GeForce 7800GTX: EVGA's KO Edition

Final Words

In our last review of the BFG 7800, we found that, out of the box, BFG's 7800GTX has a slight edge over the original EVGA 7800GTX in terms of performance, strictly due to BFG's higher factory memory clock (BFG has 1.3GHz, while EVGA has 1.2GHZ). With this article, we've pretty much established that EVGA is back on the top with a core clock speed of 490MHz and a memory clock of 1.3GHz. These are the highest speeds that we've seen yet, and the numbers have proven that the EVGA e-GeForce 7800GTX KO is the fastest graphics card on the market (out of the box and in our labs with air cooling anyway).

Keep in mind that the margins between performance gains are still fairly close between these four cards. While EVGA's e-GeForce 7800GTX KO is at the top of the list in terms of speed, the BFG 7800GTX OC isn't that far behind. As we've said before, most people wouldn't be able to tell a difference between all these cards out of the box by simply playing their favorite games. That's why we consider every factor when recommending a graphics card from the framerate increase to whether it comes with a t-shirt or not (and no, sadly, the EVGA e-GeForce 7800GTX KO does not). It's difficult ranking these cards because they are all exceptional, and it can be a very subjective process, especially given that prices for these parts are changing constantly.

As for the prices, it looks like the old EVGA e-GeForce 7800GTX with Battlefield 2 bundle is back down to about $500. This is good news for those on a budget. The MSI NX7800GTX with Chronicles of Riddick is about $520, and the BFG 7800GTX OC is $540. The EVGA e-GeForce 7800GTX KO is listed right now at $560 without BF2. Since this card is so new, we couldn't find any other prices for the version bundled with BF2 except on the EVGA website, sold at retail price for $612. However, keep in mind that you'll likely be seeing deals here and there for the KO+BF2 bundle in the near future.

That being said, taking into account the current prices (at the time of this review) as well as features and warranty, we have to say that the overall winner is the EVGA e-GeForce 7800GTX KO. If you are on a budget – if we can call any computer part in the $500+ range "budget" – or just don't want to pay that much, then we recommend the other EVGA card with BF2 for $500. This one made a very close second, and many people will want to choose this one just because of the price, especially if you don't already own Battlefield 2. However, we feel that in terms of sheer value with performance in mind, the KO rises to the top. With the lifetime warranty, you'll get a very solid investment for this card, and will be playing the most graphically demanding games as they come out for a long time. If we thought that more people didn't already own Battlefield 2, we would have been more inclined to recommend the $500 EVGA bundle, and if you don't have BF2, then definitely get it instead of the KO. That is, of course, unless you have an extra $112 to burn, get the KO BF2 bundle; you won't be disappointed.

In short, if you already have Battlefield 2 (or don't want it – all 3 of you), then get the EVGA e-GeForce 7800GTX KO for $560. If you still need to get BF2, then get the 450MHz EVGA bundle for $500 before the price goes up again. Both of these cards will give you great performance and they both come with good warranties to ensure years and years of quality gaming. You could even get a second copy of BF2 if you wanted, and the prospect of selling bundled games is there, though the legality of doing so as well as the return is debatable. Selling your original copy and keeping the bundled copy would be okay, of course – you could probably get $30 or so for it, making the total cost of the EVGA bundle at $470. It's almost like a mail-in rebate (which many don't particularly like).

The next card that we'll be looking at will be the XFX 7800 (we promise), and as always, feel free to email us with any questions or suggestions that you may have.