The GX2 is hard to ignore...

[TouGe]

I finally ordered my GX2 earlier today.
I had purchased a 3870X2 but it arrived damaged so I sent it back. By the time everything settled and my account had been credited the 9800GX2's were released. After reading reviews on the GX2 and seeing some comparisons involving COD4 & WiC I'm glad my 3870X2 was damaged.

I definitely liked my OC'd 8800GTX, it performed rather well @ 1920x1200. My 2 OC'd 1GB 2900XT's were okay but nothing special, there were no magic drivers as some suggested. Now, if these GX2's are the beasts that I believe them to be, I will be happy once again.

[Talonman]

I'm sure you will love your GX2 TouGe!!

http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/200...raphics_card/9

"What's interesting is the fact that the GeForce 9800 GX2 is slightly faster than a pair of GeForce 8800 GTS 512MB cards right across the board—even despite the 50MHz core and 125MHz shader clock speed deficits. We knew that the GeForce 8800 GTS 512MB was memory bandwidth limited, but a 30MHz increase in memory speed shouldn't be all that it takes to alleviate that problem. We're not alone seeing this though, so it looks like the BR04-300 chip is working its magic in one way or another".

"Again, we see another impressive showing from the GeForce 9800 GX2 – it manages to eke out a 10 percent performance advantage over the GeForce 8800 GTS 512MB SLI configuration at both 1920x1200 2xAA 16xAF and 2560x1600 0xAA 16xAF with all of the in-game details turned up to the 'Very High' preset".

"Not only that, but it's also considerably faster than the GeForce 8800 GTS 512MB SLI configuration again. Nvidia hasn't really been specific on the performance advancements made between the GeForce 9800 GX2 and the GeForce 8800 GTS 512MB SLI configurations, but I can't quite believe that an almost 30 percent performance differential can be made up with a driver drop—at least not in a game that's been out for a relatively long time".

Your GX2 has the 'new' BR04-300 chip in it, that makes a GX2 faster than two higher clocked 8800 512MB GTS'es in SLI.

The reviewer dosen't believe a driver update alone, could account for the 30% speed increase that the GX2 showed over the SLI GTS config...
Looks like it will at least take 2 SLI'ed 9800 GTX'es to officially beat one GX2. Two SLI'ed GTS'es won't quite do it, despite the 50MHz core and 125MHz shader clock speed difference.


Here is the BR04-300-A1 version found on a 780i mobo... http://www.oc-forum.org/nForce-7-t21680.html

Here is the GX2's NP200-SLI-A2 version... http://www.techpowerup.com/img/08-01-28/1-9.jpg

I think the NP200-SLI-A2 chip, is the GX2's updated version of the BR04-300-A1?

Is this correct?

This is the built in SLI chip, that is normally found on a mobo, that the GX2 has on board... Sweet!

The GX2 has the A2 revision, even over the 780i's with it's A1...

So... Intel baised mobo's are going to get faster 2 card SLI speed, than the boy's running official SLI compatible old chiped mobo's, providing the card the intel member selected was the GX2!!
Ain't that a kick in the pants...

The A2 revision on the SLI chip...(snicker)... It's just faster!

[TouGe]

^^Yeah I am having a hard time playing games right now knowing that everything will look so much better once my GX2 arrives on Monday.

SLI or tri SLI in regards to the GTX is definitely out of the question. I went through 4 680i boards (3 EVGA & 1 Giga) last winter and really don't feel like going through that debacle again this year w/ their 780i's eventhough I am sure things have matured substantially since then. I can't quite get that bad taste out of my mouth. Intel chipsets (975/p35/X38) have always worked for me (4 for 4 so far) so I choose the path of least resistance.
If the card is as good as some of the reviews state then I should be all set until the end of the year then maybe I'll revisit ATi's offerings again or buy the next gen Nvidia flagship.
As much as I dislike Nvidia sometimes, when it comes to their latest generation of cards, their Sh!+ just works. I've tried really hard to like ATi but.....

[Talonman]

Monday should bring you a whole new gear!

Good luck on your install.

[Buckeye]

Good stuff up there Talonman !

I can wait until I can get both of my 9800gx2's running

[Talonman]

Thanks...

I guess the GX2 has a (lower latency) pci express controller.

[Nunzi]

I finally ordered my GX2 earlier today.
I had purchased a 3870X2 but it arrived damaged so I sent it back. By the time everything settled and my account had been credited the 9800GX2's were released. After reading reviews on the GX2 and seeing some comparisons involving COD4 & WiC I'm glad my 3870X2 was damaged.

I definitely liked my OC'd 8800GTX, it performed rather well @ 1920x1200. My 2 OC'd 1GB 2900XT's were okay but nothing special, there were no magic drivers as some suggested. Now, if these GX2's are the beasts that I believe them to be, I will be happy once again.

Good luck with your new card... I had a 8800gtxu now have 2 3870x2's
on the maximus formula working good sofar.

[TouGe]

Good luck with your new card... I had a 8800gtxu now have 2 3870x2's
on the maximus formula working good sofar.

I was really considering running 2 3870X2's but the thought of being tied to Windows Vista in order to use 4 GPU's is kind of a turn off at the moment. I guess the same could be said with running two GX2's. I think I'm just going to stick w/ a "single" card solution for the time being. Maybe after the next gen cards come out I'll reconsider, if I don't have to sell a kidney in order to purchase two of them.
How are the two cards behaving in crossfire? With so much riding on these cards you would think ATi would be working overtime trying to make quad GPU's compatable w/ as many of the current titles as possible.

[Nunzi]

I was really considering running 2 3870X2's but the thought of being tied to Windows Vista in order to use 4 GPU's is kind of a turn off at the moment. I guess the same could be said with running two GX2's. I think I'm just going to stick w/ a "single" card solution for the time being. Maybe after the next gen cards come out I'll reconsider, if I don't have to sell a kidney in order to purchase two of them.
How are the two cards behaving in crossfire? With so much riding on these cards you would think ATi would be working overtime trying to make quad GPU's compatable w/ as many of the current titles as possible.

surprisingly great have played a lot of different games & all are working great
had nvidia cards for the longest, thought is was time for a change it should get even better as the drivers come out

INJOY.......

[videogamer323]

TouGe let us know your experiences with the GX2 when you get it. I'm still on the fence and tomorrow supposedly the GTX is coming out so we will see official numbers (unless it is some SICK April fools joke). Just remember take everything around this time with a grain of salt lol.

[CedricFP]

A little off topic, but this thread just serves to remind me how badly ATI have dropped the ball. I remember when they really were king in the GFX department.

When I owned an 19XTX... I loved the red. I still do actually. Prior to that I had an X800 and before that even a Rage Pro...

The GX2 looks like a god buy. But remember all the problems with the 7 GX2... shoddy driver support etc.

I prefer true single card solutions any day of the week.

[TouGe]

TouGe let us know your experiences with the GX2 when you get it. I'm still on the fence and tomorrow supposedly the GTX is coming out so we will see official numbers (unless it is some SICK April fools joke). Just remember take everything around this time with a grain of salt lol.

Its here!!! UPS just dropped it off a couple of hours ago. I'm definitely liking how Nvidia put both cards in a single enclosure. It doesn't even look like a video card, very sleek.
I gave 3DMark06 a run:

Edit: Removed image because ImageShack _uck_ @$$!

Sorry about the image size, I thought I uploaded it @ 1920x1200. The score is 18919 in case people can't read it. The card is still stock for that test. I'm not sure if that's good or not since I don't run 3DMark that often. I'll do more testing after I finish installing windows again.

I just want to finish by saying that I am definitely happy with this purchase. More later....

Edit: Here's the results link.

[videogamer323]

That was in the day of very crappy SLI support, today is better, but far from perfect. Which is why I really have my fingers crossed for the GTX but I think it's probably useless. I'll get a gx2 and hope it lasts till the 10xxx series when Nvidia actually brings something decent out (or ATI).

[Talonman]

Just ordered my EVGA SSC GX2 OC'ed to 675MHz. Not as high of an OC as I had hoped, but I can still deal with it.

It cost me $625.99 with UPS Ground shipping...

I hope it dosen't take too long to go from EVGA to Ohio.

[lefy]

what's with the current evga GX2 family pricing?

9800GX2 SSC 675/2100 $610
9800GX2 KO 650/2050 $600
9800GX2 SC 625/2000 $590
9800GX2 600/2000 $600??

why would anyone buy the stock clocks for $600 when you can get the KO for the same price? i guess if i'm going to do the step up then I'll go for the SSC

[Buckeye]

Just ordered my EVGA SSC GX2 OC'ed to 675MHz. Not as high of an OC as I had hoped, but I can stoll deal with it.

It cost me $625.99 with UPS Ground shipping...

I hope it dosen't take too long to go from EVGA to Ohio.

Woot !!!!

Congratz Talonman !!!

[Stanley Pain]

^^Yeah I am having a hard time playing games right now knowing that everything will look so much better once my GX2 arrives on Monday.

SLI or tri SLI in regards to the GTX is definitely out of the question. I went through 4 680i boards (3 EVGA & 1 Giga) last winter and really don't feel like going through that debacle again this year w/ their 780i's eventhough I am sure things have matured substantially since then. I can't quite get that bad taste out of my mouth. Intel chipsets (975/p35/X38) have always worked for me (4 for 4 so far) so I choose the path of least resistance.
If the card is as good as some of the reviews state then I should be all set until the end of the year then maybe I'll revisit ATi's offerings again or buy the next gen Nvidia flagship.
As much as I dislike Nvidia sometimes, when it comes to their latest generation of cards, their Sh!+ just works. I've tried really hard to like ATi but.....

I know how you feel.

I, aswell have been burned by a few Nvidia chipsets, whereas my Intel chipset boards have been nothing but rock solid stable.

Right now I'd love to get another 8800 GTX in SLI, but my Asus Maximus won't do SLI .

I'm really tempted to upgrade to a single GX2, but I think I'll wait and see what's around the corner Crossfire wise and then make a choice.

[Talonman]

Woot !!!!

Congratz Talonman !!!

Thanks buddy...

I will be an official intel based mobo SLI user soon!!

[TouGe]

Just ordered my EVGA SSC GX2 OC'ed to 675MHz. Not as high of an OC as I had hoped, but I can stoll deal with it.

It cost me $625.99 with UPS Ground shipping...

I hope it dosen't take too long to go from EVGA to Ohio.

Congrats. How could you go ground? Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. I believe its around a 26-30HR drive from Ohio to California, unless you drive super-fast.

what's with the current evga GX2 family pricing?

9800GX2 SSC 675/2100 $610
9800GX2 KO 650/2050 $600
9800GX2 SC 625/2000 $590
9800GX2 600/2000 $600??

why would anyone buy the stock clocks for $600 when you can get the KO for the same price? i guess if i'm going to do the step up then I'll go for the SSC

Actually I would buy the stock clocked GPU unless there was a change in the cooling mechanism or a change in GDDR or whatever that I thought was better than the reference design. These cards clock so easy. I'm already stable at 725/1812/1050 w/o trying.

I know how you feel.

I, aswell have been burned by a few Nvidia chipsets, whereas my Intel chipset boards have been nothing but rock solid stable.

Right now I'd love to get another 8800 GTX in SLI, but my Asus Maximus won't do SLI .

I'm really tempted to upgrade to a single GX2, but I think I'll wait and see what's around the corner Crossfire wise and then make a choice.

Yeah, I caught myself reading a review of the new Striker board. Not going to go there because I know I'll just kick myself for it later. I'm really hoping this GPU tides me over for the rest of the year, I think it should. I need to start saving for a good 4 gig kit of DDR3 so I can jump on the DFI x48-T3R when it comes out.

[lefy]

"The following is a list of power supplies which have been tested to work on NVIDIA® GeForce® 9800 GX2. These power supplies meet the requirements for power rating, have at least one 6-pin and one 8-pin PCI Express power connector, and support NVIDIA® HybridPower™ mode". http://www.nvidia.com/object/geforce...wr_supply.html

You can add the Toughpower 1000w Cable Management PSU to the list too...
Ref link: http://www.dvhardware.net/review118_...wer_1000w.html

hmmm... will the Corsair HX620W be enough to power my rig if I swap for a GX2? am I going to need a new psu if I want this card?

edit: i think i just answered my own question by using this power supply calculator. says I need 1002 watts for my rig. off to the PSU forum

[Stanley Pain]

Congrats. How could you go ground? Tick. Tock.

Yeah, I caught myself reading a review of the new Striker board. Not going to go there because I know I'll just kick myself for it later. I'm really hoping this GPU tides me over for the rest of the year, I think it should. I need to start saving for a good 4 gig kit of DDR3 so I can jump on the DFI x48-T3R when it comes out.

What's the deal with that board? Looks like it'll have a "godlike" bios (at least the reviews that I read seem to hint at that).

edit: AHh looks like it has some pretty sweet voltage regulation too

I've been almost tempted to get onto the massive $$$$ bandwagon, and get a skulltrail board. SLI + Crossfire, then I wouldn't have to worry nearly as much about which video.

However, that board + 4GB of DDR3 would definitely break my upgrade fund by a lot. Maybe if I get a good bonus from work I'll jump on it hehe..

[Buckeye]

I have come very, very close myself on the Skulltrail setup. But I do not feel that the cost vs performance is right atm. I think I saw on another post someplace that they might be working on a Skulltrail II, not sure tho ?

If they lower the CPU/RAM requirements it might become more actractive. But for right now, without connections it's a rather stiff price to pay.

[TouGe]

Here is a quick run at 700/1750/1050:

[IMG][/IMG]

I need another image host. ImageShack keeps down sizing my picks. The score is 20688. Here is the futuremark linky: http://service.futuremark.com/compare?3dm06=6050572 and the excel spreadsheet:

GT1 - Return To Proxycon    67.027 FPS        SM2.0 Graphics Tests
GT2 - Firefly Forest    68.900 FPS        SM2.0 Graphics Tests
    CPU1 - Red Valley    2.100 FPS        CPU Tests
    CPU2 - Red Valley    3.108 FPS        CPU Tests
    HDR1 - Canyon Flight    99.514 FPS        HDR/SM3.0 Graphics Tests
    HDR2 - Deep Freeze    86.597 FPS        HDR/SM3.0 Graphics Tests
    Fill Rate - Single-Texturing    11271.156 MTexels/s        Feature Tests
    Fill Rate - Multi-Texturing    67898.984 MTexels/s        Feature Tests
    Pixel Shader    1190.800 FPS        Feature Tests
    Vertex Shader - Simple    3225.951 MVertices/s        Feature Tests
    Vertex Shader - Complex    275.405 MVertices/s        Feature Tests
    Shader Particles (SM3.0)    145.688 FPS        Feature Tests
    Perlin Noise (SM3.0)    402.912 FPS        Feature Tests
    8 Triangles    18.421 MTriangles/s        Batch Size Tests
    32 Triangles    74.883 MTriangles/s        Batch Size Tests
    128 Triangles    290.779 MTriangles/s        Batch Size Tests
    512 Triangles    534.792 MTriangles/s        Batch Size Tests
    2048 Triangles    649.825 MTriangles/s        Batch Size Tests
    32768 Triangles    696.360 MTriangles/s        Batch Size Tests 

There's not much room for me in regards to core clock, 725MHz is not stable for me @ stock voltages in 3Dmark06. I'm still testing Shader and memory right now so will see how high I can get those numbers. With the fan @ 80% (~1300 RPM) my idle temps are 54/48 and I can't distinguish it from the panaflo on my CPU. All in all, very happy so far.

[Talonman]

Thanks for the post!

In Firefly Forest I currently am getting 5.825fps
And you got 68.9... Snicker...

Bracing for upgrade!!

[TouGe]

Thanks for the post!

In Firefly Forest I currently am getting 5.825fps
And you got 68.9... Snicker...

Bracing for upgrade!!

Ouch
You deserve this card more than me.