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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  • JarredWalton - Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - link

    It's okay, Paul - we know how names with the first letter can get mixed up. ;)

    A few of the paragraphs are mine, but I doubt anyone would be able to pick them out. LOL. It's like "Where's Waldo": where's the paragraph written by a different editor?
  • ViRGE - Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - link

    It went up nearly 2 days ago then disappeared, and now it's finally back up. What happened?
  • DerekWilson - Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - link

    Technical difficulties :-)

    We worked it out though
  • overclockingoodness - Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - link

    Whenever you see an article disappear like that, just know that they published it accidently. Although I must say, you guys have been having technical difficulties for quite a bit lately.

    I probably wouldn't mind if the ATI R520 article went up early due to technical difficulties. ;)
  • DerekWilson - Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - link

    hehe ... If we could possibly get it done early, that might be a problem :-) But we'll be working hard and late on that one.
  • rqle - Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - link

    On the Power Consumption page, is that the WHOLE system power draw (cpu, hd, video card, ram, board) or is it just then Video card?
  • rqle - Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - link

    nvm, didnt read it clear the first way through
  • nourdmrolNMT1 - Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - link

    my 9800 pro is seriously taking a beating.

    maybe this christmas ill get a whole new inside. since upgrading my gpu means upgrading my mobo too.

    hmm
  • ShadowVlican - Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - link

    oh man.. these cards are supposed to cater to different price points, but now there's so many cards that it makes it even more confusing to buy... i'll stick with 6600GT because of purevideo (next pc = htpc)
  • Jep4444 - Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - link

    ATIs next generation cards are supposedly one upping nVidia with Pure Video with H.264 encoding and while your at it, you may want to look into the whole Avivo thing since it seems to be up your alley(although i guess alot of it is marketing, im just referring to the concept in general)

    that aside i don't know why you recomend the X800XT to those needing to play at those settings at all completely ignoring the X800XL which at times has reached price levels below $250

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