PowerColor X800 XL 512MB

Conclusions

The introduction of RADEON X800 XL was a spot on choice for ATI. What about the ability for IHVs to slap on 512MBs of RAM? Isn't this an overkill at least this year? In my opinion this move could have waited as there are very rare performance benefits from higher framebuffer. Sure Doom 3 has Ultra High mode, but it's hard to notice image quality differences. Albeit I didn't have a regular XL on hand and couldn't do a more detailed comparison between both cards, Doom 3 yielded interesting results.

I recommend this card to anyone who can't afford X850 XT PE / GeForce 6800 Ultra or G70, but with limited pieces it would be quite impossible to get a hold of one. My two major gripes with this card are poor overclock results and outdated bundle, other than that it's a fine and stable card. In many situations performance is on par with X850 XT PE and in others even better.

PowerColor X800 XL 512MB up and running

Another shot this time from the top

Cons:
- Poor overclocking results
- Limited availability
- Currently no benefit from higher framebuffer
- Outdated bundle

For great performance, innovative cooling technology and low temperatures PowerColor X800 XL 512MB gets the rating of 8.5 (Very Good) out of 10 and Bjorn3D.com Seal of Approval.