XFX 8800 GT 256MB XXX Video Card Review

Today we are looking at the XFX 8800 GT 256MB XXX graphics card. This card is the little brother to the XFX 8800 GT 512MB XXX graphics card that was tested last week and performed so well. While the XFX 8800 GT 256MB XXX has half the memory, it also carries a significantly cheaper price of around $200. Read the full XFX 8800 GT 256MB XXX review for all the details.

Gallery

6 images

Benchmarks

Features & Specifications
The XFX 8800 GT 256MB XXX has a core clock speed of 650MHz and a memory clock of 1.6 GHz. The memory bus is 256-bit and the card is HDCP ready and features dual DVI outputs. The memory used is GDDR3 RAM. Other features of the XFX 8800 GT 256MB XXX are the same as the 8800 GT 512MB card reviewed previously.

Test Machine
The test machine used for this review has the following specifications:

• CPU- Intel QX6850
• Mainboard- XFX 680i
• PSU- PC Power and Cooling 1KW
• Display- Dell 30-inch
• OS- Windows XP Pro

Benchmarks & Testing
To test the XFX 8800 GT 256MB XXX I will be using 3DMark06, FEAR, Bioshock and Quake Wars. The first test up for the XFX 8800 GT 256MB XXX is 3DMark06.

3DMark06
I ran 3DMark06 at default settings in the application and default settings in the NVIDIA control panel. The 3DMark06 results were as follows:

• Total 3DMarks- 12453
• SM2.0- 5181
• HDR/SM3.0- 4928
• CPU- 4603
• Return to Proxycon- 43.111
• Firefly Forest- 43.238
• Canyon Flight- 47.124
• Deep Freeze- 51.439
• CPU1- 1.530
• CPU2- 2.216

To compare the XFX 8800 GT 512MB XXX I reviewed previously scored 13546 3DMarks and the stock clocked PNY 8800 GT scored 12812 3DMarks. An 8800 Ultra XXX tested on the same system scored 14378 3DMarks.

FEAR
The first game test up for the XFX 8800 GT 256MB XXX is with FEAR. I ran the game at 1920 x 1200, all settings on max, soft shadows on, 4x AA, and 16x AF. The FEAR in game test loop recorded the following frame rate data:

• Min- 26 fps
• Avg- 52 fps
• Max- 109 fps

Quake Wars
The next gaming test was Quake Wars, which I ran at a screen resolution of 1920 x 1200 with 8x AA, all settings on high, and smooth foliage on. I used Fraps to record frame rate data from the single player Africa Refinery map. Fraps recorded the following frame rate data:

• Min- 32 fps
• Avg- 51.875 fps
• Max- 62 fps

Bioshock
The final game test up was Bioshock which I ran at 1920 x 1200 with shadow maps on, high detail post processing on, high detail shaders on, distortion on, real time reflections on, and all settings on high. I used Fraps to record frame rate data on the Fontaine Fisheries level where you have to leave weapons behind. Fraps recorded the following frame rate data:

• Min 32 fps
• Avg- 45/115 fps
• Max- 60 fps

Verdict

Conclusion

Pros

• Great price
• Bundled with Lost Planet game
• Single slot design

Cons

• Might be hard to find in stores

Verdict
XFX and NVIDIA have again delivered a very impressive video card at a great price. The XFX 8800 GT 256MB XXX can be had for around $200 and sources at XFX tell me the card will likely drop by around $20 in the near future. This is one serious graphics card for a great price.

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