ATI Radeon X800 Pro and XT Platinum Edition: R420 Arrives
by Derek Wilson on May 4, 2004 10:28 AM EST- Posted in
- GPUs
Introduction
Today we herald the release of the new ATI graphics solution. Though the R420 is still based on DX9's PS2.0, performance numbers look to be on par with what we would expect from a company who has lead the industry in performance for nearly two years. The two new board configurations based on R420 at which we will be looking today are the Radeon X800 Pro, and the Radeon X800 XT Platinum Edition. The Radeon X800 Pro is shipping today, but the XT Platinum Edition won't make it out the door until later this month (ATI cites May 21st as the shipping date).
We were skeptical, when the GeForce 6800 Ultra was thrust into the spotlight, that ATI would be able to keep up with their toughest competitor. From the first briefing we had regarding the R420 GPU, we knew it would be an intense fight. Both the NV40 and R420 architectures are very sound and well founded, and the next six months will be a very good time for consumers of computer technology. But before we start handing out the nominations for happiest customer, let's take a look at the new kid on the block.
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l3ored - Tuesday, May 4, 2004 - link
only the 800xt was winning, the pro usually came after the 6800'sKeeksy - Tuesday, May 4, 2004 - link
Yeah, it is funny how ATi excels in DirectX, yet loses in the OpenGL bechmarks. Looks like I'm going to have both an NVIDIA and an ATi card. The first to play Doom3, the other to play HL2.peroni - Tuesday, May 4, 2004 - link
I wish there was some testing done with overclocking.There are quite a few spelling errors in there Derek.
Did I miss something or I did not see any mention of prices for these 2 cards?
Glitchny - Tuesday, May 4, 2004 - link
#11 thats what everyone thought when Nvidia bought all the people from 3dFX and look what happened with that.araczynski - Tuesday, May 4, 2004 - link
i agree with 5 and 10, still the same old stalemate as before, one is good at one thing, the other is good at another. i guess i'll let price dictate my next purchase.but ati sure did take the wind out of nvidia's sails with these numbers.
i wish one of the two would buy the other one out and combine the technologies, one would think they would have a nice product in the end.
eBauer - Tuesday, May 4, 2004 - link
#8 - OpenGL still kicks butt on the nVidia boards. Think of all the Doom3 fans that will buy the 6800's....As for myself, I will wait and see how the prices pan out. For now leaning on the X800.
ViRGE - Tuesday, May 4, 2004 - link
...On the virge of ATI's R420 GPU launch...Derek, I'm so touched that you thought of me. ;)
Tallon - Tuesday, May 4, 2004 - link
Ok, so let's review. with the x800XT having better image quality, better framerates, only taking up one slot for cooling and STILL being cooler, and only needing one molex connecter (uses less power than the 9800 XT, actually), who in their right mind would choose a 6800u over this x800XT? I mean, seriously, NVIDIA is scrambling to release a 6850u now which is exactly identical to a 6800u, it's just overclocked (which means more power and higher temperatures). This is ridiculous. ATI is king.noxipoo - Tuesday, May 4, 2004 - link
ATi wins again.Akaz1976 - Tuesday, May 4, 2004 - link
Dang! On one hand, I am saddened by the review. My recently purchased (last month) Radeon9800PRO would be at the bottom of the chart in most of the tests carried out in this review :(On the other hand this sure bode well for my next vid card upgrade. Even if it is a few months off! :)
Akaz