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BFG GeForce 6800 Ultra Overclocked Review |
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Written by Mavke
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Friday, 08 October 2004 |
And as well Hexus has published a new review, this time they have reviewed a BFG GeForce 6800 Ultra Overclocked. nVidia, if pushed hard enough, will readily admit that its premier NV30 cards were something of a letdown. They promised much but didn't deliver the kind of performance that pre-launch hype had suggested. Stung by generally unfavourable press sentiments a lukewarm response from enthusiasts, nVidia promised that its next iteration of graphics cards would right all the NV30's wrongs.
 BFG GeForce 6800 Ultra Overclocked Review
The result of nVidia's efforts came to fruition with the all-powerful 6800-series of GPUs. With the Ultra and GT models featuring, amongst other things, massive, strict 16-pipeline rendering setups, 6 vertex shaders, high-speed GDDR3 memory and Shader Model 3.0 support, it was clear that the NV40 derivatives would be streets ahead, performance-wise, of the beleaguered 5900/5950 Ultra designs. What is important to understand is that the transition between FX5950 Ultra and 6800 Ultra hasn't occurred through a minor speed bump, rather it's a new GPU that bears little resemblance with its predecessor.
When considered from a performance viewpoint, there's very little wrong with BFG's 6800U OC graphics card. It sticks to a reference theme in design but arrives pre-overclocked with a 425MHz core. Sheer brute power makes the previous generation's cards look humble in comparison. The technology underpinning each and every 6800 Ultra is sound, so BFG's already backing a winner.
The true merit of a card package can only be gleaned by comparing it to other cards based on the same GPU and a rival's equivalent graphics card. BFG's 6800 Ultra package feels more OEM than retail. There's no full gaming titles to take advantage of and the overall bundle doesn't befit a near £400 card. It's not bad by any means, but neither is it special, and special is what it should be, really.
BFG, however, has a tasty trick up its sleeve. Much like Gainward, the company offers potential buyers its 6800 Ultra in a few distinct configurations. Firstly, there's the standard package, as reviewed here. Next, BFG also bundles in a waterblock (and/or a PSU) and guarantees a minimum core clock speed of 470MHz - 70MHz above stock. That's some claim, which is backed up by BFG's excellent true lifetime warranty. We'll be taking a look at that bundle and its performance in an upcoming review, so stay tuned.
Any and every GeForce 6800 Ultra is an excellent gamers' card. BFG's effort is above average, as the company offers a pre-overclocked core at default core prices. BFG's popularity is on the rise and it's easy to see why. If BFG can beef up the entire bundle, add, say, basic VIVO, and keep a keen price, its range of 6800-series cards will be hard to beat. As it is, you can literally place the names of nVidia's AIBs into a hat and pick any one. Most cards keep to the reference design and most range between 400-450MHz core.
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