X800: The verdict is in...


On Wednesday of this week, IGM reported the ATI's introduction of the X800 XT. Since then, three sites have posted in-depth reviews comparing it with the NVIDIA 6800 and other cards.

The bottom line? Read on...

XLR8 Your Mac
If I were buying a high end card for my Mac today, personally I choose the X800 XT over the 6800GT or the more expensive 6800 Ultra. Considering the performance, single slot design, ATI control panel features and more frequent Mac driver updates than the Nvidia cards, I consider the X800 XT a better overall value for most users than the Mac 6800 series.

BareFeats
I'm very impressed with the performance of the ATI Radeon X800 XT Mac Edition. It's equal to or faster than the GeForce 6800 Ultra in every test but one, yet costs $100 less and uses only one slot. Yes, it is half the length and half the thickness of the GeForce 6800 Ultra. So, if you want to reclaim your PCI-X slot, better list your GeForce 6800 on eBay before everyone hears about the X800.

Inside Mac Games
NVIDIA may have been quicker to the market with the GeForce 6800 GT and Ultra, but ATI has delivered a more polished product with a very compelling feature set ... the Radeon X800 XT is superior in price, performance and features. This is one of the few times where paying less actually gets you more.

Clearly, ATI has a winner on its hands as the X800 provides equal or better performance and features for $100 less than NVIDIA's 6800.

The only question now is when this card will go on sale?

Reminder--ATI has reduced prices on 9000, 9800 and 9800 SE cards by up to $100. Click here for details.