NVidia GeForce FX Go 1400 vs GeForce Go 6800 Ultra

Why are so many highend notebook resellers hyping the FX
1400 like a premium product and shunning the 6800 Go Ultra?
Alienware is doing this, so ix Boxx, and Hypersonic...
The FX 1400 is Opengl 1.5 , the 6800 Ultra is opengl 2.0
The FX 1400 is SHader model 2.0 , the 6800 Ultra is Shader Model 3.0
Every spec Nvidia offers on these two cards looks better on the 6800 Go Ultra.

What's the scoop on this?

I think Dell's Inspiron XPS2 is the only product really up on the specs and benchmarks for these. This like the only truly highend mobile workstation product at the moment.

 

From the Nvidia web site:

"The NVIDIA Quadro FX Go1400 for PCI Express enables maximum workstation performance on a true desktop workstation replacement, featuring the latest NVIDIA architecture supporting high memory bandwidth, blazingly fast read-back performance, rotated-grid full-scene antialiasing, Shader Model 3.0 support, 32-bit floating point precision throughout the entire pipeline, and the latest PowerMizer 5.0 technology. These groundbreaking technologies guarantee sustained productivity for all professionals on the go, from effects creators on a movie set, to engineers at the plant, to the geoscientist on a remote oil rig."

As you can see, the FX 1400 does support Shader Model 3.0. I am no expert and have been researching mobile workstations for several weeks and it seems that the Clevo D900T is the best equipped for now. Believe me, I would like to stay with Dell but they are pulling the P4 from all their notebooks and you cannot order with dual 7,000RPM HDD. Every professional I have talked to regarding 3D Rendering tells me to stay away from the PM processor. Intel told me to get a mobile workstation with the P4 660 with EM64T, even if I find the need for auxillary fans.

I will call Boxx today to confirm that their unit has only a one year warranty with no option to increase that. Otherwise I will order the Hypersonic, with RAID, Dual 60GB 7,200 HDD and the Quadro FX 1400. They also have a 'dead pixel' warranty option. Trouble is, I don't know Hypersonic and have some reservations about plunking down $6,500 for a notebook from an unknown source.

 

Well, one obvious reason why the "high-end" resellers are hyping the readily available fx part is that because they are still unable to get the 6800Ultras. Which, the only computer currently SHIPPING that has that gpu is the Dell xps2, and many sources have hinted that it will be so in the forseeable future -- Dell tend to protect their top-end line with vice-like contracts... (example: the m18 gpu in the original XPS is *still* a Dell exclusive!)

On the other hand, I honestly don't think the Prescott oven that is the Clevo 9860 can handle the thermal output of a 6800Ultra PLUS 2 additional 7200rpm drives...

The reason why Prescott is good for rendering, is virtually ALL rendering software (3dMax, Lightwave) are multi-thread aware. Which will give P4 HT a significant boost in performance over a PM processor. However you might want to reconsider RAID 0 -- as it offers next to no performance advantage (unless you are writing just one large file in a sequential manner), but RAID 0 does have rather significant drawbacks -- biggest being the drastically higher error rate. RAID 0 makes no sense in a desktop to begin with in most cases, and it makes even less sense in a confined laptop where heat is already an issue -- get an external box instead -- you will get much better performance when the drive head doesn't have to be constantly switching from swap page to write data - cuz they will be on 2 different physical drives.

cheers,

yass

 

yassarian;

You're probably right regarding the RAID 0 and I think you may have given me the same advice a few weeks back.

Do you believe the 6800Ultra can out perform the Quadro FX 1400 in 3d rendering applications? A local 3dMax guru told me his preference is the ATI FireGL accelerator over Nvidia, but I have been unsuccessful in locating any ATI's in P4 notebooks.

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by rookwood

 

yassarian;

Primarily I will be working with Autodesk's Revit for the creation of construction documents (where my Dell Inspiron 8500 performs okay) but then creating a 3d solid model of the building, often with much landscaping. Revit uses the AccuRender software for it's rendering. Generally the rendering goes along fine, however, the addition of landscaping with many trees and plants stalls the program.

Since this laptop will be my only computer, I am trying to reduce my downtime while rendering by putting the right componets together. The options on the Clevo D900T vary greatly from reseller to reseller, and I have found only a few (Hypersonic, Boxx, Eurocom) that offer the P4 660 processor. And fewer offer 4GB RAM. Most of the notebook forums rave about the Sager unit, and PCTorque's customer service, I can't seem to configure the more powerfull Clevo with them. Since Eurocom is a Canadian company, the conversion to US dollars puts them way out in left field. The identical $6,500 unit from Boxx or Hypersonic is well over $7,500 from Eurocom.

Although I travel with my laptop, size/weight and battery life is not an issue.

 

Did you check out this place?
http://www.discountlaptops.com/index.php?section=configurator&regular_model_id=1047&model_id=1065

They have FX1400 as an option for the Sager, and I've heard good things about that site in general. Plus its a Sager,so you get their warranty and service plans, which are both excellent.

Here's another place that sells it:
http://www.amazinglaptops.com/prostar-order9095.htm
nvr heard of them thou, not sure.

cheers,

yass

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by rookwood

 

Both of these companies offer the same options as Hypersonic and Boxx, except have a 2GB limit on RAM whereas Hypersonic and Boxx offer 4GB RAM. Hypersonic has the same warranty, including the 'no dead pixel' warranty. Unfortunately Boxxs offer only a one year warranty.

Can you pay over $6,000 for a laptop and get a one year warranty. My better side says no. So this leaves Hypersonic standing alone.

If you configure the Clevo D900T THE SAME from Hypersonic, Boxx, Discountlaptops and PCTorque, there is not $200 difference. It's when you get into the P4 660 and 4GB RAM that the field falls off and the remaining resellers really up the price.

 

I wouldn't worry about getting 4GB of ram from these places anyway -- as you can easily upgrade that cheaper by buying it somewhere else afterwards. I'm not quite sure where $6k comes from, I decked out the Sager 9860 from discountlaptops and this is what I got...

Sager NP9860-S3
17" WSXGA+ (1680 x 1050) Active Matrix Wide Screen Display (Glossy Screen)
3.8 Ghz Intel Pentium 4 HT (570J) Processor w/ 1MB L2 Cache
256MB nVIDIA Quadro FX Go 1400 / 16x PCI-Express (back order until 3/30)
60 GB Hard Drive (7200 RPM)
2048 MB DDR2 SDRAM (533 MHz, PC4200, Dual Channel) (2 x 1 GB)
External USB Floppy Drive
Internal 8X DVD±R/RW (Dual-Layer) / CD-RW Combo Drive w/ Software
HDD RAID Settings - Off
Built in 56k V.90 Modem
Built in 10/100/1000 Fast Ethernet / LAN Network Card
FREE! - Wireless (Wi-Fi) Lan Card 802.11g (54 Mbps)
Smart Lithium Ion Battery (12 Cells)
No TV-Tuner
Integrated Video Camera / 7-in-1 Card Reader / Internal Subwoofer Module
Auto-switching AC Adapter (150W; 100-250V)
Free Carry Case
*FREE* Notebook Essentials Software
No Operating System Installed, drivers included on CD-ROM
Factory 1-yr parts & labor warranty w/ lifetime technical support
+ additional 2yrs on-site warranty
$3,383.00
$3,383.00

Notice that I only opted for 2x1GB, as you can easily just buy the other 2GB elsewhere and pop it in. that should run you about $250 MAX (probably much cheaper!). I only configured 1 60gb 7200rpm drive, because of the aforementioned issues with raid. a HUGE external HD+enclosure would only be $200-$300 anyway. Aside from these 2 things I guess if you want the 600series P4 -- frankly I don't see the benefit? Because all your softwares will NOT be optimized for 64bit anyway. You will get a MUCH more drastic performance boost when Intel move to Dual-core -- but that's about a year away... lol Right now not only will you not see any benefit in getting the 600series P4, but in fact you might even see some performance degradation compared to the same speed 500 P4 chips!

At any rate, even after decking out the 9860 + the above options + getting the 600-series P4 and pop that in, you are still looking at around $4200. And this is with 3yr warranty (2 of which are on-site).

cheers,

yass

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by rookwood

 

First of all, what is most important to me is SERVICE over COST. Admittedly, away from DELL, I am in unfamiliar territory, other than I am aware that BOXX is well known in the workstation arena. I am clueless about Alienware, Voodoo, Hypersonic, Eurocom, etc. except for what I read on the forums. A lot of this seems to be venting from dissatisfied customers, and viewed as such. My company is willing to spend whatever they must so I need to be certain that I order from a company that will service me after the sale.

I've talked to Intel Sales on 2 separate occassions and was advised both times to go with the P4 660 in lieu of the P4 570. Also, reviews of the 600 series from Tom's Hardware Guide say it is a better performer than the 500 series. Taking your previous advice, I am opting out of the RAID configuration, but do want the dual drives because I travel alot and don't want to be encumbered by more auxillary devices. Also, I'm not certain about the 1920 x 1200 screen resolution. I have that now on my Dell Inspiron 8500 and after 2 years it is beginning to take its toll on my eyes, given the amount of detail work I do. A lot of screen real estate but you have to be nose to screen.

This is what I configured from Hypersonic, and the cost from Boxx is almost the same.

FUSION EX7: Mobile Workstation
3.60GHz Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 660 (with EM64T)
Intel® 915P+ICH6 LGA-775 Mobile Motherboard (EX7)
1024MB PC4200 DDR2-533 SODIMM (Corsair or Crucial)
1024MB PC4200 DDR2-533 SODIMM (Corsair or Crucial)
1024MB PC4200 DDR2-533 SODIMM (Corsair or Crucial)
1024MB PC4200 DDR2-533 SODIMM (Corsair or Crucial)
Nvidia Quadro FX Go 1400 PCI-Express 256MB DDR3
Built-in TV Tuner with Remote Control for EX7
Built-in ATA Hardware RAID Controller
60GB 7200rpm Ultra ATA Hard Drive w/ 8MB Cache
60GB 7200rpm Ultra ATA Hard Drive w/ 8MB Cache
8X DVD ± R/W Drive Dual Layer w/ DVD Recording Software
8X DVD ± R/W Drive Dual Layer w/ DVD Recording Software
7 in 1 Flash Media Card Reader Bay
17" WUXGA 1920x1200 Wide-Screen Display
Guaranteed No Dead or Partially-Lit Pixels
PCMCIA Sound Blaster® Audigy® 2 ZS Notebook
Integrated 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet Controller
Internal 802.11b+g 54Mbps Wireless Mini PCI Network Adapter & Bluetooth
Integrated V.92 56K Fax/Data Modem
MS Windows XP Professional
Targus Platinum Deluxe Case for 17" Laptops
Microsoft Office 2003 Professional Edition
3 Year Accidental Damage Protection (System and LCD)
3 Year Platinum Warranty with 24/7 Toll-Free Tech Support

Price as Configured: $6,659.00
Shipping: $77.67
Sales Tax: $0.00
Total: $6,736.67

The additional RAM is $289/1GB, or $578 total. An additional $600 for the 3 year ADP and warranty.

 

First of all, what is most important to me is SERVICE over COST. Admittedly, away from DELL, I am in unfamiliar territory, other than I am aware that BOXX is well known in the workstation arena. I am clueless about Alienware, Voodoo, Hypersonic, Eurocom, etc. except for what I read on the forums. A lot of this seems to be venting from dissatisfied customers, and viewed as such. My company is willing to spend whatever they must so I need to be certain that I order from a company that will service me after the sale.

I've talked to Intel Sales on 2 separate occassions and was advised both times to go with the P4 660 in lieu of the P4 570. Also, reviews of the 600 series from Tom's Hardware Guide say it is a better performer than the 500 series. Taking your previous advice, I am opting out of the RAID configuration, but do want the dual drives because I travel alot and don't want to be encumbered by more auxillary devices. Also, I'm not certain about the 1920 x 1200 screen resolution. I have that now on my Dell Inspiron 8500 and after 2 years it is beginning to take its toll on my eyes, given the amount of detail work I do. A lot of screen real estate but you have to be nose to screen.

This is what I configured from Hypersonic, and the cost from Boxx is almost the same.

FUSION EX7: Mobile Workstation
3.60GHz Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 660 (with EM64T)
Intel® 915P+ICH6 LGA-775 Mobile Motherboard (EX7)
1024MB PC4200 DDR2-533 SODIMM (Corsair or Crucial)
1024MB PC4200 DDR2-533 SODIMM (Corsair or Crucial)
1024MB PC4200 DDR2-533 SODIMM (Corsair or Crucial)
1024MB PC4200 DDR2-533 SODIMM (Corsair or Crucial)
Nvidia Quadro FX Go 1400 PCI-Express 256MB DDR3
Built-in TV Tuner with Remote Control for EX7
Built-in ATA Hardware RAID Controller
60GB 7200rpm Ultra ATA Hard Drive w/ 8MB Cache
60GB 7200rpm Ultra ATA Hard Drive w/ 8MB Cache
8X DVD ± R/W Drive Dual Layer w/ DVD Recording Software
8X DVD ± R/W Drive Dual Layer w/ DVD Recording Software
7 in 1 Flash Media Card Reader Bay
17" WUXGA 1920x1200 Wide-Screen Display
Guaranteed No Dead or Partially-Lit Pixels
PCMCIA Sound Blaster® Audigy® 2 ZS Notebook
Integrated 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet Controller
Internal 802.11b+g 54Mbps Wireless Mini PCI Network Adapter & Bluetooth
Integrated V.92 56K Fax/Data Modem
MS Windows XP Professional
Targus Platinum Deluxe Case for 17" Laptops
Microsoft Office 2003 Professional Edition
3 Year Accidental Damage Protection (System and LCD)
3 Year Platinum Warranty with 24/7 Toll-Free Tech Support

Price as Configured: $6,659.00
Shipping: $77.67
Sales Tax: $0.00
Total: $6,736.67

The additional RAM is $289/1GB, or $578 total. An additional $600 for the 3 year ADP and warranty.

 

Yea if you are going for service foremost, I'd really stay away from Alienware/Voodoo/Hypersonics. For several reasons: 1) their service seems to not justify the price premium. To me it's perfectly fine to pay more -- if you get what you are paying for. I also have heard of Boxx before, and can only assume that the premium they charge over the identical Sager laptop is because their service is worth about $1000+ more...

Because to be honest all those are EXACTLY the same machines. $289/GB is kinda really expensive for that type of RAM -- a quick check on Newegg (not the cheapest place in town), yields $180/GB for DDR2-4200 notebook SO-DIMM memory (with lifetime warranty).

The Sager I quoted also has the on-site 3yr warranty. And arguably Sager is a more well-known brand compared to the rest. Not meant as a criticism or anything, but I'm just wondering what exactly does the $2000+ premium buy in this instance, as the fully configured Sager, with 4GB of RAM, a 600-series CPU, AND a 2nd 7200rpm 60GB drive, will still run under $4000 with the 3yr warranty... In the case with Alienware/VoodooPC, that extra grand gets you either a pair of ugly eyes or a fresh coat of paint, which I guess however you look at it, its still SOMETHING... But with the other companies that are charging in that price range -- I'm just curious to know what exactly are you getting in extra?

cheers,

yass

 

Can anyone tell me which card is better for gamming go 6800 ultra or quadro fx go 1400. any site in which i can see there tests on doom3 or far cry.

 

Which card is better for gamming? Quadro go fx 1400 or go 6800 ultra. Anysite in which there performance has been tested in different games?

 

I'm a current user of both a Dell M60 (1.7Ghz PM) with the Quadro FX1000 as well as the Dell M70 (2.1Ghz PM) with the Quadro FX1400 (both with 2GB's of RAM).. My job is to teach Autocad and Autodesk Inventor (right now the same engine that runs Revit runs Inventor..) I have a BFG 6800 GT OC in my home desktop system and the 3.6Ghz P4.. While my desktop system does run faster in gaming, my Inventor (R10) experience is much much faster on the laptop.. That said, I still play GuildWars and HL2 as well as Doom3 on the laptop without any problems.. It's just faster on the desktop..

 

Those who sell the Clevo D900T (Sager NP9860/80) with 4GB of RAM are being a bit deceptive in that the Intel i915P+ICH6 chipset will only support 2.8GB.

So, if you want to get the most out of the RAM you would need to get 2 pieces of 1,024MB and 2 pieces of 512MB for a total of 3GB of Dual Channel memory. You need to keep the pieces in pairs to have the chipset support the Dual Channel feature. Dual Channel will double the bandwidth from 4200 to 8400.

Even though you have 3GB in the computer, it will only be able to use 2.8GB of it due to the limitation of the chipset, but that is still better than 2GB, or worse yet paying for 4GB and only getting the benefit of 2.8GB.

PowerNotebooks.com has been offering 3GB in the Sager NP9880 for months.

The Sager NP9880 has a Dead Pixel Guarantee option as well as options for either 3 or 4 years of total warranty.

 

The GeForce Go 6800 Ultra and Go 1400 are based off the same architecture, but the 6800 is optimized for speed while the 1400 is optimized for stability. So if you're looking for absolute performance the 6800 Ultra is the way to go.

 

Read the link below and you'll see that there is no comparison in performance between the Nvidia Quadro FX 1400 and the Nvidia GeForce cards when it comes to rendering. Totally different animals targeting totally different users. Go cards are commonly referred to as 'Consumer' grade while the Quadro cards are considered 'Professional' grade.

Major mistake opting for the GeForce...if you want to render or work with video editing. Otherwise, the 6800 Ultra is, presently, unbeatable for gaming and general computing. I, also, know of many graphics and rendering professionals who prefer the ATI FireGL cards. I have the 7500 in a 4 Xeon processor workstation PC and it does just fine. However, the Nvidia OpenGL cards dominate the notebook scene.

http://www.leadtek.com.tw/eng/support/faq.asp?faqlineid=44

 

With the exceptions of the dead pixel warranty, Office 2003, Creative Audigy card, three year accidental damage warranty, and 2 gig of Ram, rather than 4, the same system sells for $4199 before shipping with Clevo branding from here http://www.avadirect.com/product_details_configurator.asp?PRID=4582

The P4 670 HT CPU is also offered, as are 100 gig 7200 rpm, and 120 gig 5400 rpm SATA drives.

The three year extended warranty is provided by Phillips Magnavox, and it is possible the retailer might offer accidental damage coverage that is not listed on the web page. I don't use MS Office, as I prefer Open Office 2.0 (which is free), so I don't know how much Office 2003 costs, but the Audigy sound PC card and extra RAM are pretty cheap to add later.

Still, there is a huge difference between $4200, and $6700 for the same box, with all the same hardware options. Clevo branded notebooks are new to the US, as Sager, M-Tech, and a few others had exclusive North American distribution before Clevo started marketing their own brand, but the price is right.

Next Month, I'm buying the AMD 64 FX 60 dual core version of the same notebook, and had a similar question about the difference between the Go 7800 GTX, and the FX Go 1400 graphics cards.

Good luck, no matter which retailer you choose!

Voyager

 

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