I can't choose

[Chil]

Oh man I'm so torn right now between a 7900GT and an X1800XT. I know everyone is gonna come on here saying "7900 ftw," but there are just too many things that make me think twice.

The 1800XT has VIVO, HDR and AA support, better at shader-heavy games, but from what I've heard it's also huge, hot, and loud.

The 7900GT seems to be everyone's top choice, but I'm worried about future games that will bring on lots of shader pain to it.

Specifically, I'm looking at the lower end (not factory OC'd) of the two cards. The Sapphire Radeon X1800XT 256MB is going at $289, which is really sweet. The XFX GeForce 7900 GT runs for a little more, at $309.

As far as I can tell Nvidia has the upper hand for having more dependable drivers and a smaller, cooler card from what I hear. Some stories claim the X1800XT is so big that it will not even fit some s939 mobo's, which scares me alot, as I am looking towards smaller mobo's with only one PCI-Express x16 slot.

I'm looking for unbiased opinions on what everyone thinks is the better deal and which will serve me better for future titles, as I probably won't upgrade for two years or so.

 

[raven_87]

Feature wise, X1800XT is a fine peice of hardware, yes the whole HDR+AA, however the IQ difference between my 7800GT and Xt was indeed noticable... Frame rate speaking, 7900GT does pull out (not by much) To be honest though, it would depend on how high you could clock your XT.

I havent had time to really have fun with mine yet (that will be tommorrow) however I'm hearing they can really hit some high frequencies.

EDIT: BTW as for how "hot and loud" the X1800XT I"ll be honest...
the GPU fan is very slightly audible at boot, then winds down very
quick. Afterwards, I am unable to hear a thing. Heat isnt much
of an issue, my 7800GT was Idle 39-42C and load 48-53C.
My X1800XT is roughly the same, give or a take 1C...

 

[wildmigpr]

Instead of the X1800 or the 7900 buy the X1900XT or XTX.

 

[aceprowler]

Instead of either card, buy my used 9700pro to get you going. JMHO

 

[crizazykid2]

Instead of the X1800 or the 7900 buy the X1900XT or XTX.

That's almost $200 more than a 7900GT or X1800XT. Money doesn't grow on trees you know.

LOL......I don't think he knows. Thoes video cards are already crazy expensive, let alone with 200 dollars more 8O

 

[Chil]

That was exactly my point in starting this topic. There is no way I'm gonna pay even $450 for an X1900 because I just don't have that kind of money. In fact, $300 is my limit for the video card. If I wanted the absolute best, then I wouldn't be building a sub-$1500 machine.

Another thing is that I see either the X1800 or 7900GT as easily lasting till DX10 is set in and bugs are worked out. Right now the price on the 1900 doesn't justify its lifetime by being a DX9 card.

 

[cleeve]

Either/or... it doesn't really matter all that much. both are great cards.

Regardless of you're decision, you won't be miserable with it in a year or two. It doesn't really matter that much because they are both fine cards.