Graphics Geforce 6600 or 6800

I'm currently looking to upgrade my video card, a PNY GeforceFX 5900SE AGP. Looking at the system specs, I'm not entirely certain a 6600 would be an actual upgrade. The memory interface, vertices/sec, and data transfer bandwidth are all smaller on the 6600 than my 5900. Would someone help me figure out which card is best for me?

 

get 6800le unlock the pipes and vertex shaders and you got performance not too far off a 6800gt

 

Tested both on similar systems,the 6800 is by far the better card.I've had no end of problems with some 6600 cards overheating,prob the carp coolers that most have installed.

 

go for the 6800. much better card once unlocked.

i have to agree with the point about 6600's fans, they are crap, they can fall off and theyre noisy as hell on some models.

 

An unlocked 6800LE is the dogs goolies

 

Thanks for the advice. Is there a specific brand that is better to get? Right now I'm looking a Leadtek model, and I've heard Chaintek is crap. Also, anyone know why the price of the Apollo LE is comparable to some GTs?

 

leadteks generally have better cooling solutions as they dont always use the reference cooler design. but some of them might be larger so no good for shuttles etc.

 

IMO get a 6800LE an unlock, thats what i would have done if id known about it before buying my 6800 for £210 :/

 

Modded 6800LE = uber.
Go for it.

 

Pardon my ignorance on the subject, but what are shuttles?

 

Shuttle

 

Yeah, the 6800LE from Leadtek does have a very large heatsink on either side, with a fan on the usual side.

I get about 48 C at idle, and 52 c at load- not bad i would say.

Yatesy