search technology reviews, news, features, group tests
Popular Searches:   video , dvd , windows
Mobile Edition  | 
 |  Register
 |  Newsletters  | 
Sitemap  |  RSS
RSS
Saturday November 21, 2009 9:17 PM AEST
Skip Navigation LinksPC Authority > Group Tests > Video Card Supertest
Video Card Supertest
»

Video Card Supertest

by Dave Bayon  on Sep 13, 2006
We put every current model from ATI and NVIDIA through its paces to find out which offers the best performance and value.
Such is the intense rivalry between ATI and NVIDIA that it often seems as though they launch a new graphics card every month. It makes for great headlines, but also means that even if your current card is only 18 months old it’s already several generations behind the latest chips.

This isn’t just technology for technology’s sake, though: with the latest games requiring every last drop of 3D power, you could be missing out on the full graphical experience unless you upgrade. Also, high-definition video is upon us and requires a hefty PC to decode and play smoothly.

Rather than review individual cards, we’ve focused on the chipsets themselves, as most suppliers’ cards are identical in all but bundle and price. We’ve chosen cards with standard clock speeds and memory to give a fair comparison of performance, but you’ll also find an alternative choice for each, offering silent cooling, a better bundle or an overclocked core.

As prices start at just $109 for the GeForce 7300 LE and climb to the heady heights of $1099 for the GeForce 7950 GX2, we’ve split the Labs into three. The entry-level cards include everything up to $200 for when games aren’t a priority: media centre PCs in particular can benefit from these cards.

The mid-range rises to $410, and there’s real value to be found here, particularly as it houses both ATI’s and NVIDIA’s newest offerings. Finally, at the top end, it’s no surprise that NVIDIA’s new GeForce 7900 series and ATI’s X1900 range are the speed kings. But speed alone isn’t enough to win an award: we’ve looked at the features, bundles and value as well.

We’ve kept the test to Shader Model 3 cards only, as the majority of new games are written to take advantage of its graphical features, but some may be wondering why a few variants are absent (the GeForce 6800 Ultra being a good example). The simple reason is availability: we’ve only reviewed chipsets you can actually buy.

Finally, should you invest in SLI or CrossFire setups? Theoretically, these allow you to boost speed by adding a second card to run in parallel with the first, but all isn’t quite as it seems.
This article appeared in the August 2006 issue of PC Authority.
»


Ads by Google

RELATED ARTICLES
Motherboards Group Test
Motherboards Group Test
With so many factors to consider, choosing a motherboard can be a bewildering exercise. We put 11 models through their pace to find the ultimate in performance, flexibility and value
PCI Express graphics cards
We know you want to play games, so we've put 18 PCI Express graphics cards under the microscope to see who really does the job the best.
Graphics Cards: Massive ATI vs Nvidia Labs Test
Graphics Cards: Massive ATI vs Nvidia Labs Test
All the current chipsets from both the big gaming guns – ATi and Nvidia – tested, reviewed and rated.
Comments

Be the first to comment on this article.
Thoughts on this article? Add a comment below.
Login or register to submit a comment.


Buyer's Guides

 
Intel
 
PC Authority Featured Retailers
hot bargains from the mwave store
City Software, Australia's online computer store with up to 80% off RRP
special offers from dell
Special promotions from the Apple store - Redeem here
PC Authority Featured Retailers
 
LogMeIn
 
 
Amazing Dell Coupons now available
 
Discover Apple
 

Plan Finder

Powered by WhistleOut

1) Apple iPhone 3GS 16GB35 plans 3%
2) Blackberry Curve 85206 plans 13%
3) Apple iPhone 3GS 32GB35 plans 1%
4) Blackberry Bold 900013 plans 6%
5) Nokia E7147 plans 3%
Three iiNet Virgin Mobile Vodafone
« 1 of »
1) iiNet32 plans 21%
2) Netspace33 plans 7%
3) Optus47 plans 8%
4) 37 plans 9%
5) Telstra BigPond41 plans 4%

Compare: Mobiles | Broadband

PC Authority