Introduction
The NVIDIA GeForce 7800 series has been around for a while now and there's no denying that these are among the most powerful cards available right now. Only recently has ATI released a graphics card that could compete with the mighty 7800 GTX, and though the X1800 XT does compete, current prices still favor NVIDIA over ATI parts in terms of value. This is especially significant given the time of year, as sales, obviously, will be high for both companies, but it's value that will ultimately determine which parts the average consumer will buy.
We've seen some good quality mid-range parts from ATI and NVIDIA lately, like the X800 GTO and the 6800 GS, both of which offer good performance for around or under $200. The X800 GTO in particular at about $170 is an excellent graphics solution from ATI, especially given its overclocking potential. As Christmas gets closer, we will no doubt be seeing deals on other graphics cards as well, and we know many will be hoping for an upgrade under the tree this year.
NVIDIA's 7800 GT is a graphics card that stands out above the majority as being a top performer with competitive prices as well. Today, we'll be looking at three variations of this card: the ASUS Extreme N7800 GT, the XFX GeForce 7800 GT Overclocked, and the EVGA e-GeForce 7800 GT CO. Each of these companies have a reputation for quality, and we'll be comparing them to see how they rate to each other in different areas, such as performance and price. We will also be testing power loads and user-overclocking for each of these cards. The first of these 7800 GTs that we'll be looking at is the ASUS Extreme N7800 GT.
The NVIDIA GeForce 7800 series has been around for a while now and there's no denying that these are among the most powerful cards available right now. Only recently has ATI released a graphics card that could compete with the mighty 7800 GTX, and though the X1800 XT does compete, current prices still favor NVIDIA over ATI parts in terms of value. This is especially significant given the time of year, as sales, obviously, will be high for both companies, but it's value that will ultimately determine which parts the average consumer will buy.
We've seen some good quality mid-range parts from ATI and NVIDIA lately, like the X800 GTO and the 6800 GS, both of which offer good performance for around or under $200. The X800 GTO in particular at about $170 is an excellent graphics solution from ATI, especially given its overclocking potential. As Christmas gets closer, we will no doubt be seeing deals on other graphics cards as well, and we know many will be hoping for an upgrade under the tree this year.
NVIDIA's 7800 GT is a graphics card that stands out above the majority as being a top performer with competitive prices as well. Today, we'll be looking at three variations of this card: the ASUS Extreme N7800 GT, the XFX GeForce 7800 GT Overclocked, and the EVGA e-GeForce 7800 GT CO. Each of these companies have a reputation for quality, and we'll be comparing them to see how they rate to each other in different areas, such as performance and price. We will also be testing power loads and user-overclocking for each of these cards. The first of these 7800 GTs that we'll be looking at is the ASUS Extreme N7800 GT.
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Sunrise089 - Thursday, December 8, 2005 - link
I appreciate this write up - the holidays are here, and many of us are in the market for a video card, so this comparison is helpfull. Your comparison of the cards, and your power and overclocking results were nice to see. Nice choice of games for a quick review as well. That said:1) Why did you overclock the cards, and then not test the overclocked cards in the three games you choose? This is especially important considering the plateau issue with OC'ing the cards - maybe the eVGA would have jumped to the next level of performance, making it the clear choice.
2) Why oh why does Anandtech insist on not including any other cards in so many of its video articles. PLEASE PLEASE just add a 7800GTX and a X850XT to the chart. If you really went all out and showed us the 3 7800GTs, the same cards OC'd, the 7800GTX, the X850XT, a 6800GS, and either a X800GTO or an X800XL then this comparison might actually help someone decide whether or not to upgrade and what card they should buy to get their desired level of performance.
Seriousely AT, just comparing the overclocked 7800GT to a GTX and a 6800GS would be so helpfull for someone buying a card this month, you all should have been able to realize that.
Zenbeatnik - Thursday, December 8, 2005 - link
Ditto. I also wouldn't mind seeing a few other processors that more or less reflect the average user thrown into the review. You know maybe like a 3700 E4, an X2 3800+, or an Opteron would be useful for a lot more people that are thinking about adding a 7800GT.ksherman - Thursday, December 8, 2005 - link
I am NOT likin the little circuit city popup... dont tell me AT is getting into popups...icepik - Thursday, December 8, 2005 - link
Agreed. The flashy adds on either side of the article are plenty and should generate sufficient revenue. There is no justification to throw annoying pop-up ads into the mix especially on an enthusiast site.KristopherKubicki - Thursday, December 8, 2005 - link
Hi,The banner ad is rogue - some 3rd party advertiser has it inserted in one of their streams. We are working on getting rid of it ASAP.
Kristopher
shabby - Thursday, December 8, 2005 - link
Firefox + adblock = no ads, periodbupkus - Thursday, December 8, 2005 - link
Ditto. I really hate those things. I tried to tell myself that it costs to run this site but can't help how I feel about pop-ups.bupkus - Thursday, December 8, 2005 - link
I guess the close button on the pop-up is timed to stay open for a specified time. IOW, it doesn't work.phaxmohdem - Thursday, December 8, 2005 - link
No sh8t I hate those stupid animated pops as well. Come on anand, WTF???Back on topic, that Asus card looks frickin sweet IMO. Would be a great centerpiece for a flashy system build.
toattett - Thursday, December 8, 2005 - link
I don't think the picture of Anandtech's eVGA 7800GT CO is correct.