ATI Radeon HD 2900 XT

[TheButcherNL]

Yeah, my last Nvidia card was an FX5600, crap card, and always something wrong with the drivers, most of the times AA didnt work properly, after that I bought a 9600XT, and will never go back to Nvidia, never had any driver problems since. Also image quality of ATI cards is better.

So think the XT will be okay.

And it already runs all games with very nice fps, thats the most important.

cya

[a111087]

Ok, no matter how hard for me to say this, I must say that I am kinda disappointed, but I would still wait for new drivers and then see the benchmarks since there has been a big improvement in performance between current and previous drivers.

[Chewy]

I think its doing very well and well for its price catagory... I wouldnt care if newer drivers made it faster in dx9 games, theses cards are fast enough.. they can do max graphics with decent to great frames @ 1600x1200 on prob Every single dx9 game out there.

I'll get one soon just waiting to see if my dads friends online store gets them in stock so I can get a little discount .

I dont really play on-line fps games, so I wouldnt need any faster frames.. I guess the more fps the better for online fps.

[Ser-J]

Originally Posted by a111087

Ok, no matter how hard for me to say this, I must say that I am kinda disappointed, but I would still wait for new drivers and then see the benchmarks since there has been a big improvement in performance between current and previous drivers.

I think it is a big disappointment, we are already in May and this is what we get.................really nothing spacial, AMD needs to step their game up...

[Protius]

Originally Posted by Chewy

I think its doing very well and well for its price catagory... I wouldnt care if newer drivers made it faster in dx9 games, theses cards are fast enough.. they can do max graphics with decent to great frames @ 1600x1200 on prob Every single dx9 game out there.

I'll get one soon just waiting to see if my dads friends online store gets them in stock so I can get a little discount .

I dont really play on-line fps games, so I wouldnt need any faster frames.. I guess the more fps the better for online fps.

wana get me a discount

[a111087]

Originally Posted by Chewy

I dont really play on-line fps games, so I wouldnt need any faster frames.. I guess the more fps the better for online fps.

ok, i really didn't get that

[Ser-J]

I like what I read about 2900xt at hardocp.com I think this is a good description of HD2900xt
"Here is what it boils down to. If the Radeon HD 2900 XT performed exactly on par with the GeForce 8800 GTS in every game, it would still be a loser because it draws nearly 100 more watts of power, meaning it is very inefficient. The facts are though that it doesn’t even match the 8800 GTS currently. In every game it slides in underperforming compared to the GeForce 8800 GTS 640 MB, and it does it while drawing a lot more power, as much power or more as an 8800 GTX. Not only that, but a GeForce 8800 GTS 640 MB based video card can now be had for up to $70 cheaper than the Radeon HD 2900 XT. I don’t know about you, but a video card that is cheaper, runs a lot faster and draws less energy just seems like the better value to me."

[Chewy]

Originally Posted by a111087

ok, i really didn't get that

did read the rest of my post? theses dx10 cards pwn dx9 so friggin hard that why would really need the extra fps? I mean you can max everything on any dx9 game @ 1900x1200 res and still have good frames.. from what people say the more fps the better for on-line fps games.. but your ping also plays a huge part in that aswell..

I donno, I dont play on-line fps much and when I do I dotn care if my fps is 50 or 160.. as long as Im not laggin its all good.

[Chewy]

Originally Posted by Ser-J

I like what I read about 2900xt at hardocp.com I think this is a good description of HD2900xt
"Here is what it boils down to. If the Radeon HD 2900 XT performed exactly on par with the GeForce 8800 GTS in every game, it would still be a loser because it draws nearly 100 more watts of power, meaning it is very inefficient. The facts are though that it doesn’t even match the 8800 GTS currently. In every game it slides in underperforming compared to the GeForce 8800 GTS 640 MB, and it does it while drawing a lot more power, as much power or more as an 8800 GTX. Not only that, but a GeForce 8800 GTS 640 MB based video card can now be had for up to $70 cheaper than the Radeon HD 2900 XT. I don’t know about you, but a video card that is cheaper, runs a lot faster and draws less energy just seems like the better value to me."

I thought the 2900xt blows the gts away though.. guess well have to wait until everyone uses the right drivers with it... I think some reviews are using older drivers than what Wiz used. thats where they get the 8800gts is very close to 2900xt.. if it was overclocked yeah but I dont think so. Either way I'm getting either a 8800gts 640 or a 2900xt, soon enough.

I hate nividias Gay marketing, so that makes me not want to buy any of thier cards.. just like the promoteing of that new Nividia optimized dx10 game so they get more sales.. so some suckers think, oh Nivida pwned the 2900xt in dx10, and go out and spend their $$ on nivida. and wait endlessly for better drivers... 64bit vista driver where is it!?

[Protius]

Originally Posted by Ser-J

I like what I read about 2900xt at hardocp.com I think this is a good description of HD2900xt
"Here is what it boils down to. If the Radeon HD 2900 XT performed exactly on par with the GeForce 8800 GTS in every game, it would still be a loser because it draws nearly 100 more watts of power, meaning it is very inefficient. The facts are though that it doesn’t even match the 8800 GTS currently. In every game it slides in underperforming compared to the GeForce 8800 GTS 640 MB, and it does it while drawing a lot more power, as much power or more as an 8800 GTX. Not only that, but a GeForce 8800 GTS 640 MB based video card can now be had for up to $70 cheaper than the Radeon HD 2900 XT. I don’t know about you, but a video card that is cheaper, runs a lot faster and draws less energy just seems like the better value to me."

you like reading that?, i've seen some benchies that it (x2900) beats it and some that it loses, which makes me hope it's a driver issue, probly wait a week or to to get one, heck i sold m 2nd x1800 so i could have the money for one

[zekrahminator]

Let's keep the fanboyish arguments to a minimum, please. As far as I can tell, everyone's right. In some cases, R600 wins everything. In other cases, G80 wins everything. But, in most cases, R600 wins some and loses some, which makes me think that R600 is an equivalent to G80 while costing less. And the whole "it draws more power" thing is bullocks. It uses an eight-pin connector for stability, but other wise, you'll find that power draw is quite similar to the 8800GTX.

I think that we shouldn't be judging this thing until we see A LOT more DX10 apps. Then, I think we'll really see this thing shine. Or not, but that's something we'll have to find out when that time comes. Until then, we can be sure that R600 is definitely on par with the 8800 series, and at 2/3 the price.

[a111087]

Originally Posted by zekrahminator

Let's keep the fanboyish arguments to a minimum, please. As far as I can tell, everyone's right. In some cases, R600 wins everything. In other cases, G80 wins everything. But, in most cases, R600 wins some and loses some, which makes me think that R600 is an equivalent to G80 while costing less. And the whole "it draws more power" thing is bullocks. It uses an eight-pin connector for stability, but other wise, you'll find that power draw is quite similar to the 8800GTX.

I think that we shouldn't be judging this thing until we see A LOT more DX10 apps. Then, I think we'll really see this thing shine. Or not, but that's something we'll have to find out when that time comes. Until then, we can be sure that R600 is definitely on par with the 8800 series, and at 2/3 the price.

thats what i was saying

[zekrahminator]

I don't read everyone's posts, I'm far too lazy, multiple people quoting the same post just catch my eye .

[Ser-J]

Originally Posted by zekrahminator

Let's keep the fanboyish arguments to a minimum, please. As far as I can tell, everyone's right. In some cases, R600 wins everything. In other cases, G80 wins everything. But, in most cases, R600 wins some and loses some, which makes me think that R600 is an equivalent to G80 while costing less. And the whole "it draws more power" thing is bullocks. It uses an eight-pin connector for stability, but other wise, you'll find that power draw is quite similar to the 8800GTX.

I think that we shouldn't be judging this thing until we see A LOT more DX10 apps. Then, I think we'll really see this thing shine. Or not, but that's something we'll have to find out when that time comes. Until then, we can be sure that R600 is definitely on par with the 8800 series, and at 2/3 the price.

It took ATi all this time to make something that can barely compete with 8800GTS 640MB??? At this point I thing if you want something in that price range you will be better off with 8800GTS 640MB, you can overclock GTS with out getting a new PSU, as far as 2900XT goes, I think ATi focussed too much on technology of the card rather then actual performance in games we play right now or will be playing in 3-6 month from now. While ATi was making this card they also had time to make decent drivers that would get good fps, so I don't think the drivers will be improved dramatically. I was never a fanboy of any of the two, I just like Ati lil betta, but right now I thing they are loosing big times in the world of video cards!

[Wile E]

Originally Posted by Ser-J

It took ATi all this time to make something that can barely compete with 8800GTS 640MB??? At this point I thing if you want something in that price range you will be better off with 8800GTS 640MB, you can overclock GTS with out getting a new PSU, as far as 2900XT goes, I think ATi focussed too much on technology of the card rather then actual performance in games we play right now or will be playing in 3-6 month from now. While ATi was making this card they also had time to make decent drivers that would get good fps, so I don't think the drivers will be improved dramatically. I was never a fanboy of any of the too, I just like Ati lil betta, but right now I thing they are loosing big times in the world of video cards!

I think you're mistaken about the drivers. There's no way ATI could've made 100% ready drivers because there are too many possible hardware and software configurations. They have to rely on user feedback, just like nVidia. And if you pay close attention to the benchmarks, there are obviously driver problems. In FEAR it comes stupidly close to even the 8800GTX, yet in some benches, it even loses to an X1950Pro.

Like Zek said, we won't know until there are more driver updates and some DX10 games to test before we know who comes out on top.

[Ser-J]

Originally Posted by Wile E

I think you're mistaken about the drivers. There's no way ATI could've made 100% ready drivers because there are too many possible hardware and software configurations. They have to rely on user feedback, just like nVidia. And if you pay close attention to the benchmarks, there are obviously driver problems. In FEAR it comes stupidly close to even the 8800GTX, yet in some benches, it even loses to an X1950Pro.

Like Zek said, we won't know until there are more driver updates and some DX10 games to test before we know who comes out on top.

Even if Ati comes up with better drivers in the near future, and 2900xt will preform close to GTX, Ati is still not going to be on top like a lot of fans were hoping it was going to be. Look at is this way, 8800gtx was out for quite some time, and now R600 is finally here, and now we have to hope for better drivers....??? I say forget it and buy something thats already proven to work or you are going to be waiting forever.

[Wile E]

Originally Posted by Ser-J

Even if Ati comes up with better drivers in the near future, and 2900xt will preform close to GTX, Ati is still not going to be on top like a lot of fans were hoping it was going to be. Look at is this way, 8800gtx was out for quite some time, and now R600 is finally here, and now we have to hope for the drivers. I say forget it and buy something thats already proven to work or you are going to be waiting forever.

The target for the 2900XT isn't the GTX, it's the GTS. ATI hasn't released anything for the top slot yet (if they even do). But, considering that it comes so close to the GTX in some tests, suggests to me that it has more potential than the GTS. That's just my educated guess, tho. I may be proven wrong, but then again I may not. Guess we'll find out.

If I'm unhappy with my 2900XT, I'll get rid of it for an 8800 GTS 640mb. Either way, they're both good cards. (Besides, I only game at 1440x900, so either card would likely serve me well for at least a couple of years, I just might not win any benchmark competitions. lol)

The biggest factors I based my decision on were:

1.) the complaints 8800 owners have about drivers and missing/broken features
2.) The way nVidia essentially turned their back on 7950GX2 owners (that was a serious turn off for me)
3.) The built in Audio/video features of the 2900. (I have a fairly decent home theater setup that I hook into every once in a while. Onkyo 5.1 surround, 32" samsung 720p LCD)
4.) Just the hunch that the card will really awaken with driver updates. (Again, just an opinion/educated guess)

All that said, I have nothing against nVidia. I just feel the ATI will serve me better. And I also feel that, when you consider it's AV features and performance, it holds a good value in this segment of video cards.

[Ser-J]

Originally Posted by Wile E

All that said, I have nothing against nVidia. I just feel the ATI will serve me better. And I also feel that, when you consider it's AV features and performance, it holds a good value in this segment of video cards.

I see what your saying.

[Protius]

I'm still very undecided, the fact that one of the games it pwns in is CoH and that's the main game i ply, shwing!, but i'll probly give it 1 or 2 more weeks to see (still don't understand how it's performance can very so greatly)

[SK-1]

Originally Posted by TooFast

U Have The Overdrive Option?

http://img.techpowerup.org/070515/Capture007.jpg

[SK-1]

Lets start an R700 fan club.

[TooFast]

ok heres my conclusion and i dont care what the reviews/people say, this card rips through all games at max setting in the CCC. for the price of 2 of these u get 1 8800 gtx ultra wich cant keep up to 2 of these. this card beside the noise is great.

[tkpenalty]

Originally Posted by TooFast

ok heres my conclusion and i dont care what the reviews/people say, this card rips through all games at max setting in the CCC. for the price of 2 of these u get 1 8800 gtx ultra wich cant keep up to 2 of these. this card beside the noise is great.

Cool never thought of that....

[mR Yellow]

Originally Posted by Ashen

um, m8 its been 5 months since vista came out, b4 that there was no dx10, and infact really their still isnt any true dx10, because no true dx10 games are out, and 8800 still dont have GOLD level drivers....thats after 7 months......and they have had alot of USER error and bugg reports.

ATI tend to put out a VERY stable driver first with the card, then up the perf after the card is out and they have error/bugg reports.

I've had very little problems with my nVidia drivers...im just lucky. ATi driver programme has come along way and is very good! nVidia learnt from them...now they are releasing new drivers on a regular basis and i can see a improvement with every release.

If u already own a 8800 this card isn't appealing enough to upgrade. I think i'll see what ATi has to offer in the next 6 months. Maybe then they'll release a kickass card that we all expected.

[mR Yellow]

Originally Posted by zekrahminator

Let's keep the fanboyish arguments to a minimum, please. As far as I can tell, everyone's right. In some cases, R600 wins everything. In other cases, G80 wins everything. But, in most cases, R600 wins some and loses some, which makes me think that R600 is an equivalent to G80 while costing less. And the whole "it draws more power" thing is bullocks. It uses an eight-pin connector for stability, but other wise, you'll find that power draw is quite similar to the 8800GTX.

I think that we shouldn't be judging this thing until we see A LOT more DX10 apps. Then, I think we'll really see this thing shine. Or not, but that's something we'll have to find out when that time comes. Until then, we can be sure that R600 is definitely on par with the 8800 series, and at 2/3 the price.

On par yes. Thats why its a flop. We all expected much more, especially that the card is 6 months late!

8800 owners won't make the jump unless the card sucks ass in DX10...which i seriously doubt. BTW I was a ATi fanboy and bought the G80 and love this card. Best card i've had since the ATi 9700. Buy whats best!