Vendor Cards: BFG GeForce 7800GTX OC
by Derek Wilson & Josh Venning on August 4, 2005 2:39 PM EST- Posted in
- GPUs
Introduction
We've been enjoying the testing of NVIDIA's 7800 series, and are continually impressed by how much it makes our favorite games come to life. While most of the tests that we do here are strictly scientific in nature, rest assured, we've spent countless hours of special extra-curricular Battlefield 2 tests, making absolutely sure that these cards provide the most enjoyable game play experience possible.
This is something that we've mentioned before, but keep in mind that this and all other articles in this series will be focusing only on the 7800 line of cards, comparing the different manufacturers' versions to each other. If you'd like to see how the 7800 stands up to older graphics cards such as the 6800, please refer to our G70 article.
As always, we'll be running tests using some games with and without AA and comparing the results to the other cards. We’ll also look at how the BFG overclocks (above the factory- overclock), how much heat and noise the card generates, and what kind of power load that it generates. We will then make a recommendation based on these factors as to which of the 7800's that we've reviewed so far would be the best choice.
Given the recent issues that we've seen with how NVIDIA cards overclock, there's no telling what kind of performance similarities we may see. For instance, we've seen that there are different plateaus between gains, and despite what the core clock indicator states, there is really little to no increase in speed. So, while the EVGA 7800 comes factory-clocked at 450MHz, and the BFG at 460MHz, that doesn't necessarily mean that the BFG will out-perform EVGA's. We'll look more closely at this in the overclocking section. But for right now, let’s take a look at the card itself.
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Spacecomber - Thursday, August 4, 2005 - link
Hey Derek, this is a bit tangential, but in the comments to the MSI 7800GTX review you provided a link to the demo you used for running the BF2 benchmarks. I gave it a quick try and it wouldn't run for me (game exits to desktop). I was wondering what verion of the game were these made for, the original unpatched game, perhaps? I was trying the demo with a game patched to v1.02.Thanks,
Space
DerekWilson - Thursday, August 4, 2005 - link
Only works on 1.0We may consider looking at demos for the 1.02 (or later) version.
Thanks,
Derek Wilson
Spacecomber - Friday, August 5, 2005 - link
Ok, that's what I thought. Thanks. It's no big deal, of course; I just like fooling around with this kind of stuff. (But not enough to reinstall the game without the patch. ;-) )Space
allnighter - Thursday, August 4, 2005 - link
I think it was unfairly downplayed to factory OC on the memory being the only advantage. So not true. The fact that you can get a hold of a support rep in the middle of the night, seven days a week, is a pretty big deal. Than the fact that the card comes bundled with othe stuff, like free utilities and a pack of teflon slick pads was omitted. Those present a value to the gamer as well. The t-shit, although oversized (XL) is actually a nice touch, free advertising or not. Another thing - the card I purchased did come bundled with a game. Granted, it was Far Cry, fairly old compared to BF2 and even Riddick, never the less, it was in the box.allnighter - Thursday, August 4, 2005 - link
OMG, I really need to use the spell check before I post. Would you kindly help me out with that?BaronVonAwesome - Thursday, August 4, 2005 - link
I don't have enough time to read this as thoroughly as I would like, but did the article happen to mention BFG's lifetime warranty (which I personally think is worth more than any game bundle)? I would go with the BFG myself.JarredWalton - Thursday, August 4, 2005 - link
It's mentioned on the last page, along with the fact that EVGA now offers the same lifetime warranty. I can't personally vouch for the quality of either, having never used their tech support, but I've heard they're both good.Son of a N00b - Thursday, August 4, 2005 - link
there is a small typo on the OC'ing page... ge t should be get...lolNice article...very complete
Good Job...I myself have had awesome experiences with BFG, not to mention their tech support, RMA support, and life time warrenty...
So when I get my 7800's I will be going BFG.
DVad3r - Thursday, August 4, 2005 - link
I would really love to see a Leadtek 7800 GTX review...and an Asus one for that matter...I am going to be buying a new system soon and I am hard pressed to choose between Asus/Leadtek/BFG?CtK - Thursday, August 4, 2005 - link
Its about time :)