GeForce 6800 ultra

blinky

It might be worthwhile looking at some of the graphics card forums to see what the difference in performance between the various 6800 models and the rates of sucess with overclocking and unlocking the extra pipelines.

Toxteth_OGrady

Couple of recent reviews here and here that compare the 6800U with the x850.

:cool:

TOG

Rex_Mundi

A few good points brought up in the posts on this card. You're pretty much thinking the same way as me on this choice. As for warranty, Gainward offer a 3 year warranty with their card (not too bad, same as the Tagan PSU)

I've compared the different types of the Nvidea card. From what I've seen, the ultra comes out tops every time. I also know Nvidea do nice easy software to overclock their gear with. This came with the mobo, but given the specs in the computer I don't feel there is a need to start on this yet. It walks all over everything thrown at it so far.

The X850 is a good card as well. I don't think the boy will be able to tell the difference between this and the 6800. I've looked at the top end cards for the X850 as well, and there's not too much difference in price between the two. The prices I've seen on this card are between £330 and £350, about the same as the 6800 ultra. The link Gibson gave is a good price, but the card is PCI-E, I need AGP X8.

When I built this computer for the boy,I promised him a games machine. I was going to put a top end card in when I built it, but I knew that the new ATI and Nvidea cards were coming out so decided to wait for one of these. Once I've put the new card in, this computer is going to be able to do everything the boy wants and some. I know it's not cheap, but money isn't really the issue, performance is. My only regrets about his machine is the fact that it makes mine look slow (and mine goes like lightning). Still I may be able to talk the mrs into letting me start on my next one by pointing out the difference. LOL

Toxteth_OGrady

but money isn't really the issue, performance is

For me, if only...............

Why not go for a pair of Ultras in tandem on an SLI mobo?

My dream machine............well until the next best thing comes out anyways!!

:cool:

TOG

Rex_Mundi

Why not go for a pair of Ultras in tandem on an SLI mobo?

Don't you think I haven't already earmarked this for MY next machine. Shame the boys mobo can't do this, I would of definately done this for him.

All I've got to do is talk the mrs round. This is not going to be so easy, as I said, my machine goes like lightning so she's not going to be fooled so easily by me telling her it's out of date......lol

Toxteth_OGrady

Could always use the old "it's just another computer bit" ploy when they arrive at your door.

Still gettin away with that one..............just!

:cool:

TOG

Rex_Mundi

Could always use the old "it's just another computer bit" ploy when they arrive at your door.

I see you use the same book of excuses as I do.

She's pretty good with me and my ordering habits. With my studies (Open University isn't cheap) +the extras (maths module last year needed a £90+ calculator), and my constant additions to the gadget collection it may be pushing too much to ask for a new computer yet.

Could I just say, for a VERY fast HDD have you seen the Western Digital Raptor? This rocks!! The boy takes less than 30 seconds to run Adaware/Spybot etc. It is the fastest HDD I've ever seen in action. If it was any quicker, it would open the program you want before you think of it!!!

vultura

http://www.pny.com/products/verto/performance/6800ultra.asp - PNY version of 6800 Ultra, they offer a "lifetime" warranty on it, but read the warranty first.

I know of someone who had a Geforce 4 Ti4200, when it went faulty PNY replaced it with a FX5600, which at the time was approx £100 new.

Rex_Mundi

Just a last update on the 6800 ultra.

Today the card came by courier. I went for THIS version in the end. Not cheap at £358+postage (£376 total), but WOW what a card!!

It wasn't the easiest card to fit in. It's a lot bigger than most AGP cards. I had to move the HDD to another bay to fit it in. It takes over the AGP+one of the PCI slots,and to give enough airflow for the fan I wouldn't put a PCI card in the next slot as well.

Drivers and setup were easy as anything. It took less than 2mins to complete the driver installation(once I'd found which of the 14 discs in the box contained the drivers). Restarted and everything was working top notch.

I watched the boy playing one of his latest games. I told him first to set all the qualities to the highest, and make sure that all the graphics options in the game were switched on to full. What can I say. I don't even think the card needed to get into second gear! The quality is superb!! The details on the game are unbelievable,you can even see some of the charactors look like they've run a comb through their hair! Performance was smooth as anything, where as before there would be times his old card would start to struggle at key moments in the game. This made it look like he was in a film.

I haven't had a chance yet to search for the latest drivers. I'll have to wait till he manages to prize himself away from the computer I think. I'm not that concerned though, the present drivers are blasting through anything he touchs at the moment so it's not a priority.

If it wasn't for the price, I'd give this card 20/10. As it is, it scores a full 10/10 for me. Well recommended for a games machine (if you've got the money!)

NellyLock

if you would like to find a home for your old card i know a student who would really like to update his rather poor 64mb nvidia mx chip (that persons me btw)