Power Consumption

Power draw is something worth looking at when comparing graphics cards, as there are distinct advantages to having a cooler-running GPU, especially in applications like mobile computing. Those who don't purchase high-end, 600W PSUs might also appreciate a less hungry GPU.

We tested the power draw of these cards similarly to how we have in the past. First, we measure the total wattage of the system with the graphics card installed while the system is idle, then we loop several game benchmarks to stress test the card, and take the highest wattage generated. This gives us a relative idea of what kind of power load each card generates.

Idle Power

Load Power

When we look at the graph, it makes sense that since the X800 XT is the only one of these cards that requires an external power connection. It would create the largest power draw on our system. While 236 Watts might seem like a lot, keep in mind that with NVIDIA's 7800 series cards, we've seen power draws as high as 280 Watts (not to mention the massive power draws that SLI setups create). As you can see, the other four cards received fairly similar results, except for the NVIDIA 6800, whose slightly lower power draw is understandable given the card's 128MB of memory. An interesting thing to note here is that the X800 GT and 6600 GT have nearly the exact same power draw, showing another aspect of these cards' similarities.

Unreal Tournament 2004 Performance Final Words
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  • bupkus - Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - link

    What would be a good minimum fps for UT2004?
  • tuteja1986 - Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - link

    I saw the X800GTO selling at $280AUD which is cheap since 6600GT sell arround $250 - $300AUD in australia. Anyways I read the X800GTO review "http://www.tweaktown.com/document.php?dType=review...">http://www.tweaktown.com/document.php?dType=review... i thought X800GTO was great for its price in australia anyways. Anyways if i do upgrade in end of this year it would either X1600XT or 7600GT when ever they come out.
  • AtaStrumf - Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - link

    Man, you guys sure take your time (probably all those useless 7800 GTX reviews took their toll). At least you could have included the X800 GTO (and 9800 Pro for reference - same spec old tech), but that said it is one of the better GPU reviews lately. Just one gripe. You shold have made it VERY CLEAR that 128 MB X800 GT is much slower frequency wise than the 256 MB one.

    I must say I'm more than a bit dissappointed in X800 GT. It sure looked better on paper. 6600 GT still seems to be the better card overall (1280x1024 no AA -- which is what the great majory uses)

    Here's hoping that the X1600 brings something better.
  • arturnow - Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - link

    ATi respond to GeForce 6600GT after one year. Congratulation !!!
  • CrystalBay - Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - link

    For $200 , FTW...
  • DerekWilson - Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - link

    we're waiting for one ... but you might end up looking in another direction before we get to it.
  • imaheadcase - Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - link

    "several titles coming out in the near future that will use the same engine. Quake 4 and Enemy Territory: Quake Wars"

    Of which are terrible examples, thats one way to not get on doom 3 side. lol

    Case in point download the multiplayer video of Quake 4...you will laugh so much you wonder if its still quake 2 engine. It does not even look changed from last quake
  • Pete - Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - link

    One note, I think you listed the effective rather than actual RAM speed for the 6600GT in the table on p.2.
  • DerekWilson - Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - link

    first, josh wrote this one (though jarred did some editing)

    second, I just fixed the problem -- you were correct.
  • Pete - Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - link

    Josh! I meant Josh! :)

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