EVGA or XFX?

Cavicchi · Feb 8, 2006, 03:27 AM

I have decided on a 6600 GT 256MB DDR3 PCI-E and would like to hear your opinions as to whether the EVGA version is worth the extra $30 dollars?

One interesting thing I noticed going to both websites is EVGA has the latest driver 81.98 recommended while XFX just shows the older 77.72

Seems like the EVGA company may be offering better support, although it appears XFX has a better warranty, or so it seems with their lifetime warranty on parts and labor.

One thing of note here is I plan on using an Artic Cooler Silencer instead of stock H/S fan. My goal is to achieve quietness with good video performance--I am not a hardcore gamer.

So, any suggestions or opinions?

No_Style · Feb 8, 2006, 04:11 AM

I've heard good things about both companies. A lot of people appear to be sporting eVGA hardware, but that's not to say XFX isn't well received either.

The driver recommendations, to me, is irrelevant since both video cards are supported by NVIDIA's official drivers. Either way, I'll be using the latest drivers. I would personally get the cheaper of the two cards if I just wanted the cards themselves. (I rarily take warranty or support into consideration). Both cards should treat you well at stock speeds, however its their bundles which you should look into.

Cavicchi · Feb 8, 2006, 05:04 AM

I just noticed that purchasing the XFX version from Newegg offers a $20 dollar rebate and that makes the difference $50 dollars!

I am now inclined to go for the XFX version unless there is some reason someone can point out that makes it worth going for the eVGA version.

One other thing, I read on the eVGA forum that the new driver series 81xx has caused some mouse problems and there was a recommendation to rollback driver to 77xx

nitrousoxide52 · Feb 8, 2006, 06:05 AM

I say XFX, my card has not let me down at all. Completely perfect, and it comes with a decent bundle of software/games as well. Not sure what comes with the EVGA, but I still recommend the XFX.

PandaZ3 · Feb 14, 2006, 12:52 PM

I am very happy with my XFX, I have only had it for 3 months. I usually go to the Nvidia or ATI websites for drivers and I don't rely on drivers on the CD being up to date, I am using 98's now.

Cavicchi · Feb 14, 2006, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PandaZ3

I am very happy with my XFX, I have only had it for 3 months. I usually go to the Nvidia or ATI websites for drivers and I don't rely on drivers on the CD being up to date, I am using 98's now.

Have you done anything to quiet the fan?

soloz2 · Feb 17, 2006, 02:39 PM

Actually evga has the better warranty (basically)

both companies offer lifetime warranties... but there are differences:
XFX offers a double lifetime warranty meaning that you can sell the card to someone else and they get the lifetime warranty, so it can be transerred once.
eVGA has a lifetime warranty that specifically covers overclocking, chaning the cooler and/or thermal material (only company to warranty this) and they have a step up program, where within the first 90days you can trade your card in for a better one paying only the difference.

well that's the difference between the two warranties. My personal favorite is eVGA as I think they do have better service than XFX... but essentially both cards are the same so it might be best to get the cheaper as both eVGA and XFX are some of the best companies to buy nVidia cards from.

SFOSOK · Feb 17, 2006, 02:50 PM

I dunno, they are pretty much good brands. I'd say find out the stock clocks for both and the price, and make ur decision based on that. With those two brands (both being excellent) go for your biggest bang for buck.

Cavicchi · Feb 17, 2006, 02:52 PM

I have found out the eVGA version has large heatsinks while the XFX version doesn't have any heatsinks--speaking of the 6600GT 256 MB PCI-E card.

edperks · Feb 20, 2006, 02:42 AM

My last 2 cards have been XFX 6800 GT AGP and my new one this week the XFX 7800 GS AGP They also have a double lifetime waranty which means if you sell the card that person can also register the card and get a lifetime warranty. I have had no beef with either card they have ran flawless. I have also heard good things about EVGA so I would go with the best price and bundle.

Necrosis · Feb 20, 2006, 04:26 AM

I've had both, and they've been great.

Lowfat · Feb 20, 2006, 04:26 AM

both are great companies, although I have only owned XFX of the two. I had to RMA a card once, and it was pretty painless, took about 6 weeks or so, but pretty much hassle free.

Cavicchi · Feb 20, 2006, 04:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lowfat

both are great companies, although I have only owned XFX of the two. I had to RMA a card once, and it was pretty painless, took about 6 weeks or so, but pretty much hassle free.

Well, I have to say that six weeks is quite a long time. I once had to RMA an ATI card and it was less than two weeks before I got the replacement--and they're in Canada with me in the USA.

soloz2 · Feb 20, 2006, 04:43 AM

my experience w/ evga's support has only been good.

Necrosis · Feb 20, 2006, 05:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cavicchi

Well, I have to say that six weeks is quite a long time. I once had to RMA an ATI card and it was less than two weeks before I got the replacement--and they're in Canada with me in the USA.

It sure does seem like a long time. Three weeks fine, but six?

PandaZ3 · Feb 20, 2006, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cavicchi

Well, I have to say that six weeks is quite a long time. I once had to RMA an ATI card and it was less than two weeks before I got the replacement--and they're in Canada with me in the USA.

Yes I got my 9500 Pro back from ATI in about ten days. I was shocked they had new old stock

I love my XFX 6800 GS, as it is a similar value as my 9500 Pro was back in the reaches of yesteryear. I can only hope if I need service that XFX is as good as ATI. Six weeks is a real long time to me.

SSXeon · Feb 27, 2006, 05:40 PM

Dont get a 6600GT, price isnt worth it IMHO. Get this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130271

450/1050 Evga, this about 2x faster then a 6600GT.

PandaZ3 · Feb 28, 2006, 12:53 AM

He is right! That is a better buy... now

Cavicchi · Mar 12, 2006, 12:23 AM

Well, I've decided to go for a 7600GT and still undecided about the brand, although I've narrowed it down to eVGA or BFG.

PandaZ3 · Mar 12, 2006, 05:57 AM

I think the eVGA as they have three choices.

http://www.evga.com/articles/281.asp

Cavicchi · Mar 12, 2006, 02:34 PM

I am beginning to go for the eVGA after testing the support line of both BFG and eVGA. I called BFG twice and waited 20 minutes before giving up. I called eVGA once and they answered within a few minutes. I consider being able to contact tech support a nice feature

Yes, eVGA has 3 choices, but only the OC versions appear to be available at this time, which isn't a terrible thing

, but I would be content with the standard 560 clock speed and less heat to cool.

Feb 8, 2006, 03:27 AM	#1
Cavicchi DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 53 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	EVGA or XFX? I have decided on a 6600 GT 256MB DDR3 PCI-E and would like to hear your opinions as to whether the EVGA version is worth the extra $30 dollars? One interesting thing I noticed going to both websites is EVGA has the latest driver 81.98 recommended while XFX just shows the older 77.72 Seems like the EVGA company may be offering better support, although it appears XFX has a better warranty, or so it seems with their lifetime warranty on parts and labor. One thing of note here is I plan on using an Artic Cooler Silencer instead of stock H/S fan. My goal is to achieve quietness with good video performance--I am not a hardcore gamer. So, any suggestions or opinions?

Feb 8, 2006, 04:11 AM	#2
No_Style Styleless Wonder Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ottawa, Ontario Posts: 6,034 Rep Power: 0	I've heard good things about both companies. A lot of people appear to be sporting eVGA hardware, but that's not to say XFX isn't well received either. The driver recommendations, to me, is irrelevant since both video cards are supported by NVIDIA's official drivers. Either way, I'll be using the latest drivers. I would personally get the cheaper of the two cards if I just wanted the cards themselves. (I rarily take warranty or support into consideration). Both cards should treat you well at stock speeds, however its their bundles which you should look into. __________________ "The Best Style Is No Style" Specifications Here

Feb 8, 2006, 06:05 AM	#4
nitrousoxide52 Driverheaven.com err .net Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 1,719 Rep Power: 0	I say XFX, my card has not let me down at all. Completely perfect, and it comes with a decent bundle of software/games as well. Not sure what comes with the EVGA, but I still recommend the XFX. __________________ AMD Athlon64 X2 3800+ XFX Geforce 7800GT ABIT AN8-SLI BFG Tech 650w

Feb 14, 2006, 12:52 PM	#5
PandaZ3 HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Cornelius, Oregon Posts: 419 Rep Power: 0	I am very happy with my XFX, I have only had it for 3 months. I usually go to the Nvidia or ATI websites for drivers and I don't rely on drivers on the CD being up to date, I am using 98's now. __________________ It has to be Plugged In? To electricity? Video cards in house, 5770, 4650, HD 3870, X1950 XTX, X1900 XTX, X1900 XT and X1900 Crossfire, 2 X1800 XT's, X850 Pro, X800 Pro, AIW 9600XT, 9600 Pro, 9550 SE, 9200, 7000. XFX 6800 GS

Feb 17, 2006, 02:39 PM	#7
soloz2 DriverHeaven Addict Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 362 Rep Power: 0	Actually evga has the better warranty (basically) both companies offer lifetime warranties... but there are differences: XFX offers a double lifetime warranty meaning that you can sell the card to someone else and they get the lifetime warranty, so it can be transerred once. eVGA has a lifetime warranty that specifically covers overclocking, chaning the cooler and/or thermal material (only company to warranty this) and they have a step up program, where within the first 90days you can trade your card in for a better one paying only the difference. well that's the difference between the two warranties. My personal favorite is eVGA as I think they do have better service than XFX... but essentially both cards are the same so it might be best to get the cheaper as both eVGA and XFX are some of the best companies to buy nVidia cards from. __________________ [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]

Feb 8, 2006, 05:04 AM	Thread Starter #3
Cavicchi DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 53 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	I just noticed that purchasing the XFX version from Newegg offers a $20 dollar rebate and that makes the difference $50 dollars! I am now inclined to go for the XFX version unless there is some reason someone can point out that makes it worth going for the eVGA version. One other thing, I read on the eVGA forum that the new driver series 81xx has caused some mouse problems and there was a recommendation to rollback driver to 77xx

Feb 17, 2006, 02:50 PM	#8
SFOSOK 939 Goin Strong Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Ontario Posts: 7,033 Rep Power: 90 System Specs	I dunno, they are pretty much good brands. I'd say find out the stock clocks for both and the price, and make ur decision based on that. With those two brands (both being excellent) go for your biggest bang for buck. __________________ Warning - Explicit Content Preceeding METAL!!

Feb 17, 2006, 02:52 PM	Thread Starter #9
Cavicchi DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 53 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	I have found out the eVGA version has large heatsinks while the XFX version doesn't have any heatsinks--speaking of the 6600GT 256 MB PCI-E card.

Feb 20, 2006, 02:42 AM	#10
edperks HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Southern Illinois Posts: 780 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	My last 2 cards have been XFX 6800 GT AGP and my new one this week the XFX 7800 GS AGP They also have a double lifetime waranty which means if you sell the card that person can also register the card and get a lifetime warranty. I have had no beef with either card they have ran flawless. I have also heard good things about EVGA so I would go with the best price and bundle. Last edited by edperks; Feb 20, 2006 at 05:35 PM.

Feb 20, 2006, 04:26 AM	#11
Necrosis HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 8,838 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	I've had both, and they've been great.

Feb 20, 2006, 04:26 AM	#12
Lowfat Xtreme Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Grande Prairie, AB, Can Posts: 4,254 Rep Power: 101	both are great companies, although I have only owned XFX of the two. I had to RMA a card once, and it was pretty painless, took about 6 weeks or so, but pretty much hassle free. __________________

Feb 20, 2006, 04:43 AM	#14
soloz2 DriverHeaven Addict Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 362 Rep Power: 0	my experience w/ evga's support has only been good. __________________ [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]

Feb 27, 2006, 05:40 PM	#17
SSXeon ATi Freak!! Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Virginia, US Posts: 501 Rep Power: 0	Dont get a 6600GT, price isnt worth it IMHO. Get this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130271 450/1050 Evga, this about 2x faster then a 6600GT. __________________ XFX HD4890 1024MB @ 950/4400Mhz Have issues with your Catalyst driver? Please report it to ATi

Feb 28, 2006, 12:53 AM	#18
PandaZ3 HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Cornelius, Oregon Posts: 419 Rep Power: 0	He is right! That is a better buy... now __________________ It has to be Plugged In? To electricity? Video cards in house, 5770, 4650, HD 3870, X1950 XTX, X1900 XTX, X1900 XT and X1900 Crossfire, 2 X1800 XT's, X850 Pro, X800 Pro, AIW 9600XT, 9600 Pro, 9550 SE, 9200, 7000. XFX 6800 GS

Mar 12, 2006, 12:23 AM	Thread Starter #19
Cavicchi DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 53 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	Well, I've decided to go for a 7600GT and still undecided about the brand, although I've narrowed it down to eVGA or BFG.

Mar 12, 2006, 05:57 AM	#20
PandaZ3 HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Cornelius, Oregon Posts: 419 Rep Power: 0	I think the eVGA as they have three choices. http://www.evga.com/articles/281.asp __________________ It has to be Plugged In? To electricity? Video cards in house, 5770, 4650, HD 3870, X1950 XTX, X1900 XTX, X1900 XT and X1900 Crossfire, 2 X1800 XT's, X850 Pro, X800 Pro, AIW 9600XT, 9600 Pro, 9550 SE, 9200, 7000. XFX 6800 GS

Mar 12, 2006, 02:34 PM	Thread Starter #21
Cavicchi DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 53 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	I am beginning to go for the eVGA after testing the support line of both BFG and eVGA. I called BFG twice and waited 20 minutes before giving up. I called eVGA once and they answered within a few minutes. I consider being able to contact tech support a nice feature Yes, eVGA has 3 choices, but only the OC versions appear to be available at this time, which isn't a terrible thing , but I would be content with the standard 560 clock speed and less heat to cool.