XFX 8800 GTS 512MB XXX Graphics Card Review

Today marks the release of new graphics card from NVIDIA called the 8800 GTS 512MB. This card replaces the old 8800 GTS graphics cards that have been around since the 8 series launched. The card we will be looking at here is the XFX 8800 GTS 512MB XXX. Read on for all the details on the XFX 8800 GTS 512MB XXX.

Gallery

6 images

Benchmarks

Features & Specifications
The new XFX 8800 GTS 512MB XXX has 128 stream processors and the core clock speed is 678MHz, with a memory clock of 1.972GHz and a shader clock of 1728MHz. The card is 9-inches long and requires one 6-pin power connector. Unlike the recently released 8800 GT, the XFX 8800 GTS 512MB XXX is a dual slot card. Outputs include a pair of dual-link DVI ports and HDTV out. The card uses 512MB of GDDR3 memory.

Test Machine
Before we get into the performance of the XFX 8800 GTS 512MB XXX we need to go over the test machine specifications. The test machine used for this review is as follows:

• 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 performance of the XFX 8800 GTS 512MB XXX I will be using 3DMark06, Crysis, Bioshock, and Enemy Territory: Quake Wars. The first test up is 3DMark06.

3DMark06
I ran 3DMark06 at default settings in the NVIDIA control panel and default settings in the application. The XFX 8800 GTS 512MB XXX scored as follows in 3DMArk06:

• Total 3DMarks- 14012
• SM2.0- 5888
• HDR/SM3.0- 5772
• CPU- 4599
• Return to Proxycon- 48.663
• Firefly Forest- 49.506
• Canyon Flight- 56.538
• Deep Freeze- 58.895
• CPU1- 1.535
• CPU2- 2.204

To compare the recently tested XFX 8800 GT 512MB XXX scored 13546 3DMarks. The stock clocked PNY 8800 GT 512MB scored 12812 3DMarks, the XFX 8800 Ultra XXX scored 14378, and the XFX 8800 GT 256MB XXX scored 12453 3DMarks.

Quake Wars
The first game test up for the XFX 8800 GTS 512MB XXX is Quake Wars. I ran the game at a screen resolution of 1920 x 1200, all settings on high, 8x AA, and smooth foliage on. I used Fraps to record frame rate data while playing the single player refinery map in the Africa campaign. Fraps recorded the following frame rate data:

• Min- 22 fps
• Avg- 54.257 fps
• Max- 47 fps

Bioshock
The next game test was with Bioshock. I ran the game with a screen resolution of 1920 x 1200, all settings on high, high detail post processing on, high detail shaders on, real time reflections on, and distortions on. I used Fraps to record frame rate data at the Fontaine Fisheries level where you have to leave weapons behind. Fraps recorded the following frame rate data:

• Min- 41 fps
• Avg- 55.543 fps
• Max- 62 fps

Crysis
The final game test up for the XFX 8800 GTS 512MB XXX was Crysis. This is a new addition to me test regime and is replacing Fear. Fear is still a great game, but recently Fear has become less and less of a challenge for video cards. Crysis on the other hand is the most demanding game on the market currently. I ran Crysis at a screen resolution of 1920 x 1200 with all settings on medium and with 4x AA. I used Fraps to record frame rate data from the beginning beach insertion until defeating the enemies on the first beach. Fraps recorded the following frame rate data:

• Min- 37 fps
• Avg- 54.546 fps
• Max- 72 fps

Final Thoughts
After all the dust settled the XFX 8800 GTS 512MB XXX performed well. I wasn’t as impressed with the XFX 8800 GTS 512MB XXX as I was with the XFX 8800 GT 512MB XXX, but there is little doubt that the XFX 8800 GTS 512MB XXX s a great video card.

Verdict

Conclusion

Pros

• Good performance
• Ships with Lost Planet game

Cons

• Dual slot design makes me miss the 8800 GT

Verdict
The XFX 8800 GTS 512MB XXX is a great video card for gamers looking for solid performance in a mid-rang package. The XFX 8800 GTS 512MB XXX performs better than the 8800 GT one step down in the lineup, but you give up the svelte single slot design and add more cost for the performance. Overall, the XFX 8800 GTS 512MB XXX is a solid performer that gamers will find appealing and comes slightly over 300 points in 3DMark from dethroning the reigning king of NVIDIA performance, the XFX 8800 Ultra XXX.

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