FireGL V7100 or x800 xt

[german88]

I'm purchasing my new system (d925xcv mobo) with PCIexpress, so i've decided for a ATI Radeon x800 xt PCIexpress x16 with 256mb, but then i saw the FireGL line. I am a 3D designer (Solidworks, 3DStudio, MAxon cinema 4D..) and eventually like to play some 3D games like half life, but mainly i worked with professional 3D/CAD softwares, so it is suppoused i have to get the FireGL models (professional series)....but really....upm to now....i'vent find the main difference between the x800 xt and the FireGL v7100 ...so coula someone tell me why should i have to spent 400usd more for the fireGL v7100 of 256mb instead of buying the 256mb x800 xt (both with PCIe)????????????

in addition....the only difference i've found is that the FireGL has more capability to work with 2 monitors...but i don't use more than one....so please......it is worth while i spent more money in the FireGL series V7100...maybe i should use the v5100 PCIe of 256mb?

My plans is to find something that has 256mb, PCIex and cost no more than 600usd

 

[GavinO]

Current pro-level graphics cards are mainly differentiated from consumer cards by the stability certifications that they have. Sometimes they are also geared for increased image quality (though this was more the case several years ago when the Wildcat and Quadro families were completely seperate cores from the consumer cards). Pro-level drivers have to go through a more rigorous process to ensure that they are compatible with leading 3D software, ie they won't glitch/crash when you use them. Depending how into 3D software, you may or may not need a card like that. Gaming cards released recently (the X800 and the GF6800) have many of the more important features of pro cards, namely the wide pipelines and large dedicated memories.

 

[SuBX3r0]

the way i understand it, the professional graphics cards tend to be more about precison over performance.

gamers don't need the graphics to be as precise as a 3d designer would need.

you tend to pay more for the workstation cards as well, so unless you need the precision and reliability/compatability more than anything else you'd be better of with the x800.

http://www.rojakpot.com/default.aspx?location=3&var1=105&var2=0

there's a guide for flashing a gaming card into a firegl card. all you need is to flash the bios. not going to be exactly the same card as is told in the guide, but depending on your needs it may be usefull.

sorry no updated version of the guide including the newest line, they might not actually have this ability anymore.