AGP - 2600XT/PRO vs 7600GT

[Pinchy]

Prices:
7600GT - $150 AUD
2600 XT/PRO - Not released in AUS yet.

Currently running onboard graphics, so I want to purchase the card soon, yet they havent released the 2600's on AGP yet.

From what I know, the performance of the cards is roughly the same. (Correct me if im wrong).

What i'd like to know:

What uses more power? They are all pretty power efficient, but what uses less (if anyone knows). It is an AGP card as well, so im not sure whether or not the ATI/Nvidia bridge chip sucks up different amounts of power.

The physical length of the card(s).

Which card runs cooler. (temperature wise)

And finally, whether or not the HDTV encoding is worth it. Seeing as these cards are pretty much equal (from what ive been researching), id like to know if this whole HDTV thing is worth it. The pc will eventually (not soon, but eventually) be used as a HTPC rig on a HDTV, but I cant see whats so special about it (ive run HDTV movies on the TV with the old 9800 PRO and it was crystal clear :p).


I cant find when the 2600's for AGP will be avaliable in Australia, and im wondering if it is worth the wait (onboard is pretty bad).

Thanks in adv.

[cdawall]

From what I know, the performance of the cards is roughly the same. (Correct me if im wrong). thats a big no no the 2600XT will toast a 7600GT your thinking 8600GT

http://i7.techpowerup.com/reviews/ATI/HD_2600_XT/images/power_idle.gif
http://i1.techpowerup.com/reviews/ATI/HD_2600_XT/images/power_average.gif
http://i1.techpowerup.com/reviews/ATI/HD_2600_XT/images/power_peak.gif

how is that for power consumption (7600GS/GT consume similar amounts of power)?

temps for 2600XT
http://i2.techpowerup.com/reviews/ATI/HD_2600_XT/images/temp.gif

test setup
CPU: AMD Athlon64 X2 6000+ @ 3000 MHz (250x12)
(Windsor, 2x 1024 KB Cache)
Motherboard: Sapphire PC-AM2RD580
ATI Radeon XPRESS 3200
Memory: 2x 1024MB A.DATA DDR2 1066+ CL4
Harddisk: WD Raptor 740ADFD 74 GB
Power Supply: OCZ GameXStream 700W
Software: Windows XP SP2
Drivers: NVIDIA: 94.24 (GeForce 8: 158.22)
ATI: Catalyst 7.5 (HD 2400 and HD 2600 with 8.38.9.1 RC2)

source (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ATI/HD_2600_XT/18.html)

[Pinchy]

thats a big no no the 2600XT will toast a 7600GT your thinking 8600GT

Well, going back to the review sites, I noticed that they were all from back when the 2600XT was first released, with the poor drivers (when the 7600GT was on par with it).

So now, I assume, the 2600XT is much better (with matured drivers).


how is that for power consumption (7600GS/GT consume similar amounts of power)?

Thats the closest power chart I found as well. I would think the 7600GT would suck up more power, because it is a lot more powerful than the 7600GS.

Still, thanks for all the info :)

[pt]

hd2600xt ftw

[cdawall]

Well, going back to the review sites, I noticed that they were all from back when the 2600XT was first released, with the poor drivers (when the 7600GT was on par with it).

So now, I assume, the 2600XT is much better (with matured drivers).



Thats the closest power chart I found as well. I would think the 7600GT would suck up more power, because it is a lot more powerful than the 7600GS.

Still, thanks for all the info :)
they are within 5-15watts of each other from what i saw

here you go doesnt have the HD2600 on but shows the diff between the 7600gs/gt
http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/archives/000662.html

[Pinchy]

they are within 5-15watts of each other from what i saw

Dang thats a lot closer than what I would have thought.

Well the 2600XT is pretty close to the 7600GS during load/peak power consumption, so it isnt too bad.

BTW guys, with the physical length....if you cant get an exact measurement, I wouldnt mind a comparison between the 2600 and an X800/9800 :D.

[KennyT772]

The 2600 has much better media acceleration than the 8 series nvidia based on the different reviews I have read. A 2600xt with a replacement cooler (such as vf900 etc) will cool the card well and keep it quiet. The 2600 is getting faster with each driver release, and im looking towards one as a possibility for my next upgrade.

[pt]

btw, my card is idling at 30ºc and loading at 35ºc while oc to 900/1000 with watercooling

[Morgoth]

hd2600 agp version of sapphire sould be released around mid-end october