Overclocking

     It took me quite a while to find the sweet spot on this card. From the default settings of 500MHz GPU and 370MHz Memory, I was able to overclock to 535MHz GPU and 425MHz Memory. Not a huge jump for the GPU, but very impressive with the RAM overclock. Now let's see how this card handles games while overclocked.

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Halo: Combat Evolved

800x600 Average frame rate=54.81fps
1024x768 Average frame rate=65.40fps

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Quake III Arena
four.dm_67

800x600 4.6 seconds: 331.1 fps
1024x768 6.2 seconds: 311.1 fps

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Doom3
demo1.demo

800x600 Average frame rate = 32.1fps
1024x768 Average frame rate = 21.1fps

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3DMark2001SE
demo1.demo

1024 x 768 = 14490 3DMarks

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Conclusion

     Comparing the X600XT to our previous video card reviews, it looks like this card is pretty comparable to Radeon 9600XT. It's even an impressive overclocker, nearly the performance level of a 9800 Pro! I'm very happy with the results I received, especially when this card is only going for $180. So for only $180, you can have a video card that is at the mid performance level and even has the latest in technology. So if you plan to upgrade to Intel's new Socket 775 with PCIX, and don't want to break the bank, but still be able to play demanding games like Doom3, this is the perfect card for you.

     The only thing I don't like about the card is ABIT calls this an XT card, but yet it only has 128mb of RAM. I would love to have seen this card with 256mb of RAM, better cooling and higher clock speeds. Then we would definitely be closing the performance gap with the top end cards. I guess I can't have everything, but I can always hope for improvements in the near future. Regardless of my dreams, the X600XT is a very impressive video card that won't leave you feeling guilty for purchasing it, rather than paying rent...such as the X800XT would...

Club Overclocker Recommended!