Typical price: £250
What is it: Graphics card with strong 3D performance
What we think: All the requisite features but its specialised performance makes it less compelling
What you need to know
Reviewed on: 5 October 2005
Tags: ATI, ATI Radeon X1800 XL (256 MB), high quality, hard drive, SLI
We like:
Shader Model 3.0 and high dynamic range lighting support; fastest DirectX 9 performance; Avivo video decoding
We don't like:
Lags on OpenGL-based games; dual graphics card support depends on a special CrossFire Edition card with a murky release date
You might also need:
A fast PC and games such as Far Cry, F.E.A.R. and others with groundbreaking Direct3D-based graphics
CNET UK judgement:
ATI's second-best 3D card brings all of the requisite features to the 3D gaming table, but its specialised performance makes it less compelling
Full review:
Like ATI's new Radeon X1800 XT card, the £250 256MB Radeon X1800 XL brings all the latest bells and whistles to 3D gaming. It also gives you the benefits of the decoding side of ATI's new Avivo video technology. The core features are identical for the entire Radeon X1000 series, so for the complete rundown, take a look at our full review of the Radeon X1800 XT. Here, we'll strictly discuss the design and performance specific to the Radeon X1800 XL. Continue Reading...
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