Graphics Card Comparison Guide

JaniceZ writes "These days, there are so many graphics card models that it has become quite impossible to keep up with the different configurations. Therefore, we decided to compile this guide to provide an easy reference for those who are interested in comparing the specifications of the various desktop GPUs in the market as well as those already obsolescent or obsolete."

Comments

speed of development

[tute666]

they'll be obsolete in 5 minutes anyways....

Article content is medicore at best

[linux_warp]

This article does not provide benchmarks, just things like "transistor count" and the number of pixel pipelines. Check out http://graphics.tomshardware.com/graphic/20050705/ index.html has the same information and benchmark charts.

Re:Article content is medicore at best

[Coneasfast]

i like digital-daily, they have some good benchmarks:

PCI-E 2005
ATI 2003

for example

Re:Article content is medicore at best

[Seumas]

Fortunately, I've converted to the Mac, so I don't have to worry about stupid things like having a choice in graphics cards.

(Sadly, I'm not trolling or being a smartass.)

We really wouldnt need this type of thing

[Crashmarik]

If the manufacturers didn't go out of their way to completely confuse the issue to the point where there are no definitive answers to the question.

Short list

[Brian Stretch]

If you want Linux compatibility, you want nVidia. Yes, nVidia's drivers are closed-source, but they're at the same level as their Windows drivers, right down to the overclocking controls.

If you want a fanless, low-power GPU that can also do light gaming, get a GeForce 6200 with as much onboard RAM as you can find (ignore the TC "TurboCache" crap).

If you want a midrange, not-too-power-hungry card, get the 6600GT. This is my favorite card.

If you need a high-end GPU, get a 7800GT. If you have money to burn, get the GTX version. Check to make sure your power supply is up to snuff (Seasonic S12 series is my favorite, highest efficiency I've found), especially if you did something silly like buy an Intel P4. If you can afford one of these you can afford a proper AMD 64-bit processor to go with it.

There, everything you need to know. The 6200 was a pleasant surprise to me. I put one in my parents' Shuttle SFF box (Athlon 64 3000+), replacing a Ti4200, and the lower power consumption was enough for the main system fan to slow down to its minimum 1000RPM most of the time. It's still good enough to play UT2004 Demo at full detail at 1280x1024 res.

Ouch my wallet!

[Wino]

That list looks like my damn credit card bill for the last 10 years! What would be really cool is if the guide had check boxes and when you hit submit it tells you how much money you wasted on all those shiney new gfx cards over the years.

Wait... on second thought that wouldnt be cool at all.

Re:It _is_ a shame

[Achra]

True.. I may come off as being whiney and uninformed as well, but I can remember when the 3dFX Voodoo2 was measurably better than the Voodoo. The Geforce2 was better than the Geforce, the Geforce3 better than the geforce2... I mean, you're going to have your stinker pieces of hardware, but both Nvidia and ATI's product line now is absolutely not linear. The Radeon 9600 is slower than the 9500... The Geforce 5200 is slower than a Geforce4 ti..
For all those that are going to ask me for hard benchmark data... Find it yourself. :) I'm too busy trying to sell my Radeon 9250.