GeForce 8800 - Which Manu??

{OF}G_Man · 06-21-2007, 08:10 AM

OK, going to get a GeForce 8800 from Newegg.
I'm looking at the reviews, but really don't have a feel for what Manufacturer I should choose ASUS, MSI etc. ???

I would sure appreciate suggestions.

I will prolly go with a 640MB model.

Really not interested in the Ultra, those prices are insane.

Another question: If I SLI'd a couple 8600s/256MB how would that compare to the single 8800?

Soul · 06-21-2007, 08:51 AM

I would choose BFG then eVGA, I have had both and you can't go wrong. I doubt you will find a negative with BFG.

{OF}Erad · 06-21-2007, 09:31 AM

BFG, eVga, or PNY. I have cards from all 3 and never had any issues.

ChemicalWarrior · 06-21-2007, 02:21 PM

eVGA, XFX, PNY, Asus, BFG.

Just some notes:

1.) Two 8600GTS 256MB will be SLOWER (MUCH SLOWER) than a single 8800GTS. Why? Various reasons. For one SLI is not 100% efficient and even in cases today can cause some issues. Even if it was 100% the 8600GTS only has 256MB of memory, the data is duplicated across the cards and therefore you'll run at of memory quickly once you head into higher settings and resolution. Take a look at some 8800GTS 320MB reviews, that card runs out of memory even in a number of case. Therefore I would always suggest a single higher end card over two lower/mid range cards. SLI is highend only, anyone who tells you opposite really is either buying into "two cards are cool" idea or bought a 8600GTS first and then a second later, which really isn't the great idea if you ask me.

2.) Let me tell everyone a little story about BFG. I bought a GeForce 6800 card around six months after they were released from BFG. About another six months into using the card and it failed. Sent the card to BFG for a RMA (they handle shipping, ask for a credit card number if you cross ship) and received a new card in around a quick. I plugged the card in and not 10 minutes later and the screen went crazy with artifacts. Called up BFG, was accused of it being my fault and through a lot of pain (and higher management) was sent another 6800. Received a new card in about a week and before I even had it in my system I knew it was bad. Two screws were missing from the heatsink, the metal slot protector was bent... I was not happy. Put it in the system anyway and of course it was bad. One more time on the phone, lots of "complaining" and then finally a week later a new 6800GS (just released actually) arrived... with no driver disk. The 6800GS was brand new and the official Nvidia drivers online did not support it, the only drivers that did came with the card but I was not sent one of these. So, I eventually found a website with some third party tweaked alpha drivers that worked. To this day the card does work fine, in ilikemitten's computer playing WoW right now. But I have a hard time recommending BFG knowing my trouble. It wasn't just the bad cards, but the way I was treated by the support (it wasn't out sourced at least!) and then a card that was clearly abused badly before...

Soul · 06-21-2007, 02:29 PM

That sucks Chem, I have only heard opposite results with them. I have been sticking to eVGA lately. Thanks for the headsup.

{OF}G_Man · 06-21-2007, 04:22 PM

Thanks for the input.

Thanks Chem for the info on SLI. It was very helpful to me. I will stay with a single high-end card.

I personally have had good luck with ASUS cards & MOBDs for that matter. Video Drivers they package always have worked, and never had to RMA one. I have owned several. Reviews look favorable on their 640 MB 8800 GTS on Newegg, so just might go for that one.

Capt. Insane · 06-21-2007, 04:25 PM

Well, I was going to put BFG first before Chem's post, but I would recommend anything over eVGA. I don't like them at all. I've heard XFX is good, though.

{OF}G_Man · 06-21-2007, 04:46 PM

XFX PVT80GTHF9 GeForce 8800GTS 640MB 320-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail @ $399 / $359 after rebate.

This one looks ok too....hmmmm... decisions, decisions.

Ya, Chem put the HEX on BFG for me too..

ChemicalWarrior · 06-21-2007, 05:25 PM

Sounds good to me, XFX has a great warranty.

{DvT}JonahHex · 06-23-2007, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by {OF}G_Man

XFX PVT80GTHF9 GeForce 8800GTS 640MB 320-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail @ $399 / $359 after rebate.

This one looks ok too....hmmmm... decisions, decisions.

Ya, Chem put the HEX on BFG for me too..

Hex is now here.

I have a pair of EVGA 8800GTX KO cards (768MB vid RAM each), SLI. I chose them because they have an aluminum housing around the fan/heatsink rather than the usual plastic. The 8800s run hot.

I have had one experience w/ EVGA's support: I also have an EVGA mobo and 2 days after I got it I decided to update the BIOS. Due to some glitch somewhere between the download of the update and the installation the BIOS got trashed. No bootee, no workee, no nothin'. I called EVGA tech support, told 'em what happened, he spent about 10 minutes with me trying to resurrect the BIOS, and gave me an RMA number. I got the new board, installed it, updated the BIOS w/o incident (started from scratch, didn't use the original d/l...duh), and have been happy as a clam ever since.