HD 2600XT GDDR4 512MB or HD3850 GDDR3 512MB?

[hat]

Let's say I had a choice between these two. Which one to go for?

First thread in this section. :nutkick:

Uhh yeah change that GDDR4 to a GDDR3... oops...

HD2600XT GDDR3 vs HD3650 GDDR3. Yeah, that's right. 512MB on both cards.
CRAP, did I really say HD3850? omg can a mod please change that to HD2600XT GDDR3 vs HD3650 GDDR3 I must seem like a real dumbass right about now...

[ShadowFold]

This isnt even a question it answers itself..

[DanishDevil]

I would probably go for the 3850 512MB. I've seen some GREAT overclockability, and the fact that it's the new generation of cards means newer revisions, etc. I've played with a 3870, and I've got a 3870X2 now (which I hate...) and I'm either going to go for a 3870 or a 3850 512MB.

Let us know what you decide!

[ghost101]

The 2600xt is actually faster. They have identical specs except that the 2600xt is clocked at 800mhz and the 3650 at 725mhz. Also i suppose the 3650 is 55nm tech while the 2600xt 65nm, but that doesnt affect stock performance.

[candle_86]

the 3650 tied the 8600GT so there has to be more going on there, cause the 2600XT struggled to catch the 8600GT

[hat]

Yeah I totally messed up. It's 2600XT GDDR3 512MB vs HD3650 GDDR3 512MB.

A comparison between cards:

3650 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102725)
2600XT (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102703)

[DanishDevil]

The 2600xt is actually faster. They have identical specs except that the 2600xt is clocked at 800mhz and the 3650 at 725mhz. Also i suppose the 3650 is 55nm tech while the 2600xt 65nm, but that doesnt affect stock performance.

3650 or 3850? And I think the OC headroom on the 3850 will benifit him.

[DanishDevil]

Okay, now that changes things. For those prices, go for the 2600XT. If you don't mind the rebate. Besides, the 3650 is out of stock :)

[hat]

Yeah 3650 big typo/screw-up.

So the HD3650 is faster but at a slightly more expensive pricepoint then the 8600GT which it tied yet the HD3650 has higher clocks... hmm...

I'm not buying right now, just wondering for my upcoming birthday in June... which is kind of foolish I guess since 3 months is a long time in computer terms.

[DanishDevil]

By June, there are rumors that the HD4000 series will be out...but we all know that's just a rumor...

Watch the prices and the reviews until then. By then, you might be able to pick up a 3650 for nice and cheap :)

[ghost101]

*Sigh* The 2600xt is faster than the 3650. Also it is faster than the 8600gt and gives the 8600gts a run for its money.

The 3650 is only better value for money if you can get it for cheaper than the 2600xt.

[hat]

Hm actually I think it would be smarter to go with an Nvidia card actually when I think about it, looking at my chipset... by June, we'll see what prices are like. Maybe the 8800gs will be cheap enough that even *I* can nab it, and come around on Christmas and nab another one (I have SLI support)

[DanishDevil]

Yeah, if you've got an nVidia chipset, go with an nVidia card. Apples just taste better with applesauce...that was weird...anyways...

Since you've got time, keep an eye out for deals on it. Keep an eye out on web sites for mod-able cards (like my old X800GTO2 that i modded to 16 pipes with a BIOS flash :cheers:)

8800GS seems to be a good performer too. I was really impressed with the benchies and OC that W1zzard got with it. Give it some time. Mid-range 9000 series are coming out by the end of the month apparently too, and that'll surely drop the price.

[hat]

heres a picture to sum things up

insert pic here

Identical specs except the 2600xt has a core clock of 800mhz while its 725mhz for the 3650.

Hm... DX 10.1. That means the HD3650 has that built-in "free" 4xaa with that special AA chip. 4xaa would look great with my 17" monitor @ 1152x864...

[ghost101]

Hm... DX 10.1. That means the HD3650 has that built-in "free" 4xaa with that special AA chip. 4xaa would look great with my 17" monitor @ 1152x864...

Thats not what dx 10.1 has. dx 10.1 is a standard which means games developers have to use 4x AA as standard. Amongst other things of course which prevents the 2600xt from being a dx 10.1 card.

[candle_86]

actully the 2600XT had to be oced to tie a stock 8600GT DDR3 thanks to its lack of horsepower actully.

[JrRacinFan]

Hands down, if you got the extra $$ go 3850.


EDIT: See following post .......

[ghost101]

Hands down, if you got the extra $$ go 3850.

:p

check his actual post

[JrRacinFan]

Oooh .... thats a toughie. If your planning crossfire, 3650's only due to because they scale a little better and are a little cheaper.

PS: You may also be able to crossfire them with a HD3850 in the future.

ONLY GET 3650 IF YOUR PLANNING CROSSFIRE!

[hat]

hmm nvidia chipsets can do crossfire? :laugh:

[JrRacinFan]

Hey you never know, never mentioned if you were switching out your motherboard or not.

[AddSub]

http://www.gpureview.com/show_cards.php?card1=554&card2=520

You can tweak the clocks on-site (-/+ buttons) but base specs:

http://img.techpowerup.org/080219/2im.jpg

[hat]

that page is severely bugged