Synthetic Benchmarks:

Let's complete the picture and run the synthetic benchmarks on the AMD Test Rig based upon the nForce 4 chipset. By doing so we get a clear view on how well the PowerColor X800XL performs in comparison with the CPU, Intel or AMD.

FSB x (11.0)	VPU - RAM Clock	Aquamark 3 Score
200 MHz	400MHz/500MHz	66,836

The AMD Athlon64 powered system shows a lead over the Intel based Test Rig and this at default speeds. We can say that the X800XL is favoring the AMD CPU, which is shown by the decent increase in Aquamark. This also means that the X800XL can keep up with the processor used and it not the limiting factor on the benchmark results.

FSB x (11.0)	VPU - RAM Clock	3DMark05 Score
200 MHz	422MHz/520MHz	4955

And also 3DMark05 confirms, the X800XL is faster on Test Rig No. 2. We increased the VPU/Memory speeds to 422MHz/520MHz and left the AMD Athlon64 at standard FSB/multiplier. By doing this we almost beat the 5000 point barrier in 3DMark05, which we would have achieved by clocking up the CPU.

Sandra 2005 Professional

Final Thoughts:

The PowerColor X800XL is a very powerful card that runs well on both AMD and Intel platforms. During our analysis the test's show that our nF4 platform takes full advantage of the X800XL's performance capabilities and offers a very affordable VPU and extra performance gains using this card on the AMD platform. While some games are optimized for certain render paths of both NVIDIA and ATI, we found that even competitor sponsored games run very good and offers excitement and excellent 3D gaming performance using the X800XL.

Some review sites have been complaining about noise, well I don't see what the noise level is all about. I have over a half dozen video cards in front of me and the PowerColor X800XL that we are using, runs very quiet and is half as loud as our GeForce 6800Ultra PCI-Express. I just can't seem to fathom what others are talking about considering this card operates at one of the lowest sound levels I have heard coming from a video card. So all I can say is that in our experience this is one quiet card compared to others I am using.

*Note* Our nF4 platform does not use a locking lever and was not an issue for that test bed.

On the other hand the PowerColor X800XL offers a super price tag on this card and I recommend this VPU to anyone looking for above average performance. We are talking about a card that performs between the 6800GT and 6800Ultra in terms of raw performance for about $100.00USD cheaper in price.

Taking an excellent performing card and mixing in the fact PowerColor has one of the best Sales & Support teams, you will truly get a better bang for the buck. Nothing about the card was un-satisfactory, the experience was top notch and the performance is way above average for the price range. I recommend the PowerColor X800XL for those who seek excellent performance at a fraction of the cost of the highest end cards.

Pros:

• Excellent Craftsmanship and Engineering
• Rugged Solid Stainless Steel HSF design
• R430 VPU core packs a serious punch
• Game play is smooth, crisp-clear, 3D rendering
• Superior sales, service and customer support
• Extremely cost effective performance and stability
• Above average Software/Accessories bundle

Cons:

• N/A