Ati Vs. Nvidia?

FacTorFacTor Wyoming, MI Join Date: 2002-12-17 Member: 10916Members
<div class="IPBDescription">Who wins?</div> Well, I have been looking into purchasing my first AlienWare ever.. and I am stuck at the video card only...

I originally snagged a Nvidia GeForce FX 5750.. then I come to see that all the Nvidia cards stall the delivery date by about 30 days... So I would recieve the computer on November 1st if I ordered right now.

However.. the ATI RADEON™ X800 XT.. while an extra 200 dollars.. doesnt stall it at all.. It comes in 9 days.. October 4th..

So all in all.. who really wins in quality?

Ive heard pros and cons on both brands.. and im still confused..
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Comments

  • Dorian_GrayDorian_Gray Join Date: 2004-02-15 Member: 26581Members, Constellation
    edited September 2004
    Dear lord... that title is ASKING for a flamewar. I can see it already... "OMG ATI PWNZ0RZ NVIDIA"... "SUYF NUB NVIDIA > ATI".

    As for the question at hand... NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER get a GeForce FX. They are widely regarded to be the worst video cards ever. Even by nVidia fanboys. If you want an X800XT, get an X800 Pro VIVO and you can softmod it to an XT, possibly even an XT-PE. But FFS, don't get the FX series.

    Edit: only the X800 Pro's with VIVO can be softmodded. Just to emphasize.
  • QuaunautQuaunaut The longest seven days in history... Join Date: 2003-03-21 Member: 14759Members, Constellation, Reinforced - Shadow
    Someone go PM Talesin

    Frankly, ATi is whupping NVidia's **** right now, plain ans simple. Only the 6800 even compares- and there, NVidias drivers these days are just such crap that you're basically screwed anyway.
  • EpidemicEpidemic Dark Force Gorge Join Date: 2003-06-29 Member: 17781Members
    Dear god...

    Go for ati

    kthxbye
  • DragonMechDragonMech Join Date: 2003-09-19 Member: 21023Members, Constellation, Reinforced - Shadow
    edited September 2004
    1) Why buy alienware? You can build your own PC for half the cost...
    2) I would personally go with ATI, but that is because I am an ATI fan myself, and because of how well it runs the source engine (which HL2 will be based on). It's really a matter of personal preference - an x800 or 6800 will play modern games very well.

    [EDIT] I'm serious about building your own PC. What are the specs you are looking at for your computer? I bet I could build you a similar one with parts from newegg at 25-50% less than alienware. Also, I would like to point out that alienware doesn't have the best reputation for quality; they only score an 8.08 at reselleratings.com. Have a look at <a href='http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv' target='_blank'>Monarch Computer Systems</a> (9.5 @ resellerratings.com) if you want a pre-built system.
  • TychoCelchuuuTychoCelchuuu Anememone Join Date: 2002-03-23 Member: 345Members
    <!--QuoteBegin-Dragon_Mech+Sep 25 2004, 09:41 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Dragon_Mech @ Sep 25 2004, 09:41 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> 1) Why buy alienware? You can build your own PC for half the cost...
    2) I would personally go with ATI, but that is because I am an ATI fan myself, and because of how well it runs the source engine (which HL2 will be based on). It's really a matter of personal preference - an x800 or 6800 will play modern games very well. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    First: Seconded.

    Second: Seconded.

    He speaks the truth: if you have enough money to buy an Alienware, you have enough to buy a much better computer. And then some left over to spend on Bawls and games.
  • QuaunautQuaunaut The longest seven days in history... Join Date: 2003-03-21 Member: 14759Members, Constellation, Reinforced - Shadow
    <!--QuoteBegin-TychoCelchuuu+Sep 25 2004, 05:45 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (TychoCelchuuu @ Sep 25 2004, 05:45 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> <!--QuoteBegin-Dragon_Mech+Sep 25 2004, 09:41 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Dragon_Mech @ Sep 25 2004, 09:41 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> 1) Why buy alienware? You can build your own PC for half the cost...
    2) I would personally go with ATI, but that is because I am an ATI fan myself, and because of how well it runs the source engine (which HL2 will be based on). It's really a matter of personal preference - an x800 or 6800 will play modern games very well. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    First: Seconded.

    Second: Seconded.

    He speaks the truth: if you have enough money to buy an Alienware, you have enough to buy a much better computer. And then some left over to spend on Bawls and games. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    First: Their cases are cooler than anything anyone on these boards can make(#cri leader guy included. Hamsters are cool, but not as cool as shining metal, specially designed).

    2. I have a NVidia in my PC. I still say ATi. Thank you.
  • FacTorFacTor Wyoming, MI Join Date: 2002-12-17 Member: 10916Members
    1. Alienware offers tons of bonuses and free offers. Also I am horrible at building things.
    2. ATI is my choice now.
  • DragonMechDragonMech Join Date: 2003-09-19 Member: 21023Members, Constellation, Reinforced - Shadow
    <!--QuoteBegin-FacTor+Sep 25 2004, 06:51 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (FacTor @ Sep 25 2004, 06:51 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> 1. Alienware offers tons of bonuses and free offers. Also I am horrible at building things.
    2. ATI is my choice now. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Alright, but another gaming PC company you might want to look at is <a href='http://www.voodoopc.com/' target='_blank'>Voodoo PC</a> - they make great machines and have a good reseller rating.
  • Rapier7Rapier7 Join Date: 2004-02-05 Member: 26108Members
    edited September 2004
    Actually in terms of high-range cards, the XT-PE edges out the 6800 Ultra in most DX9 based games. Though both cards will satisfy your appetite just nicely.

    However, ATi uses a non-standard DX shader that isn't supported by Microsoft, there could be some driver issues later on.

    For the midrange, the 6600 GT beats the X700XT.

    It depends on what you want.

    If you decide to go with the high-end, I would recommend an Antec True Power 480 at least, or an OCZ Powerstream PSU because these bad boys take up a lot of juice.

    You also need to keep in mind that you'll need a good processor to keep up with your GPU nowadays. If you want to OC, I would suggest the socket 754 route with the DFI LAN Party UT, hands down THE best OCer motherboard for the socket and get the 3000+ A64 and OC it to 2.46 ghz, couple it with a gig of any type of RAM (A64s' on-die memory controller minimizes bandwith and timing importance for RAM) and you're good to go.

    Alternatively, if you want an upgrade route, wait for the DFI LAN Party UT for socket 939, as it'll be just as good, but with a newer socket. THe price premium so far is pretty big, though.

    To put it succinctly, this new ATi vs nVidia war is very much a tie, I would flip a coin for the high end, and go with the 6600 GT (in most cases, unless HL2 is a VERY big factor in your decision) for midrange.

    I win, everybody who spoke before loses.

    <!--emo&::asrifle::--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/asrifle.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='asrifle.gif' /><!--endemo--> <!--emo&::asrifle::--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/asrifle.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='asrifle.gif' /><!--endemo--> <!--emo&::asrifle::--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/asrifle.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='asrifle.gif' /><!--endemo-->

    Edit: Alienware sucks.

    Sucks.....<span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'>Sucks</span>.........<span style='font-size:17pt;line-height:100%'>Sucks</span>.........<span style='font-size:19pt;line-height:100%'>SUCKS</span>

    Seriously, get a tutorial on how to build computers, it's as easy as putting lego together, honestly (except for the CPU+HSF). And then get a good community like Anandtech or Hard OCP to hold your hand while you go through step by step.
  • EpidemicEpidemic Dark Force Gorge Join Date: 2003-06-29 Member: 17781Members
    Rapier is evil Nvidia fan boi...


    ATI is good for you... [/hiss]
  • Rapier7Rapier7 Join Date: 2004-02-05 Member: 26108Members
    Epidemic, please back up your statements with facts if you want to make blatant accusations.

    I've said before that ATi generally has superiority in DX9 based games, though the NV40 line is still very much so competitive, and nVidia uses an updated shader, while ATi uses an unofficial one.

    If you just want to play Half Life 2, go with ATi.

    If you want some flexibility, go with nVidia.
  • EpidemicEpidemic Dark Force Gorge Join Date: 2003-06-29 Member: 17781Members
    I was kidding <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /><!--endemo-->
  • Rapier7Rapier7 Join Date: 2004-02-05 Member: 26108Members
    <!--QuoteBegin-Epidemic+Sep 25 2004, 08:12 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Epidemic @ Sep 25 2004, 08:12 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> I was kidding <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /><!--endemo--> <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Based on what you said previously, I didn't think you were.

    " Dear god...

    Go for ati

    kthxbye"
  • CommunistWithAGunCommunistWithAGun Local Propaganda Guy Join Date: 2003-04-30 Member: 15953Members
    edited September 2004
    Regardless of what video card is "best" we can all agree that buying an alienware is not only foolish but a very big waste of money. For the same price theyre asking for a system you could build a top of the line 64bit/ PCIX system. Sad really.

    edit: I use to swear by nvidia and I am now a proud owner of a 9800 pro <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
  • MantridMantrid Lockpick Join Date: 2003-12-07 Member: 24109Members
    I'm happy with my ATi 9800 XT. Partly because of the awesome capabilities, and partly because of the free HL2.
  • Har_Har_the_PirateHar_Har_the_Pirate Join Date: 2003-08-10 Member: 19388Members, Constellation
    well, the 6000 series is quite good no matter what anyone says, people are always gonna be fan boys of one side or another... i garantee you that many ATI fanboys were fanboys when ATI was kinda crappy... so dont listen to anyone who only gives a one sided arguemtn

    back on topic
    DONT GET THE NVIDIA FX series plz

    any ati 9600 and up and any x800 will do just great for what you need in gaming most likely

    the nvidia 6800 is also great and 6600 looks solid but isnt out yet,

    $200, go ATI get a 9800 pro etc BUT when the 6600 gt hits stores tides will turn, until the x700 comes out than it will be in the air (bench marks for 6600 gt kill the 9800 pro, which it should considering its a year late)

    $300-350 x800 and 6800 plain are both about same, though ati has done well

    $350-420 range the 6800gt is really the best,

    $450-800 ATI and Nvidia look both good, but ATI might be a bit better with the x800 xt than the 6800 ultra, but what the hell is the point of getting that expensive of a card

    ALSO i wouldnt get a alienware, too expensive these are great companies

    www.ibuypower.com
    www.abspc.com
    www.awholelotmorecomputersitesarecheaperthanalienware.com
    www.e4me.com (hehe just kidding)
  • FacTorFacTor Wyoming, MI Join Date: 2002-12-17 Member: 10916Members
    Well, small change of plans..

    After we drop payments on our other house(meaning we get rid of it), we will have plenty more money. So my mom and her boyfriend have agreed to let me spend as much as I damn well please on a computer after that...

    My choice...

    Alienware Area-51... ALX...
  • TychoCelchuuuTychoCelchuuu Anememone Join Date: 2002-03-23 Member: 345Members
    <!--QuoteBegin-FacTor+Sep 26 2004, 01:21 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (FacTor @ Sep 26 2004, 01:21 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Well, small change of plans..

    After we drop payments on our other house(meaning we get rid of it), we will have plenty more money. So my mom and her boyfriend have agreed to let me spend as much as I damn well please on a computer after that...

    My choice...

    Alienware Area-51... ALX... <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    That's a gross misuse of funds. GROSS MISUSE.

    That said go with a Falcon Northwest custom painted PC.
  • QuaunautQuaunaut The longest seven days in history... Join Date: 2003-03-21 Member: 14759Members, Constellation, Reinforced - Shadow
    <!--QuoteBegin-FacTor+Sep 26 2004, 09:21 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (FacTor @ Sep 26 2004, 09:21 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Well, small change of plans..

    After we drop payments on our other house(meaning we get rid of it), we will have plenty more money. So my mom and her boyfriend have agreed to let me spend as much as I damn well please on a computer after that...

    My choice...

    Alienware Area-51... ALX... <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Dude, use their website to max it out. The more expensive it is, use it. Get several monitors, the whole shabiz. Duel CPUs. Comon! As you please...that'll be about 14-18k please <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/biggrin-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
  • ThaldarinThaldarin Alonzi&#33; Join Date: 2003-07-15 Member: 18173Members, Constellation
    edited September 2004
    I'd say ATi, I'm currently running a 9200 and it has performed much better and cooler than the previous TNT2, GF2 MX and GF4 MX's that I have owned.

    You can also tell which card is better to buy from the previous and new HL2 hardware survey, ATi has had a big increase in sales as of recent too.

    EDIT: I recommend using the ATi trade up program, get $50 knocked off of your new video card if you live in the U.S.A.
  • FacTorFacTor Wyoming, MI Join Date: 2002-12-17 Member: 10916Members
    Lol, stop talking about Half Life 2, thats not what I want... I could care less about HL..

    I mainly play BF 1942, Halo, Unreal Tournament 2004, and MMORPG's
  • WheeeeWheeee Join Date: 2003-02-18 Member: 13713Members, Reinforced - Shadow
    edited September 2004
    ...but you post on an HL mod forum <!--emo&???--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/confused-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='confused-fix.gif' /><!--endemo--> wth?
  • ZaggyZaggy NullPointerException The Netherlands Join Date: 2003-12-10 Member: 24214Forum Moderators, NS2 Playtester, Reinforced - Onos, Subnautica Playtester
    If I'm right, the ATI drivers tend to be buggy, but the Radeon 9800 Pro is an excellent card..
  • FacTorFacTor Wyoming, MI Join Date: 2002-12-17 Member: 10916Members
    Lol.. because I play this mod, but I dont need a new computer for this...

    Anyway.. figured out my new setup im getting in 3 monthes...

    Warranty: 1-Year AlienCare Toll-Free 24/7 Phone Support with Onsite Service
    Operating System: Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional with Service Pack 2
    Desktop Enhancements: Exclusive AlienGUIse Theme Manager
    AlienRespawn: Alienware® Respawn Recovery Kit
    Chassis: Alienware® ALX Full-Tower Case - Space Black
    Power Supply: 650 Watt Power Supply
    ALX Heavy Duty Power Cable: Alienware® ALX System Power Cable
    Thermal Management System: Alienware® ALX Active Liquid Cooling System
    Performance-Enhancement: Alienware® ALX System Performance-Enhancement
    Performance-Enhancement: Alienware® ALX Graphics Performance-Enhancement
    Motherboard: ASUS® P5AD2 Premium - Intel 925X Motherboard
    Processor: Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor w/ HT Technology 3.6GHz with 1MB Cache Operating @ 4.0GHz
    Memory: 2GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz- 2 x 1024MB
    Video Card: NVIDIA® GeForce™ 6800 Ultra PCI Express 256MB DDR3 w/Dual Digital and TV Out
    Video Optimizer: AlienAdrenaline: Video Performance Optimizer
    Video Cooling: AlienIce™ 2.0 Video Cooling System
    System Drive: Extreme Performance - Serial ATA RAID 0 - 148GB (74GB x 2) Western Digital® Raptor™ 10,000 RPM w/16MB Cache
    Optical Drive One: Plextor® PlexWriter Premium 52x32x52x CD-RW Drive
    Optical Drive Two: Plextor® PX-712A 12x DVD±R/W Drive
    Sound Card: Creative Sound Blaster® Audigy® 2 ZS High Definition 7.1 Surround
    Network Connection: High Speed Gigabit Ethernet
    ALX High Performance Network Cable: Alienware® ALX Network Cable
    ALX Wireless Keyboard and Mouse: Alienware® ALX Wireless Optical Desktop Elite by Microsoft®
    Game Controllers: Alienware® Ideazon Zboard™ Doom 3 Bundle
    Game Controllers: Logitech® MX™1000 Laser Cordless Mouse
    Game Controllers: Saitek Cyborg 3D Rumble Stick
    Headphones: Plantronics® DSP-500 USB Digital Headset w/MIC
    ALX Out Of Box Experience: Exclusive Alienware® ALX Items
    Alienware Exclusive Offers: Gamespot Complete - Free 90-day Trial (a $20.85 value)
    Alienware Exclusive Offers: 10% off your next EB Games online purchase
    Games: Battlefield 1942: World War II Anthology
    Games: Star Wars Battlefront
    Games: The Sims 2
    Benchmark Software: 3DMark®03 Standard Edition
    Alienware Gear: Alienware® Clear Acrylic and Stainless Steel Tumbler
    Alienware Gear: Alienware® Ceramic Mug - Black
    Free Alienware T-Shirt: Free Alienware® ALX T-Shirt - Black
    Free Alienware Mousepad: Free Alienware® ALX Mousepad (a $19.99 Value!)
    AlienInspection: AlienInspection - Exclusive Integration and Inspection - $99.99 Value - FREE!
    Automated Support: AlienAutopsy: Automated Technical Support Request System
  • ChargeCharge Join Date: 2003-02-05 Member: 13144Members
  • TommyVercettiTommyVercetti Join Date: 2003-02-10 Member: 13390Members, Constellation, Reinforced - Shadow
    I'm gettin' an Athlon 64 FX-53/X800 XT PE system soon... it's gonna pwn the pants off HL2.
  • WhiteZeroWhiteZero That Guy Join Date: 2004-06-24 Member: 29511Members, Constellation
    <!--QuoteBegin-Zaggy+Sep 26 2004, 11:42 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Zaggy @ Sep 26 2004, 11:42 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> If I'm right, the ATI drivers tend to be buggy, but the Radeon 9800 Pro is an excellent card.. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    That was a year ago, back when ATi rarely put out display driver updates. Now their pretty solid and more frequent.
  • Har_Har_the_PirateHar_Har_the_Pirate Join Date: 2003-08-10 Member: 19388Members, Constellation
    im getting a 6800 (269$) a 6800gt (380$)(nice game bundle too, Prince of Persia, and splinter cell) or im gonna get a 6600 gt (200$ as of now) but that is just on pre order
  • DrSuredeathDrSuredeath Join Date: 2002-11-11 Member: 8217Members
    edited September 2004
    <a href='http://www.alienware.com/Configurator_Pages/dhd_303.aspx?SysCode=PC-DHD303&SubCode=SKU-DEFAULT' target='_blank'>http://www.alienware.com/Configurator_Page...ode=SKU-DEFAULT</a>
    I want this.

    PS: ATI ROXOR!
  • IsamilIsamil Join Date: 2003-11-25 Member: 23552Members, Constellation
    Why are you getting an Intel? FX-57(I think thats the newest) is what you want. And why are you getting a 6800 ultra. X800XTPE for teh win.
    Sheesh, people with tons of money never research what they're getting...
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