6800LE or 6800nu?

[Halen5150]

I can't choose between these two cards:

Leadtek 6800LE (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814122212)

XFX 6800nu (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814150106)

Is XFX a reliable brand? I know the 6800nu is the better card out of the box, but how does it compare to an unlocked 6800LE? Not to mention, it seems the Leadtek would yield a better overclock due to the better heatsink/fan compared to the XFX. I really only play UT:2004 and CS:Source...at least for now. I have a Tachyon 9600 Pro right now. I really want to go back to Nvidia...I haven't really been impressed with ATI. Thanks for the help....

[ScottinIndy]

I guess the bottom line is are you willing to accept the performance of either card if they don't unlock. A friend from work got the xfx 68nu that you are looking at, It did unlock and it is a very good card, It got over 12,200 in 3d03. I would add however that it does come with a very small/not impressive fan/heatsink, He got the Zalman 77cu for it and it has done very well for him.
I have the leadtek 68nu in another computer, It is a very nice card also, It also unlocked and does very well with the stock heatsink from leadtek.
If the 68le does unlock, You end up with a heck of a bargain, But if it doesn't you end up with a pretty ordinary card, It should play the games you listed fine though IMO.
Another thing to consider, Xfx has come up with a pretty nice warranty for their cards also, So it might help you decide if you question the reliability of their cards.

[Halen5150]

Thanks man, looks like I'll go with the 6800nu. I wouldn't be satisfied with the LE if it didn't unlock. One more question...will unlocking the card make it run hotter? I'm new to this...

[ytpconquer]

yes it will run hoter, but if you get a good heatsink like a zalman, it won't matter much :)

[Halen5150]

Well d@mnit, the XFX 6800nu card is out of stock on newegg. Any opinions on this card below? Can't say I've even heard of this brand.

Apollo 6800nu (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814140045)

[Halen5150]

anyone?

[scott d]

well that xfx is back in stock...so i would just go w/ that

And it's cheaper than the apollo after the rebate, you can't go wrong

[Susquehannock]

Hell yeah ... $144 after rebate for the XFX is a sweet deal.

May your re-enabled pipes be clear of artifacts. :thup: