Video card upgrade...opinions needed

[ProphetX]

I am in need of a video card upgrade but the $$$ is on a budget. I have been looking at the 6800XT and the 6600GToc. Both seemed to be priced about the same.

Can anyone give me their thoughts on the two. Which is better ?

Thanks for your voices !

ProphetX

[iceblue]

Depends on what you're looking at- the 256MB or 128MB version of the 6800XT?

[Midknyte]

the 6600GT is a faster card. larger ram wouldn't make that much of a difference unless the game has really large textures.

[iceblue]

Actually, since the 256MB version of the 6800XT is clocked significantly higher than the 128MB version, it places its performance above that of a 6600GT in most cases. In addition to that, the 6800XT features 256-bit memory bus.

[Midknyte]

The 6600GT OC is more on par with a 6800NU. The 6800XT is only an 8 pipe card versus the 12 pipe 6800NU. The 6800XT256 is only 25mhz over the 6800XT128. That really minor.

The 6800XT 256 is only PCIe also.

[iceblue]

Just clear up the confusion: The 256MB GeForce 6800XT is not a mere 25MHz more in core or memory versus the 128MB version. The difference in performance is enough to match or outperform the 6600GT in nearly every resolution and game. OP needs to state whether the card in question is AGP or PCI Express.

[ProphetX]

Sorry.....I am looking for the AGP. I found a 6800 GS OC w/ 256MB GDDR3 made by BFG. What is your take on that ?

ProphetX

[Midknyte]

The 6800GS would beat both cards.

I was thinking AGP. The PCIe and AGP parts from nvidia are starting to have significantly different specs.

[ProphetX]

Ok..it is decided. I am ordering the 6800GS OC.

I appreciate the feedback on this topic. I hate when companies make 2 things with different specs and you get the same out of each. Makes people like me scratch our headds and go hmmmm.

ProphetX