Bjorn Reviews the Passive Gigabyte GF6800

TheGreatGrapeApe · Nov 8, 2004

Not really sexy, but if you're looking for quiet (without getting into exotic liquids), I'd say this is the current king of the hill, unless Sapphire makes a UE version of the X800 series.

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- You need a licence to buy a gun, but they'll sell anyone a stamp (or internet account) ! - RED GREEN GA to SK :evil:

dd_viper · Nov 8, 2004

Not really sexy

u aint kidding that thing is pretty hideous.

think it really stays cool when at full load? looks like it would burn up in about 10 min of gaming :frown:

Homer: (crying) ahhh i dont remember the last time i cried like this!
Lisa: When u put ur shirt on backwards
Homer: (crying) o ya, (crying) the tag chafed my skin (crying)

TheGreatGrapeApe · Nov 8, 2004

Well a member of nVnews' forums had one (I think that's where I saw it first) and it did OK under load, staying well within range.

It seems very similar to the Ultimate Edition coolers from Sapphire, and consider this is a low speed 12pipe core, it's not likely to get TOO hot, but still hot enough of course (all GF6800s get 'hot'). BTW it does come with a recommended clip on ultra-quiet fan (2 of them IIRC), just like the R9800XT-UE, so it should be OK.

- You need a licence to buy a gun, but they'll sell anyone a stamp (or internet account) ! - RED GREEN GA to SK :evil:

sweatlaserxp · Nov 9, 2004

Why don't you guys like the design? I think it's sleek, understated, and all-around a nice-looking card. I applaud any silent-cooling solution that does the job, and though I'm not a fan of the 6800NU, I would highly consider this one if I were in the market. I do concede that the required BIOS flash is kind of objectionable for a brand-new product.

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Guest · Nov 9, 2004

Its not exactly sexy but its not that bad considering it takes less room than a fan assisted card.

But the heat sink looks puny, can it reall keep it cool?

GeneticWeapon · Nov 9, 2004

I think it looks good, and it comes with Duke Nukem Manhattan Project :lol:

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TheGreatGrapeApe · Nov 9, 2004

It's funny I don't find it great looking, but granted it is elegant in it's design. However it's not sexy in flashy bling as CS calls it, and it doesn't have great brute power like so many other cards out there, but it gets the job done, and you know I'm a fan (no pun) of the elegant quiet, cool, and power efficient solutions.

No it's not the last two, but it is the first. I think that HeatPipe assembly would look much better on a Black PCB. Now that would be a SchWeEet lookin' card IMO!

And Duke Nukem is a great freebie. I just found a palm version of the side scrolling Duke Nukem, Crazy man, I still have that only a floppy somewhere back east amongst the computer graveyard. My sister Loved that game too.

Got love the Classics, even the 2D and 3D versions. :lol:

- You need a licence to buy a gun, but they'll sell anyone a stamp (or internet account) ! - RED GREEN GA to SK :evil:

sweatlaserxp · Nov 9, 2004

You know, when I posted yesterday I hadn't yet seen the heatsink on the opposite side, which isn't as nice as the top side of the card. However, I don't have a window on my computer so it doesn't matter. What matters is that it works.

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TheGreatGrapeApe · Nov 9, 2004

Really when I said sexy, it was more a nod to the specs.

Hey my rig doesn't have a window, and the cooler masyer stacker I plan on getting doesn't have a window either. The only reason I've been even thinking of getting some Corsair PRO memory is to see if the computer is working or locking up, and even then I'd have to open the case to find out.

So another Plain stick of LowLatency for me.

I never did care about the Bling-bling, but it is funny, and those old Hercules did look mighty sweet, especially being backed up by awesome quality.

- You need a licence to buy a gun, but they'll sell anyone a stamp (or internet account) ! - RED GREEN GA to SK :evil:

sweatlaserxp · Nov 9, 2004

When I build my system next summer, I'm considering a <A HREF="http://www.lian-li.com/product.php?action=viewPD&prdid=708&PHPSESSID=0278a2cc0f43906579a8d01e9bd82756" target="_new">black Lian-Li case</A> with a side window. I used to think they were tacky, but since I take so much pride in my computer nowadays I wouldn't mind strutting my stuff (you know how much fast computers impress women

). I probably wouldn't install cold cathode lamps or anything excessive, but a nice blue light from the PSU and some flickering lights on the Corsair sticks would be phat.

And then of course I need a black 19" monitor, black keyboard + mouse, black DVD burner, black <A HREF="http://www.cambridgesoundworks.com/store/category.cgi?category=spk_multimedia&item=k1pkm33e" target="_new">surround speakers</A>... time to start selling crack.

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eden · Nov 11, 2004

Yeah, computers riced up are a whole different paradigm versus rice cars. I too would love to strutt my new PC when I get it. Sweet arse case, nice lighting effects, and a damn fine performing system make the whole package just a little more attractive.

Hehe, imagine though if the RAM LEDs were lighting up at the speed of the memory clock speed. Gives a whole new meaning to disco room with strobe lights!

--
Ede

sweatlaserxp · Nov 12, 2004

What graphics card do you have in mind? Are you just going to wait until it's time to build it to make a decision? I have to wait and see, because of the new ATi cards coming out in January or whenever it is. Right now, I'm most impressed with the 6800GT, although the VP issue is kind of dissappointing. The X800XT is also sweet but it's still a tad bit too expensive.

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eden · Nov 12, 2004

Well, I was really hoping to see the R480 released this year. Quite frankly I am not so sure anymore on what to get. Heck, IF I can get any of the high ends! An XT PE would've been great, but unless AMD drops its prices on the high end A64s, such may not happen. So yeah, I'll probably decide at the last minute.

--
Ede

TheGreatGrapeApe · Nov 12, 2004

I thought you were set on a GF6800GT!?!

- You need a licence to buy a gun, but they'll sell anyone a stamp (or internet account) ! - RED GREEN GA to SK :evil:

GeneticWeapon · Nov 12, 2004

He needs to get anything at this point.

Doom 3 should have forced his hand already.

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rx7000 · Nov 12, 2004

Id be scared putting in a 6800 with passive cooling, the exhaust shooting out the back of my computer from the video card is almost as hot as my car... Id be worried about reaching a certain point where heat soak renders the passive cooling useless.

Asus p4c800 Deluxe,1 Gig Mushkin PC3200 Dual Channel Level II V2,Pentium 4 3.0 512k 800fsb HT, Thermaltake Xaser III, Thermaltake Spark 7+, Sound Blaster Audigy2 ZS Platinum Pro, eVGA GeForce 6800 GT

TheGreatGrapeApe · Nov 12, 2004

Well it's probably OK for 1-2 hrs, but yeah for a long FRAG session I'd be worried more about the affect on the system temps. As long as you have good air-flow I think the Giant radiator with it's little add-in mini-fans would be fine. I think it's only fully passive (like the R9800XT-UE) when it's doing light work, light basic 3D or 2D all day. Of course even the windows 3D pipes screensaver was enough to ramp up the temp of the NV30 slowly to over 120C without the wind tunnel kicking in (issue because the card didn't use a thermal diode, but a 'load sensing' method instead. I'd think for gaming I'd forgo the tiny fans and use a ducted 120mm fan on low RPM to get the most out of the card and still remain quiet.

- You need a licence to buy a gun, but they'll sell anyone a stamp (or internet account) ! - RED GREEN GA to SK :evil:

TheGreatGrapeApe · Nov 12, 2004

Well with HL2 coming out in a few days, if Eden doesn't have a new card by Jan 02, 2005 I will be very dissapointed in the young 'man'. Especially with a job at Staples/BusinessDespot/BureauEnGros where he can get those cutting edge cards like the MX4000! :evil:

I've seen his rig plans, and I think they are pretty nice. I think he should perhaps settle for an AMD64 3500+ to start instead of worrying about paying about twice as much for a 3800+, and take the difference and get a good Graphics card. The CPUs will become cheaper far quicker than the cards IMO. And wasting your money on a temporary solution like an X300/PCX5xxx would be unwise. Maybe getting an integrated RSX200 ATI mobo would be an 'acceptable' stepping stone, but we (well I know I am) will still make fun of 'mr integrated graphics', til he pops something better inside. :lol:

- You need a licence to buy a gun, but they'll sell anyone a stamp (or internet account) ! - RED GREEN GA to SK :evil:

sweatlaserxp · Nov 12, 2004

Yep, my current dream system is A64 3500+ and it weighs in at about $1500...

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TheGreatGrapeApe · Nov 12, 2004

Yeah I'm thinking that's a good starting point for mine too. Still waiting for the MOBOs to arrive though.

- You need a licence to buy a gun, but they'll sell anyone a stamp (or internet account) ! - RED GREEN GA to SK :evil:

eden · Nov 13, 2004

Yeah my system's gonna cost around that too.

--
Ede

eden · Nov 13, 2004

I thought you were set on a GF6800GT!?!

Well I've seen enough hehe... likely going ATi. It's so confusing though. :frown:

--
Ede

eden · Nov 13, 2004

Especially with a job at Staples/BusinessDespot/BureauEnGros where he can get those cutting edge cards like the MX4000!

Damn right! I've been eyeing that card across that window in the cards section! :tongue:

Well with HL2 coming out in a few days, if Eden doesn't have a new card by Jan 02, 2005 I will be very dissapointed in the young 'man'.

Pay is on 6th, so I expect the 8th to be a nice shopping day for the weekend!
At least, hopefully my budget's on target and prices and products are better.

I think he should perhaps settle for an AMD64 3500+ to start instead of worrying about paying about twice as much for a 3800+,

Yeah the 3500+, at a mere 385$ is very economical. But hot damn, while I'm going all out, the 3800 slapped in makes a good impression.

Oh the morality!

I CAN theoretically afford it all with a high-end card though, but yeah, I'm likely not going to do such a move. Thing is, GFX prices should never have been this high in the first place. So here's hoping ANYTHING drops in price this Xmas! I'm frankly no longer believing Xmas affects prices, honestly! It sure didn't help in 2002 with my system upgrade.

And the mainboards availability is also another hurdle, true. I had my eyes on that Asus with the VIA chipset and integrated Wi-Fi, but AGP's a dead end anyways, and the new stuff's coming out soon anyways. Oi!

Maybe getting an integrated RSX200 ATI mobo would be an 'acceptable' stepping stone, but we (well I know I am) will still make fun of 'mr integrated graphics', til he pops something better inside.

Hehe, nice suggestion, but I'd have to smack ya in the head if ya mocked me. Integrated graphics? NNNNNNEEVERRRRRRRRRRRRRR! [/Ralph Wiggum]

--
EdeEdited by Eden on 11/13/04 00:16 AM.

Bjorn Reviews the Passive Gigabyte GF6800

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