Best Radeon Brand

[TlTimbob]

Hi all,
I've been considering a new video card for a few months now. UT2004 has made it official; the ti4600 has to go. I've pretty much decided to wait until the next generation of Radeon comes out (I guess it will be called 9900 but I'm not sure) and pick up a 9800XT. Alternatively I could get a 9800Pro and simply overclock it. I'm searching for some definitive information that would help me pick the right brand. I'm hoping that some of you more educated folks will have memory brand, memory timing, benchmark results, overclocking potential, and cooling system information about the various brands. From what I've already been able to determine, the Powercolor brand is probably not a great choice, though I am willing to hear evidence to the contrary. I am looking for info on the Sapphire brand, as well as Celestica, eVGA, PNY, Asus, Gigabyte, and even the Built by ATI. There are probably other brands I have left out, feel free to post regarding those as well. Thanks to all who will help I'm sure others have had similar questions!

 

[TheGreatGrapeApe]

First things first, eVGA and PNY are nV partners NOT ATI partners.

Second, look into Hercules, HIS, Asus and Gigabyte for good potential overclockers. Sapphire also has some ok models, but can have some stinker memory modules on their generic atlantis(s), so be sure to check first.

Memory timings, depends on the card BIOS more than anything, and there are lists out there of which is tops, (don't happen to have the link anymore). Ass for ratings, most of the XTs will have 2.5ns memory modules, but be sure before you buy.


- You need a licence to buy a gun, but they'll sell anyone a stamp <i>(or internet account)</i> ! - <font color=green>RED </font color=green> <font color=red> GREEN</font color=red> GA to SK

 

[etp777]

Sapphire Radeon 9800 Pro 128MB from Newegg is rumored to have the newer R360(XT) core, though I didn't pay attention when I changed the cooler on mine. I do know mine is now running at the 412/365 XT settings with absolutely no problems.

 

[TlTimbob]

Sapphire also has some ok models, but can have some stinker memory modules on their generic atlantis(s), so be sure to check first.
As for ratings, most of the XTs will have 2.5ns memory modules, but be sure before you buy

Anybody have any links or websites where I could find out which brands/models are best?
Also anybody have input on which brand offers the best stock cooling?
Last, anybody have an opinion on the different 9800Pro/XT BIOSes?

 

[TlTimbob]

Sapphire Radeon 9800 Pro 128MB from Newegg is rumored to have the newer R360(XT) core
Any thoughts on whether the 9800Pro 256MB would have the R360? Also, did you try to overclock to 412/365 with stock cooling before you changed the cooler? Thanks

 

[etp777]

Didn't try overclocking before I changed cooler. SUpposedly this card has the R360, yes, but I haven't chedcked it yet. Or rather, i didn't pay attention when I changed out cooler. Need to recheck my lapping now that I have a good flat surface, make sure shim isn't in way,a nd redo my AS appplication, so will check it when I do this stuff, but probably won't do that until this weekend.

 

[TheGreatGrapeApe]

Here's a review I posted a while back that may shed more light on the issue for you or XT/ PRO (R360version)/ etc (being a crappy SE .

<A HREF="http://www.digit-life.com/articles2/radeon/sapphire-7.html" target="_new">http://www.digit-life.com/articles2/radeon/sapphire-7.html</A>

and also a showdown between nV and ATI cards with the R9800Pro vs the R9800XT.

<A HREF="http://www.hothardware.com/hh_files/S&V/nvvsati.shtml" target="_new">http://www.hothardware.com/hh_files/S&V/nvvsati.shtml</A>


- You need a licence to buy a gun, but they'll sell anyone a stamp <i>(or internet account)</i> ! - <font color=green>RED </font color=green> <font color=red> GREEN</font color=red> GA to SK

 

[pauldh]

My Saphire 9800 Pro has no problems at XT speeds on the stock cooler. Not sure if it has the R350 or R360. It maxes out 10MHz above these settings:
<A HREF="http://service.futuremark.com/compare?2k3=2277655" target="_new"> 3dmark03</A>



ABIT IS7, P4 2.6C, 512MB Corsair TwinX PC3200LL, Radeon 9800 Pro, Santa Cruz, TruePower 430watt