ATI 2600XT or 2900XT?

[Philbert]

Is it really worth the extra money? I plan on doing mostly LightWave type stuff but I'm also trying to learn the Unreal 3 engine. Or at least I'll start once I build my new system, current video card can't support UE3.

[eagleeyed]

Well I would recommend going to Tom's Hardware (www.tomshardware.com) and using the comparison graphs, the have lots of different situations that will give you the answers you need.

I will just point this out though. ATi and LightWave generally like to avoid one another. Many people have different problems combining the two, apparently they dont like to play nice. This is not for everyone, some people have good experiences with ATi but I am one of them who has had an enjoyable expierence with Nvidia, ATi just never worked well for me.

[Philbert]

So far ATI has treated me well, I have an X300 right now, it came with my computer, my laptop has a Radeon Mobility as well and that has mostly worked well with Lightwave. But if I'm building a new system maybe I should go with what seems to work best for most people. I forgot about Tom's Hardware, I'll check it out. Thanks.

[AbnRanger]

I wouldn't get either, for the same reasons eagleeyed pointed out.

I used to be an ATI guy for a few years, having used the 9500 pro and X800 pro cards. Though I never had any serious trouble, there were always minor issues that I just don't have after going back to nVidia.

The newest line of ATI cards are also far from being engineering marvels as they run very hot, draw much more power than nVidia's offerings and they can't compete performance wise either. ATI lost this round.I have an X800XT Platinum Edition, and it works fine with LW and 3ds Max. Nvidia is a good card for sure, but I plan on buying another ATI. I read the reviews, and the 2900 is the best buy for the money, as far as I can see.
They lost only to the degree that it didn't top the Nvidia 8800GTX (it did in some categories) overall. But for a few hundred $$$ less, I'd take that deal any day of the week.

[Philbert]

Well I think I've actually decided to go with the nVidia 8800 GTS, not as nice as the GTX, but I think the performance difference isn't huge compared to the price difference.

[AbnRanger]

Here's a quote from Tom's Hardware guide:

"The Radeon HD 2900 XT debuted with mediocre performance compared to the Geforce 8800 GTS 640, especially when price was factored in. ATI has stepped up to bat, though, and introduced fresh drivers that really bring out the 2900's potential, even allowing it to challenge the 8800 GTX in some arenas.

Even so, the 8800 GTS 640MB is still a great card, and can approach the 2900 XT in some titles, and on average you will find the 8800 GTS for less money. With this in mind, both cards are recommended in this price segment."

[Philbert]

New Egg has the 8800 GTS 320MB for $250 after a $30 main-in rebate.