HD2900Pro 512mb $169.00

[niko084]

I'm not very impressed w/ the 3850s, I'd take 2 just to equal 1 of the 2900pros if you OC or flash it to XT

Not even close....

A set of 3850's will annihilate a 2900xt overclocked even.
If you need the 512mb of ram, then there is that option also now with a 3850.

 

[TUngsten]

Well, yeah, you're right. The 3850s in CF do top the lone 2900xt by some 0-25% according to some reviews.

I should have said that 2 2900pro 512mb @ $169ea sure smokes the ass off 2 3850 512mb @ $210ea

 

[niko084]

Well, yeah, you're right. The 3850s in CF do top the lone by some 30% or so.

I should have said that 2 2900pro 512mb @ $169ea sure smokes the ass off 2 3850 512mb @ $210ea

Well actually take a look.... Even 2900XT's are not much on a 3850...
http://hwbot.org/hardware.compare.d...229_2&id=1134_1&id=1235_2&id=1103_1&id=1229_1

If you want take a look at some reviews also...

Honestly after dealing with both first hand on top of reading reviews and benchmarks, I'm surprised the 2900's are still selling.

 

[TUngsten]

That's a pretty interesting comparison indeed.

But from what I've read, the CF 3850s don't handle AA/AF as well as a single g92 8800GT/S.
http://www.tweaktown.com/articles/1246/16/page_16_final_thoughts/index.html

I don't disagree with you though - they are sweet cards for sure. But I still think you can't beat 2x2900pro512 for $169 ea!

 

[niko084]

No your right that is a kicken deal, but you would save the money on your power bill in less then a year with a set of 3850's and get equal performance, or grab a set of 3870's and clock them probably still save on the power bill...

You are correct AA/AF is handled much better by the 8800GT.

Fortunately I notice no difference with AA/AF with my previous ATI cards, so I don't worry about it, others are not so lucky and require 2-4x to clean things up.