec 31, 2005, 07:48 PM	#6
Necrosis HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 8,838 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	Hmm for my opinion I have to say this. I would wait for the x1900xt which is coming out in 2-3 months. You might get away with getting a cheaper card right now. However, there are "rumors" floatin' around that Nvidia's next gen will top ATI's. However, the statement about the x1800xt being faster than the 7800 GTX 256 isn't entirely true. If the standard 256 model is referenced it is true but not so for the Gamers Edition or OC versions. http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/200...t_512mb/1.html However, after seeing this price I will have to say x1800xt. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102629 Good lucking finding one of the Gamer Editions/OC's GTX's for that cheap.

Jan 1, 2006, 03:45 AM	#8
soloz2 DriverHeaven Addict Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 362 Rep Power: 0	I would honestly go w/ the NF4 board no matter what card you choose. The Crossfire boards have been riddled with bugs since the launch, while most are fixed at this point the NF4 is a much better board... plus it OCs better. I know most people have said to go w/ the x1800xt, but I'd go w/ a 7800GTX. I love my 7800GT. I've always run ATI cards till last year when i switched over to Nvidia and I've gotta say that it's going to take ATI a whole lot to get me back the next time I make a purchase. So far I've bought 3 Nvidia cards in the last year and have been impressed w/ all 3 of them. Also, I really like evga, they have great customer service, lifetime warranty. they still cover your card even if you swap the cooler or OC it. Yes, evga states that they will cover your card under warranty even if you OC or change coolers. They also have a great forum. If money is not a problem I would get either the gtx 512 because it is hands down the best card you can get or I would get the 256mb version... but get the evga 7800GTX KO edition. it is basically the fastest 256mb card on the market. Plus if you buy an evga card they have a step up program, so if you decide you want to step up to a new or better model w/n the first 3 months of purchase you can do that and only pay the difference. (yes evga gives you the ful retail price for your used card... which in most cases is more than you paid for it) So get the 7800GTX KO and in 3 months when the g80 comes out step up to it w/o loosing out on anything. Plus, I foresee nvidia being the first to release the next gen of cards anyway, they have been much better w/ keeing to release dates than ATI __________________ [COLOR=gray][COLOR=red]CPU:[/COLOR] AMD Opteron 165 CCBBE @ 2.8Ghz [/COLOR] [COLOR=gray][COLOR=red]Motherboard:[/COLOR] DFI nF4 SLI-DR Expert [COLOR=red]Memory:[/COLOR] 2gb G.Skill F1-4000USU2-2 [COLOR=red]Video:[/COLOR] Asus 7900GT TOP @ 700/1700 [COLOR=red]Sound:[/COLOR] Modded X-Fi Elite Pro [COLOR=red]HD:[/COLOR] 2x Seagate 250Gb RAID 0, 1 Seagate 320Gb [COLOR=red]Optical Drives:[/COLOR] Sony DVD-Rom, Plextor 16x DVD DL RW [COLOR=red]Case:[/COLOR] CM Stacker [COLOR=red]PSU:[/COLOR] PC Power & Cooling Silencer 610 [COLOR=red]Cooling:[/COLOR] Custom Water [COLOR=yellow][COLOR=red]Keyboard/Mouse:[/COLOR] [/COLOR]Saitec Eclipse & Logitech MX518 with a Razer ExactMat mouse pad [COLOR=red]Sound:[/COLOR] Modded X-fi > Soloz Audio Silver IC > Maxed PIMETA > Beyer DT 770 Pro/80 cans [COLOR=red]HTPC:[/COLOR] [/COLOR][COLOR=gray]AMD 3800X2[/COLOR][COLOR=gray], Asus A8N-SLI Deluxe, G.Skill 2GB DDR400, MSI 6600GT, Haupauge PVR150, SB [/COLOR][COLOR=gray]Audigy 2ZS[/COLOR][COLOR=gray], Samsung 16x DVD DL RW, Sunbeam Nuuo PSU, Antec P180 case, AC Freezer64 Pro, Viewsonic N2750w LCD HDTV Heatware eBay [/COLOR]

Jan 2, 2006, 10:46 AM	Thread Starter #9
jpinard DriverHeaven Addict Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 278 Rep Power: 0	That is an amazing deal with eVGA. I wish ATI, or even ANY other company woudl do that.

Jan 2, 2006, 11:32 AM	#10
Partizan Fun loving criminal Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Slovenia Posts: 1,182 Rep Power: 62 System Specs	Probably US only? __________________ Live and let live!

Jan 2, 2006, 05:01 PM	#11
soloz2 DriverHeaven Addict Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 362 Rep Power: 0	yeah, I think evga's good warranty is US only, but a quick look at their website would tell you for sure. evga.com I think evga makes some of the best cards. When it comes to Nvidia XFX and Evga are on top. evga is the only gfx company to still warranty if you change coolers or OC your card. While you can always put your original cooler back on and RMA your card... cross your fingers and get it by (usually does) it's nice to know that evga knows that end users will tweak, putt better coolers on and use their cards to their fullest extent. and they're cool like that. __________________ [COLOR=gray][COLOR=red]CPU:[/COLOR] AMD Opteron 165 CCBBE @ 2.8Ghz [/COLOR] [COLOR=gray][COLOR=red]Motherboard:[/COLOR] DFI nF4 SLI-DR Expert [COLOR=red]Memory:[/COLOR] 2gb G.Skill F1-4000USU2-2 [COLOR=red]Video:[/COLOR] Asus 7900GT TOP @ 700/1700 [COLOR=red]Sound:[/COLOR] Modded X-Fi Elite Pro [COLOR=red]HD:[/COLOR] 2x Seagate 250Gb RAID 0, 1 Seagate 320Gb [COLOR=red]Optical Drives:[/COLOR] Sony DVD-Rom, Plextor 16x DVD DL RW [COLOR=red]Case:[/COLOR] CM Stacker [COLOR=red]PSU:[/COLOR] PC Power & Cooling Silencer 610 [COLOR=red]Cooling:[/COLOR] Custom Water [COLOR=yellow][COLOR=red]Keyboard/Mouse:[/COLOR] [/COLOR]Saitec Eclipse & Logitech MX518 with a Razer ExactMat mouse pad [COLOR=red]Sound:[/COLOR] Modded X-fi > Soloz Audio Silver IC > Maxed PIMETA > Beyer DT 770 Pro/80 cans [COLOR=red]HTPC:[/COLOR] [/COLOR][COLOR=gray]AMD 3800X2[/COLOR][COLOR=gray], Asus A8N-SLI Deluxe, G.Skill 2GB DDR400, MSI 6600GT, Haupauge PVR150, SB [/COLOR][COLOR=gray]Audigy 2ZS[/COLOR][COLOR=gray], Samsung 16x DVD DL RW, Sunbeam Nuuo PSU, Antec P180 case, AC Freezer64 Pro, Viewsonic N2750w LCD HDTV Heatware eBay [/COLOR]

Jan 3, 2006, 04:16 AM	#12
waterloo Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 337 Rep Power: 0	NVIDIA For ME __________________ Motherboard: DFI Lan Party UT nF4 Ultra-D Modded to SLI Bios: 07/06/05 (File name - 704-2bt) CPU Cooler: Aritc Freezer 64 CPU: AMD 64 3800 Memory: OCZ 2GB Graphics Processor: ASUS EN6200GE Hard Drives: 2 X 160 IDE Western Digital, 320 SATA, 16GB SCSI Power Supply: Enermax Noisetaker 480 Watt Case:Antec CS600 Tower Case Sound Card: M-Audio Revolution 7.1/SB LIVE/SB X-FI Optical Drive: 2 X LG GSA-4167B