X-bit labs

Winter-Spring 2004: Graphics Cards on Top Graphics Processors and Their Low-Cost Versions – Overclocker’s Best Choice

[ 03/16/04 | by Tim Tscheblockov]

ATI and NVIDIA bore a lot of various graphics card models in the mainstream segment, which represent low-cost modifications of the top-end graphics solutions. In this article we are going to take a closer look at all these variations, pay due attention to their overclocking potential and their ability to be modified into "fully-fledged" powerful solutions. Also we will run the whole bunch of tests in contemporary games, so that you could see which solution of this overwhelming majority would be your best choice.

S3 DeltaChrome S8 Gets Nitro Acceleration: Review of the Revamped S8

[ 03/09/04 | by Alexey Stepin]

S3 Graphics is back and is rolling-out a yet another graphics processor today. The new chip is based on the same DeltaChrome S8 architecture X-bit labs readers are already familiar with. But the newcomer is fueled with some additional clock-speed power. Will the new DeltaChrome S8 Nitro crash competitors and get a throne in the mainstream market? Read our coverage involving 20 different benchmarks and featuring some analysis to know.

Albatron Gigi GeForce FX5700 Ultra Graphics Card Review

[ 03/05/04 | by Alexey Stepin]

There are plenty of NVIDIA GeForce FX 5700 Ultra graphics cards around and if you are looking for one - we have got something tasty for you. Albatron GeForce FX 5700 Ultra is running fast, cool and is bundled with quite some useful stuff. Truly a great option for those looking for a mainstream product!

“Cool” and “Quiet” or Anti-Extreme Overclocking Experience

[ 02/27/04 | by Tim Tscheblockov]

I think you are already familiar with our extreme overclocking methodology. However, to day we are going to undertake a different type of experiment. How to make your graphics card quieter? How to reduce the heat generation and retain high performance rates? All the tricks to the "Cool’n’Quiet" hardware in our new investigation!

GeCube RADEON 9600 XT “Extreme” Graphics Card Review

[ 02/15/04 | by Alexey Stepin]

Our today’s review is dedicated to an uncommon product. GeCube RADEON 9600 XT "Extreme" graphics card is based on the new PCB design and comes equipped with faster memory. We are going to answer two questions: what advantages fast memory can bring to a RADEON 9600 XT-based card, and how the new PCB design influences the overclockability of the card.

Unreal Tournament 2004: The Kingdom of Massacre

[ 02/13/04 | by Anton Shilov]

Epic Games has unveiled demo version of the Unreal Tournament 2004 – a game that a lot of people have been waiting impatiently. The UT2004 is something more than revamped UT2003, even though there are a lot of similarities; the main is violent acts of bloody killing loads of opponents. As every good game, this DirectX 9 title allows benchmarking and today we have some good read for you – 11 graphics cards based on processors from ATI, NVIDIA, S3 Graphics and XGI are benchmarked against each other.

SAPPHIRE RADEON 9800 XT ULTIMATE Edition Extreme Overclocking: Myths and Reality

[ 01/21/04 | by Alexey Stepin]

In this article we are going to tell you about volt-modding techniques for the today’s top graphics accelerators based on NVIDIA GeForce FX 5950 Ultra and ATI RADEON 9800 XT. Among the benchmarks results you will find the performance numbers for the nominal frequencies, overdrive mode (for ATI RADEON 9800 XT), during regular overclocking and after extreme volt-modding of the voltage regulators according to our unique methodology.

Club3D Volari Duo V8 Ultra Review: XGI Volari Family Coming to Graphics Market

[ 01/15/04 | by Alexey Stepin]

We have an exceptionally interesting guest today: a dual-chip XGI Volari Duo V8 Ultra graphics card from Club 3D company. eXtreme Graphics Innovation is a new player on the highly competitive 3D graphics market, who decided to break and enter the scene with an expensive dual-GPU part. Historically graphics cards with two processors were able to demonstrate exceptional performance, but were quoted at a very high price-point. Dual-chip products on XGI Technology do not cost more than competitors’ single-chip offerings, but are they really fast in today’s games and have a bright future? Find it out with us!

eVGA e-GeForce FX 5950 Ultra and PowerColor RADEON 9800 XT: Extreme Overclocking and More!

[ 01/04/04 | by Tim Tscheblockov]

We tested two top products from EVGA and PowerColor based on two eternal rivals: NVIDIA GeForce FX 5950 Ultra and ATI RADEON 9800 XT. New hints for extreme overclocking lovers, new gaming benchmarks including Lock On: Modern Air Combat, new performance heights. Read on to find out more exciting things!