6800 vs 6600 on AGP

[sainthoodx]

So I noticed that the GeForce 6600 AGP cards are 256ram whereas the 6800 AGP cards are only 128ram. How is 6600 able to have more when 6800 is a step up? Which would be best for my AGP mobo? Please discuss..

 

[Wolfshanze]

The 256MB of Ram is a MARKETING tool placed on the low-end video card. It's ment to sell more units at WalMart because it says "256MB". Lower-end cards cannot effectively use the added memory, because by the time the application needs that much memory for textures, it is overpowering the horsepower of the low-end card.

Though there's nothing wrong with having extra memory on a card, you definately want the beefier processor over the meaningless extra memory. A 128MB 6800 will run circles around a 256MB 6600. Don't let the memory count fool-you... it's a marketing stunt... the only cards that can benefit from extra memory are the higher-end cards.

 

[kurt454]

6800 is better.

 

[sainthoodx]

you rock

 

[sainthoodx]

Okay, I have a Sony Vaio Desktop computer. I've decided on the 6800 except I need to find out if there are any compatible PSU's out there. And I'm trying to figure out if the VAIO case is good enough to keep the card cool (maybe I should carve out breathing holes?). It's a PCV-RX830 SONY VAIO. I talked to the Sony tech support guy but he wasn't very much help either. If anyone has had experience or has technical knowledge about the PCV-RX830 SONY VAIO or knows if sony is very upgradable, please feel free to post here (or how to find out myself even). I'd like to know if I can upgrade the power supply (PSU) from the model Sony put in it to something more powerful (400w+) so that I don't gamble on a PSU.

 

[theMan]

with the 6800, you can unlock the pipes and mod it to a 6800gt. and, you can overclock it, so it gets close to a 6800ultra.

 

[CKXP]

Originally posted by: theman
with the 6800, you can unlock the pipes and mod it to a 6800gt. and, you can overclock it, so it gets close to a 6800ultra.

a 6800nu unlocked & overclocked will still be slower, than a stock 6880gt, but not far behind in performance. remember that the 6800nu only has 128mb of on board memory @700mhz the 6800gt/ultra 256ddr3 1000/1100mhz

 

[Wolfshanze]

a 6800NU unlocked & overclocked will still be slower, than a stock 6800GT

Agreed... the memory type and amount is less then the 6800GT... but it's still nice to get the extra performance out of the 6800NU for free.

I love my 6800GT, but I'd definately rather have a 128MB 6800 then a 256MB 6600. BTW, the 128MB 6600GT is also faster then the 256MB 6600.

Sorry, but I can't help with the question on the PSU for the Sony Vaio... what's the wattage on your current Sony PSU? In a worst-case scenario, you can probably "de-Sony-tize" your computer by purchasing a new standard-ATX case and transfering the parts over to it... but only if your Sony Vaio MB is of the right format layout (it may be a propriety format MB, itself, which would be a no-go on switching cases). If you don't know about switching MBs out and that sort of stuff, have a knowledgeable friend look at your computer and then ask if it can be done (don't even try if you're not sure).

 

[sainthoodx]

Is there such a thing as an AGP 256mb 6800GT? I searched new egg and it was a no-go!

 

[charloscarlies]

Originally posted by: sainthoodx
Is there such a thing as an AGP 256mb 6800GT? I searched new egg and it was a no-go!

Yes there is.

 

[BlacKJesuS]

Originally posted by: sainthoodx
Is there such a thing as an AGP 256mb 6800GT? I searched new egg and it was a no-go!

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814108137R

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: sainthoodx
Is there such a thing as an AGP 256mb 6800GT? I searched new egg and it was a no-go!

Yup, the computer I'm typing this message on has just such a card. The supply of these things dried up lately so they're getting tougher to find new.

 

[sainthoodx]

Yeah, I noticed the 256 AGP 6800s are generally Out of Stock or Back Order! Is the process of getting one from Out of Stock/ Back Order basically like waiting in a line where they are continually getting more in and shipping them to customers or is it just out indefinately for a while for everybody?

 

[videoclone]

Originally posted by: CKXP

Originally posted by: theman
with the 6800, you can unlock the pipes and mod it to a 6800gt. and, you can overclock it, so it gets close to a 6800ultra.

a 6800nu unlocked & overclocked will still be slower, than a stock 6880gt, but not far behind in performance. remember that the 6800nu only has 128mb of on board memory @700mhz the 6800gt/ultra 256ddr3 1000/1100mhz

I would like to know where i can buy a 6880gt from ^___^ sound like an awsome card!
i love you!

 

[Wolfshanze]

Yeah, I noticed the 256 AGP 6800s are generally Out of Stock or Back Order! Is the process of getting one from Out of Stock/ Back Order basically like waiting in a line where they are continually getting more in and shipping them to customers or is it just out indefinately for a while for everybody?

I would like to know where i can buy a 6880gt from ^___^ sound like an awsome card! i love you!

Hehehe... Getting an AGP 6800GT* is liking finding a needle in a haystack nowadays. NVidia is moving away from this chipset all-together and supply is drying-up fast. Unless you're willing to pony-up incredible stacks of cash for the equally hard-to-find AGP 6800U, then the 6800GT is the fastest card you will ever get for an AGP platform.

You basically have two choices for top-of-the-line AGP cards... get a 6800GT NOW (like yesterday) while you still can, or wait a few more weeks/months and get a 6800GS which will be coming out for AGP... it will cost less then a 6800GT (but it will also be a tad slower).

I just bought a 6800GT for my AGP rig a few weeks ago... these guys still stock them reguarly... if you get a quote from Price Watch you can get them to drop the price another $30 bucks (I got mine for $355 from these guys)... anyways, try futurepower PC... they carry the last of the 6800GTs (and the king, from BFG):
http://www.futurepowerpc.com/scripts/details.asp?PRDCODE=VCBF-R68256GTOC

FuturepowerPC is a reputable on-line company with a good rating on resellerratings.com

You can search Price Watch for other places, but I can't garauntee the quality of the seller (make sure you check them on resellerratings). One thing I can say, NewEgg is DONE carrying this chipset, so you'll have to look elsewhere:
http://www.pricewatch.com/prc.aspx?i=37&a=713305

If you guys are serious about getting the last-of-the-great AGP video cards, the above links are your best bet. Good luck... I really love my BFG 6800GT OC (remember the BFG 6800GT's are overclocked out of the box and carry a lifetime warranty from BFG).

*All AGP 6800GT's are 256MB... AFAIK they don't even make 128MB 6800GT's

 

[erwos]

6800GS is supposedly coming out next week.
http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=28094

If it can be unlocked, it'll beat the stuffing out of the 6800U. I'd wait a week and see how it pans out.

-Erwos

 

[Wolfshanze]

If it can be unlocked, it'll beat the stuffing out of the 6800U. I'd wait a week and see how it pans out.

There won't be anything to unlock on the 6800GS, and for the record, the 6800GT is based on the same chipset (NV40). Right off the bat, this card is already slower then the 6800GT, the only way you're going to make it faster is overclocking, but you're not going to come anywhere close to 6800U speeds unless you're incredibly lucky, but you're still more likely to reach those speeds with a 6800GT overclocked. Remember, the 6800GT has a full 16-pipelines, while the 6800GS only has 12-pipelines... that's a lot of power missing. NVidia wised-up after the 6800NU debacle... those missing 4-pipelines will be physically CUT on the AGP 6800GS. No way will the 6800GS approach 6800U ability, and you'll be lucky to outpace a 6800GT as well (given the fact the GT has a 4-pipeline advantage).

This card will be plenty fast for the price, but don't expect the 6800GS to be some sort of miracle card with 6800U speeds for half the price... that's just not what this card is about... it's simply replacing the entire 6800 line for AGP, but it's still not the fastest (or even 2nd fastest) of the 6800 NV40 chipset family. Those titles will still belong to the 6800U and 6800GT.

Remember, this card is targeted to achieve NEARLY 6800GT speeds for a slight savings in cost. There won't be a bunch of pipelines to unlock as in the 6800NU... this card starts-off slightly inferior to the 6800GT, but with a cheaper price-point. Bang for buck, it will be a great card, but it's not the king of the hill for an NVidia AGP card.

If you're willing to put up a few more bucks and find the last of the 6800GT's, you'll get a faster AGP card with the GT, then saving a few bucks with the GS. Of course, if money is tight, the GS is a better value, but NOT the fastest.

 

[hytek369]

Originally posted by: erwos
6800GS is supposedly coming out next week.
http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=28094

If it can be unlocked, it'll beat the stuffing out of the 6800U. I'd wait a week and see how it pans out.

-Erwos

yup, or just stick with 6800

 

[RussianSensation]

Just get 6800GS. It should come in AGP next week.

 

[Wolfshanze]

There won't be anything to unlock with the 6800GS... it'll have 12-working-pipelines and 4-physically cut ones. The 6800GT and 6800U will still be faster with 16-pipelines, just pricier and harder to find.

Bang for buck, the 6800GS is the better deal, but the 6800GT is still the faster card.

P.S.
The 6800GS is replacing the entire AGP line of 6800xx cards... the 6800NU, 6800GT and 6800U will no longer be available retail. If you want one of the faster 16-pipeline 6800GTs or 6800Us, you have to act now (and be prepared to pay the premium).

 

[sainthoodx]

THX FOR INFO! How would i get Futurepower PC to drop the price down in price? Do i email them the price of the Pricewatch one and have them drop the price? Do they do pricematching regularly? Whatsup

 

[RussianSensation]

Originally posted by: Wolfshanze

Bang for buck, the 6800GS is the better deal, but the 6800GT is still the faster card.
If you want one of the faster 16-pipeline 6800GTs or 6800Us, you have to act now (and be prepared to pay the premium).

When you mean faster, its not something you'll probably notice.

6800GT = 16 x 350 = 5600 fillrate, 1000mhz memory
6800GS = 12 x 425 = 5100 fillrate, 1000mhz memory

Performance difference is very close. 6800GS vs. 6800GT

But $100 or so savings from 6800GS vs. 6800GT on AGP you'll notice

 

[sainthoodx]

Originally posted by: Wolfshanze

I just bought a 6800GT for my AGP rig a few weeks ago... these guys still stock them reguarly... if you get a quote from Price Watch you can get them to drop the price another $30 bucks (I got mine for $355 from these guys)... anyways, try futurepower PC... they carry the last of the 6800GTs (and the king, from BFG):

I was still wondering how the process of pricematching works on Futurepower PC.

I'm also curious to know the specs differences between the Geforce ti4600 and a Geforce 6800GT. Purely for the sake of curiosity. I'm thinking it might be too different to compair (like pipelines and so on)?

 

[RussianSensation]

Here get this:

$299 - 50MIR X850XT = $250

LINK

 

[sainthoodx]

Originally posted by: RussianSensation
Here get this:

$299 - 50MIR X850XT = $250

LINK

what do you guys think about this alternative? Is there any reason why i shouldn't do this? I have no problem with switching from NVidia to ATI. I'm surprised this card hasn't come up in any posts so far . Its 300$ and it matches the 380$ 6800gt card. Please discuss.