DH Review: Nvidia 6800GS and ATI X1600XT

Zardon · Nov 7, 2005, 01:11 PM

There have been a lot of rumours recently about a new 512mb Nvidia part being launched at the beginning of November…what there haven’t been though are numerous rumours of a new mainstream product from the guys in California. So with that in mind you would be forgiven for visiting the site today to be presented with a review of one such part. That’s right, Nvidia have chosen today to launch their newest mainstream part in the form of the Geforce 6800GS 256mb. So what’s the main competitor for this new part? Well its no less than ATIs new X1600XT 256 which we haven’t reviewed yet…so what better reason to take a first look at that now…

read the review here

Necrosis · Nov 7, 2005, 02:12 PM

Interesting. Hope they price the below the MSRP below $250.00.

Another thing I would of liked to of seen is the PCB be smaller. Last but not least wonder how it compares to the GT?

Nice review.

***Veridian3*** · Nov 7, 2005, 02:15 PM

The GS performs almost the exact same as the GT.

Vikingod · Nov 7, 2005, 02:50 PM

wow, I have to say I am surprised by the results. Great review and a good comparision guys.

klevo · Nov 7, 2005, 02:53 PM

Very, very dissapointed with the x1600xt

Sandok · Nov 7, 2005, 02:55 PM

Same here. But I knew it wouldn't stand up from other sites. THe GS does really well

***Veridian3*** · Nov 7, 2005, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by klevo

Very, very dissapointed with the x1600xt

Your not the only one

studbagel9 · Nov 7, 2005, 02:58 PM

As usual, a thorough review using games as benchmarks as opposed to theoretical tests. I love DH for that. But on to something that's kind of been bothering me:
Does anyone else think that the proliferation of video card variations may cause a huge barrier to people getting into the PC gaming arena? I mean, I guess in some ways it's a good thing because it means that only people who are motivated to learn about their hobbies will be able to truly join the community (then again, I could cite Counter-Strike as an example of how that's not true), but then again I think that people may be scared off by the technicality of computer gaming, and so they spend their money on consoles, which makes companies make games that are console-centric, so games that would be better technically (mouse + keyboard) suited for a computer end up being compromised creatively (and the gameplay gets compromised) so that they work passably on a controller.
I know I've brought this up before but I don't know, I guess it's still a question to me.

Majin GeoDooD · Nov 7, 2005, 03:15 PM

Man.. originally I was thinking about getting an X1600XT, since I usually purchase mainstream cards (9500 Pro, X700 Pro), but a few weeks ago I decided I was gonna go for an X1800XL in a couple months.

Good call on my part, that X1600 is pretty crappy..

LuCifer · Nov 7, 2005, 03:16 PM

Great Review.. 6800GS

Chaos · Nov 7, 2005, 04:38 PM

Sad to see the X1600 fail in almost every benchmark and not even close in many of them. Hat's off to Nvidia once again. My choice for a mainstream ATI card for a good price is the Sapphire X800 GTO2 if you can get your hands on one that is. I paid $250 CDN for a GTO2 and feel that it was money well spent especially after unlocking the 4 disabled pipelines. Other than shader mark 3 lacking from it's feature set that is.

Firstperson · Nov 7, 2005, 05:05 PM

Where is the 3Dmark05?

The GS seems to be a solid card, makes me wonder what the 7600 is going to be like.

ATI continues to disappoint

Zardon · Nov 7, 2005, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Firstperson

Where is the 3Dmark05?

The GS seems to be a solid card, makes me wonder what the 7600 is going to be like.

ATI continues to disappoint

3dmark05 is where it should be, not included. We dont run 3dmark benchmarks in our reviews, havent for well over a year. Gamers want gaming results.

Vikingod · Nov 7, 2005, 05:42 PM

quick question. Teh 6800GS got the gold...what did the X1600? anything?

pr0digal jenius · Nov 7, 2005, 05:49 PM

6800GS looks great, but when a 6800GT(read: more pipes) is only $35 more(widely available for $285 now), I fail to see the point.

And well, the x1600XT...peh.

putting dual DVI ports on a 128 bus card is like putting a ferrari badge on a gremlin.

Quote:

Originally Posted by vikingod

quick question. Teh 6800GS got the gold...what did the X1600? anything?

an ass beating

Sandok · Nov 7, 2005, 05:52 PM

A total ass beating

Tis sad ATI always misses out on the mid level and that's where NV must make money and sales. Also in the highend right now....

pr0digal jenius · Nov 7, 2005, 05:54 PM

the only reason the mid range matters is because that's what OEM's such as Dell, HP, Gateway, and Sony reach for when they buy them buy the truck load

Zardon · Nov 7, 2005, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vikingod

quick question. Teh 6800GS got the gold...what did the X1600? anything?

You mean an award? certainly not.

mkk · Nov 7, 2005, 06:15 PM

Drifting slightly I feel that this reminds me of what a mellow year this has been altogether. To customers like me that could/would not buy a card more expensive than for instance this 6800GS, very little has changed in the graphics business during the last 12 months...

Sandok · Nov 7, 2005, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pr0digal jenius

the only reason the mid range matters is because that's what OEM's such as Dell, HP, Gateway, and Sony reach for when they buy them buy the truck load

So true... I mean, the 9600XT at the time was being sold truckloads but now... NV is the king for these companies.

Randomletters · Nov 7, 2005, 06:48 PM

Any US E-tailers carring the 6800gs? Newegg doesnt have it yet.

germanjulian · Nov 7, 2005, 06:55 PM

Quote:

you don’t want an annoying fan whirring away whilst you defend Moscow from the Nazi’s….

mhh the nazi's never got that far .. if we had managed that there would still be a 3rd Reich...

say "Stalingrad"

dipstick · Nov 7, 2005, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randomletters

Any US E-tailers carring the 6800gs? Newegg doesnt have it yet.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130258

Nice review guys

pr0digal jenius · Nov 7, 2005, 08:05 PM

newegg has them, but the 6800 hasnt been added to the sort database yet

Randomletters · Nov 7, 2005, 08:21 PM

oh thats right, PCI-E only eh?

pr0digal jenius · Nov 7, 2005, 09:07 PM

most likely, although being the nv4x core, AGP is always a possibility as the PCB is largely already worked out for it.

jasonbourne · Nov 7, 2005, 09:14 PM

im seriously thinking about upgrading from my vanilla x800 to a 6800gs what do u guys think

riles9262 · Nov 7, 2005, 10:13 PM

wow, what a shitkicking the 1600 took. I expected this with its memory bus though...even a high clockspeed doesn't change that. I do however think that there's more to the card than its physical downfalls though. It's really dropping performance across the board even at low res...maybe newer drivers will help it considerably.

As it stands though, the 6800gs could be my next card when I build a new system...I trust if it's close to the gt, then it performs very close to the x800xl as well, correct?

Lakevren · Nov 7, 2005, 10:30 PM

Sigh.

I just hope they get enough R&D money for next gen.

Time too.

Asmoday · Nov 7, 2005, 10:41 PM

A very good review as always guys, the X1600 sure did take a serious beating....sad really...

Nov 7, 2005, 01:11 PM	#1
Zardon DriverHeaven Founder Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,480 Rep Power: 179	DH Review: Nvidia 6800GS and ATI X1600XT There have been a lot of rumours recently about a new 512mb Nvidia part being launched at the beginning of November…what there haven’t been though are numerous rumours of a new mainstream product from the guys in California. So with that in mind you would be forgiven for visiting the site today to be presented with a review of one such part. That’s right, Nvidia have chosen today to launch their newest mainstream part in the form of the Geforce 6800GS 256mb. So what’s the main competitor for this new part? Well its no less than ATIs new X1600XT 256 which we haven’t reviewed yet…so what better reason to take a first look at that now… read the review here

Nov 7, 2005, 02:53 PM	#5
klevo 2 l33t Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Slovakia Posts: 587 Rep Power: 0	Very, very dissapointed with the x1600xt __________________ My blog

Nov 7, 2005, 02:58 PM	#8
studbagel9 Rolling the Hard Six Join Date: May 2003 Location: Lock Haven, PA Posts: 767 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	As usual, a thorough review using games as benchmarks as opposed to theoretical tests. I love DH for that. But on to something that's kind of been bothering me: Does anyone else think that the proliferation of video card variations may cause a huge barrier to people getting into the PC gaming arena? I mean, I guess in some ways it's a good thing because it means that only people who are motivated to learn about their hobbies will be able to truly join the community (then again, I could cite Counter-Strike as an example of how that's not true), but then again I think that people may be scared off by the technicality of computer gaming, and so they spend their money on consoles, which makes companies make games that are console-centric, so games that would be better technically (mouse + keyboard) suited for a computer end up being compromised creatively (and the gameplay gets compromised) so that they work passably on a controller. I know I've brought this up before but I don't know, I guess it's still a question to me. __________________

Nov 7, 2005, 03:15 PM	#9
Majin GeoDooD HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Woodbridge, VA Posts: 1,117 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	Man.. originally I was thinking about getting an X1600XT, since I usually purchase mainstream cards (9500 Pro, X700 Pro), but a few weeks ago I decided I was gonna go for an X1800XL in a couple months. Good call on my part, that X1600 is pretty crappy.. __________________ Windows 7 Ultimate (x64) ~Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 @ 3.55GHz~ Gigabyte P35-DS3L ~ eVGA GeForce 8800GT 512MB @ 690/1000 ~ OCZ Titanium 2x2GB ~ Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 750 GB ~ WD Caviar Black WD7501AALS 750GB ~ NEC ND-3540A DVD-RW ~ Rosewill RP600V2 600w PSU ~ Antec Nine Hundred Mid-Tower

Nov 7, 2005, 03:16 PM	#10
LuCifer DH sig maker! Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Fontucky Posts: 1,158 Rep Power: 0	Great Review.. 6800GS __________________

Nov 7, 2005, 02:12 PM	#2
Necrosis HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 8,838 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	Interesting. Hope they price the below the MSRP below $250.00. Another thing I would of liked to of seen is the PCB be smaller. Last but not least wonder how it compares to the GT? Nice review.

Nov 7, 2005, 02:15 PM	#3
*Veridian3* Administrator Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Cloaked Posts: 5,028 Rep Power: 182	The GS performs almost the exact same as the GT.

Nov 7, 2005, 02:50 PM	#4
Vikingod Int'l Fish Liaison Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: By the light of lamp I sit and type... Posts: 16,197 Rep Power: 112 System Specs	wow, I have to say I am surprised by the results. Great review and a good comparision guys.

Nov 7, 2005, 02:55 PM	#6
Sandok DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 9,472 Rep Power: 0	Same here. But I knew it wouldn't stand up from other sites. THe GS does really well

Nov 7, 2005, 04:38 PM	#11
Chaos Number Nine Join Date: May 2002 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 5,268 Rep Power: 167 System Specs	Sad to see the X1600 fail in almost every benchmark and not even close in many of them. Hat's off to Nvidia once again. My choice for a mainstream ATI card for a good price is the Sapphire X800 GTO2 if you can get your hands on one that is. I paid $250 CDN for a GTO2 and feel that it was money well spent especially after unlocking the 4 disabled pipelines. Other than shader mark 3 lacking from it's feature set that is. __________________

Nov 7, 2005, 05:05 PM	#12
Firstperson What? Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Grand Rapids MI Posts: 232 Rep Power: 0	Where is the 3Dmark05? The GS seems to be a solid card, makes me wonder what the 7600 is going to be like. ATI continues to disappoint __________________

Nov 7, 2005, 05:42 PM	#14
Vikingod Int'l Fish Liaison Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: By the light of lamp I sit and type... Posts: 16,197 Rep Power: 112 System Specs	quick question. Teh 6800GS got the gold...what did the X1600? anything?

Nov 7, 2005, 05:52 PM	#16
Sandok DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 9,472 Rep Power: 0	A total ass beating Tis sad ATI always misses out on the mid level and that's where NV must make money and sales. Also in the highend right now....

Nov 7, 2005, 05:54 PM	#17
pr0digal jenius Delete Me Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 14,648 Rep Power: 0	the only reason the mid range matters is because that's what OEM's such as Dell, HP, Gateway, and Sony reach for when they buy them buy the truck load

Nov 7, 2005, 06:15 PM	#19
mkk Cthulhu/Dagon 2012 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Gefle, Sweden Posts: 4,495 Rep Power: 132 System Specs	Drifting slightly I feel that this reminds me of what a mellow year this has been altogether. To customers like me that could/would not buy a card more expensive than for instance this 6800GS, very little has changed in the graphics business during the last 12 months...

Nov 7, 2005, 06:48 PM	#21
Randomletters ))<>(( Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 2,418 Rep Power: 54	Any US E-tailers carring the 6800gs? Newegg doesnt have it yet.

Nov 7, 2005, 08:05 PM	#24
pr0digal jenius Delete Me Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 14,648 Rep Power: 0	newegg has them, but the 6800 hasnt been added to the sort database yet

Nov 7, 2005, 08:21 PM	#25
Randomletters ))<>(( Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 2,418 Rep Power: 54	oh thats right, PCI-E only eh?

Nov 7, 2005, 09:07 PM	#26
pr0digal jenius Delete Me Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 14,648 Rep Power: 0	most likely, although being the nv4x core, AGP is always a possibility as the PCB is largely already worked out for it.

Nov 7, 2005, 09:14 PM	#27
jasonbourne DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: great yarmouth uk Posts: 1,082 Rep Power: 0	im seriously thinking about upgrading from my vanilla x800 to a 6800gs what do u guys think __________________ http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y28...asonBourne.jpg

Nov 7, 2005, 10:13 PM	#28
riles9262 Driverheaven brewmaster Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: British Columbia, Canada Posts: 4,842 Rep Power: 72 System Specs	wow, what a shitkicking the 1600 took. I expected this with its memory bus though...even a high clockspeed doesn't change that. I do however think that there's more to the card than its physical downfalls though. It's really dropping performance across the board even at low res...maybe newer drivers will help it considerably. As it stands though, the 6800gs could be my next card when I build a new system...I trust if it's close to the gt, then it performs very close to the x800xl as well, correct? __________________ A beer a day keeps the doctor away.

Nov 7, 2005, 10:30 PM	#29
Lakevren MedicalEntropy Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: New Jersey Posts: 294 Rep Power: 0	Sigh. I just hope they get enough R&D money for next gen. Time too. __________________ [COLOR=darkorange][COLOR=SeaGreen]Opteron 170 @ 2500 MHZ (In Need of Better HSF)[/COLOR] [/COLOR] [COLOR=darkorange][COLOR=Yellow]DFI LanParty UT SLI-DR Expert[/COLOR] [/COLOR] [COLOR=red]HIS IceQ3 X1900XT @ 680/785 [COLOR=YellowGreen]Corsair XMS Pro DDR 400 1GB[/COLOR][/COLOR] [COLOR=royalblue]CoolerMaster WaveMaster Case[/COLOR]

Nov 7, 2005, 10:41 PM	#30
Asmoday Demonic Join Date: May 2002 Location: In the cold, dark north... Posts: 5,198 Rep Power: 92 System Specs	A very good review as always guys, the X1600 sure did take a serious beating....sad really... __________________ How You can help Hardwareheaven by using Digg