X-bit labs

MSI NX6800GT-T2D256E Graphics Card Review (page 20)

Category: Video

by Alexey Stepin

[ 07/22/2005 | 12:33 PM ]

Performance in Synthetic Benchmarks

Futuremark 3DMark03

The MSI NX6800GT scores 656 points more than the RADEON X800 XL, its immediate market rival, in 3DMark03. At the overclocked frequencies it stops a mere 123 points short of the 13,000 mark. Let’s now examine the results of each of the subtests.

Using only DirectX 7 functions, the first test employs just a fraction of what modern graphics hardware can offer. The GeForce6 series cards feel well enough in such conditions since they have a special unit for processing fixed T&L commands. Despite the relatively low core frequency, the MSI NX6800GT easily keeps on the same level with the RADEON X850 XT Platinum Edition. When we overclock the core of the MSI card to 435MHz, it leaves even the GeForce 6800 Ultra behind and wins the test.

The MSI solution doesn’t look that good in the eye candy mode where it has to compete with the RADEON X800 XL. However, once we overclock it, the NX6800GT catches up with RADEON X850 XT/XT Platinum Edition.

The second test makes use of the architectural features of the NV4x core, but the low frequency prevents the NV6800GT from rivaling senior RADEON models, even though the MSI card is ahead of the RADEON X800 XL.

It’s better in the “eye candy” mode: the MSI NX6800GT is similar to the much more expensive RADEON X850 XT except 1600x1200 where the latter is greatly aided by the high frequencies and the efficient memory controller.