Tech-Hounds.com

OK. We all saw how there's really no difference in performance between these three cards (or all Radeon X1900XTXs with same core and memory clock, for that matter). Even those with slightly higher core and memory clock, like the Sapphire Toxic line, are still based on the same reference design. So, it all comes down to the cooling solution, bundle and price. 

Since all these cards have the same reference cooling solution, the only noticeable differences between them are bundle and price. Looking at the bundle, all three cards pretty much came with the standard bundle. Even the cables are pretty much the same. The only noticeable difference is the game bundle on the Sapphire Radeon X1900XTX. If you're vying for a Crossfire setup, the Sapphire Radeon X1900XTX bundle is the most flexible  - you'll get four different games, instead of two games, two CD's for each game. However, this is a moot point if you're only getting one card.

On an even more subjective mode, out of these three cards, we like the way Sapphire packaged their card. The box is the smallest of all three, very neatly packed and the card is very well protected with soft foams on both sides. Indeed, the outer foam is very thin, but since the reference cooling already serves as a 'buffer' to keep the electrical components out of harm's way. This is a moot point and like we said, a subjective note but we think it's nice to mention.

Price wise, these cards is again not that much different from each other. Of course, price is also subject to variations - like where do you get it from, where are you located and so on. So, we can't really make our evaluation based on price. While this may make comparison very difficult, if not impossible, there's a good thing we can learn from making this comparison. No matter what Radeon X1900XTX you buy, you'll guaranteed to have the same performance, features. So, it's really up to the price and your own brand / retailer preference.

Conclusion:

In all honesty, we really can't recommend one card over the others in this comparison. Does that mean we don't recommend all these cards? No, in fact we recommend all these cards, but like we said, we can't really recommend one card more over the other. All these cards offer the same level of performance, with virtually the same bundle (some differences in choice, but not quantity). Personally, if we had to choose, it would be the Sapphire Radeon X1900XTX - but the differences are moot and very subjective.

For you, the choice may and can be be different. Looking ahead, we think it's best to choose the card you will be more comfortable with. Factors you should consider are price and support. With all Radeon X1900XTX basically offering the same performance and features, getting one that's a little bit cheaper is definitely worth it. Just make sure the retailer is trustworthy and offer good support if god forbid, something bad happens to your card (during use or shipping).

There's also another reason why we recommend factoring price into your buying decision. With the amount of money you save, you would be wise to spend it on one of the available third party cooling solutions. Then you wouldn't have to stand the howling sound these reference cooled cards produces at heavy loads and system startups. It also makes more sense for overclockers out there - if you're dead set on replacing the cooling solution anyway, why pay more money for the practically the same card?

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