nVidia or ATI

[Duality]

Which video card brand do you prefer? I prefer ATI because they always seem to be up to date with everything. I like nVidia as well but I like ATI more.

 

[Stealth]

I'm very much tempted to say ATi, as they're very good performence, however, as of late manufacturers have been really sloppy with ATi cards - Sapphire now has one of the worst coolings on their X1x00 series, and they're generally losing their bang-for-buck compared to nVidia.

That said, I still would pick an ATi as my next card, but I'd know to shell out extra cash for a good heatsink.

 

[Bryce W]

I am a nVidia man. I dont know why, its not based on specs, its not based on performance or price. My cards have always been nVidia so I guess its just a loyalty thing.

 

[TSgtTree]

I've always been happy with Nvidia's products. I had a really hard time overclocking my ati card, but the nvidia was no problem at all.

 

[Jura]

nVidia because the name sounds cooler. That, and it's just that I've gotten use to them.

 

[MysteryMan]

I will be watching out this topic. I am going to buy a gfx card soon and it would be nice to know what the majority prefers. I personally think nVidia is slightly better, but the competetion is extremely close.

 

[Jura]

They're both the same to much extent. If they weren't, they wouldn't be competing.

 

[Hanger]

All I have ever used is Nvidia. Wifes machine has always had ATI.

 

[TheUnknownOne]

I am a nVidia man. I dont know why, its not based on specs, its not based on performance or price. My cards have always been nVidia so I guess its just a loyalty thing.

I am the exact same as Bryce on this one.

 

[illusion]

nVidia only because I have always gone the nVidia way, I haven't tried any other cards although I probably should go and try some of them I just haven't had the funds or time to try them

 

[Shaun]

I've always used an ATi, probebly because they always seem to have the 'better' cards. I use them, my friends use them. I don't think i would change.

 

[Blues]

I have only had nVidia but my laptop has ATI for its onboard but I will probly stick with nVidia as they are the ones using SLi correct although ATI does seem to have thier own alternative

 

[Black_Hawk]

nVidia because I like green stuff

 

[ebittner]

The only one that I have ever used is nVidia so I am going to have to say that I like it the best. I think they are also the best out there according to what I have read.

 

[Bryce W]

Nearly all responses here (including mine) are loyalty related rather than what is the better video card, interesting. Though, it seems nVidia has the wider spread. Perhaps they focus on getting into more computer stores than nVidia?

 

[Netman]

The only one that I have ever used in my whole life is nVidia so I am going to have to pick it I know nothing of the others.

 

[spazmaster666]

I've owned both in the past. From the TNT2 to Geforce3 to FX5200 to 9700Pro to X850XT to 7900GT to my current card, the X1900XT. IMO, both companies have made some excellent cards and certainly there's no question that the Geforce 7950GX2 is the best SINGLE card out there in terms of performance. However, while nvidia has always impressed me with their excellent drivers, easily overclocking, and purevideo performance, ATI has always been better in terms of IQ (Image Quality) which IMO is of high importance in a high-end graphics card. For instance even with the 7950GX2, the angle-depedent anisotrophic filtering nvidia is using, even in HQ mode, is still quite inferior to ATI's angle-dependent AF, not to mention the shimmering. Also ATI cards have had the ability to use angle-independent AF ever since the X1K series was introduced, which markedly improves the image quality and reduces shimmering.

One thing that nvidia has done better than ATI in terms of implementation is SLI. While SLI is far from an applicable mainstream concept (it is still a niche market, regardless of what nvidiots will tell you) for high-end users and enthusiasts it nevertheless a great way to get a signficant jump in performance without having to wait for the next generation of cards to arrive. But to ATI's credit, Crossfire isn't really bad, it simply suffers from lack of driver maturity and from the generaly distaste within the enthusiast community of crossfire "dongles." Still with dongle-less crossfire being possible with forthcoming RD600 chipsets and better crossfire driver maturity, the playing field may once again be even.

Hopefully both companies will continue to produce good cards otherwise, the graphics card market will suffer the same fate as the sound card market. (Creative anyone?) Long live competition and low prices!

 

[gunslinger]

nVidia is what i'm running right now, but i based this on what ever is running the highest proformance for the lowest price at the time i buy it.

 

[darren1270]

nVidia has my vote too. Gotta remember I use Linux as well... ati just well to put it bluntly sucks with linux.

 

[breadtrk]

Depends on what the mission is. ATI for movies, HTPC type stuff, mostly due to the AIW line.

Heavy Gaming definitely goes to Nvidia SLI, CrossFire is not even in the same ballpark yet.

For heavy production graphics or CAD, Nvidia because most of those programs are developed on Nvidia Quattro cards. Those are what I usually use for those machines as well.

Mom and Pop Internet and email PC? Usually go for an on-board chipset deal with no real preference about what chipset.