In our recent Radeon shootout, we took a look at the 256MB DDR-II equipped ATi reference 9800 Pro. Running at a slightly faster than normal 380Mhz core and 350MHz memory, it was a little bit quicker than the 128 version. For the large increase in price however, reviewers almost universally agreed that it wasn't worth the extra. ATi have now released the Radeon 9800 "XT" edition. Note that the Pro name has been dropped. This XT version has its core clocked some 8% higher at 412 MHz, and its memory clocked at 7% higher at 730MHz. Unlike the 9600 based cards, the 9800 XT is still based on 0.15 micron technology. To get this new level of performance out of the existing technology, ATi have come up with a different PCB revision with a layout optimised for maximum efficiency at minimum heat output. Improvements in chip yields and the addition of a truly monsterous cooler also makes this possible.
As you can see from the image above, the Radeon 9800 XT has a very different design to the minimalist approach ATi normally take to cooling. Constructed from 100% copper, this huge cooler dissipates heat from both the core and the 4 memory chips on the top of the card. On top of the copper slab is a clear perspex cover which helps to channel turbulance created by the fan in the right direction. Notice that this elegant solution not only provides for quiet, efficient operation, but the card still only takes up a single slot - perfect if you plan on using one in a LAN minisystem.
Flipping the card over, you will see that ATi have now introduced a heatspreader - also 100% copper - to the underside of the card. This helps to keep the core cooler by removing heat from the card's underside, and vastly increases the cooling surface area of the remaining 4 memory chips. The dimensions of the 9800 XT are precisely the same as the 9800Pro.
