XFX 8800 GTS 512MB XXX Gaphics Card Review

NVIDIA released its latest graphics card today called the 8800 GTS 512MB, which replaces the old 8800 GTS 640MB and 8800 GTS 320MB graphics cards. What we will be looking at here is a hopped up factory overclocked version of the new GTS from XFX called the XFX 8800 GTS 512MB XXX.

Features& Specifications

The XFX 8800 GTS 512MB XXX has 512MB of GDDR3 memory with a 256-bit memory interface. The XFX 8800 GTS 512MB XXX version has a core speed of 678MHz compared to a tock GTS 512MB with a core clock of 650MHz. XFX used a memory clock of 1.972GHz and the shader clock is 1728MHz. The XFX 8800 GTS 512MB XXX is a 9-inch long card that requires one 6-pin power adapter and dual PCI slots. Outputs include a pair of dual-link DVI ports and a HDTV out. The new 8800 GTS 412MB XXX has 128 stream processors.

Test Machine

The test machine used in 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
• RAM- 2GB DDR2 PC6400

Benchmarks & Testing

I changes my test regime up recently with the addition of some new high-end video games. I will be testing today with 3DMark06, Bioshock, Crysis, and Quake Wars. The first test up is 3DMark06.

3DMark06

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

• Total 3DMarks- 14012
• SM2.0- 5888
• HDR/SM3.0- 5772
• CPU- 4599
• Return to Proxycon- 48.633
• Firefly Forest- 49.506
• Canyon Flight- 56.538
• Deep Freeze- 58.895
• CPU1- 1.535
• CPU2- 2.204

For comparison the 8800 GT 512MB XXX from NVIDIA, which is one step down from the card we are reviewing today in the NVIDIA product line, scored 13546 3DMarks, one step down again to the XFX 8800 GT 256MB XXX yields a 3DMark06 score of 12453 3DMarks. The fastest card around right now from NVIDIA is the XFX 8800 Ultra XXX, which scored 14378 3DMarks. That puts the new 8800 GTS 512MB graphics card a scant 300 odd points behind the behemoth 8800 Ultra.

Bioshock

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

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

Crysis

The newest game in my test suite is Crysis, which is also the most graphically demanding video game around right now. I ran Crysis at a screen resolution of 1920 x 1200 with 4x AA and all settings on medium. I used Fraps to record frame rate data from the initial insertion on the beach to where you fight the first soldiers on the beach. Fraps recorded the following frame rate data:

• Min- 37 fps
• Avg- 54.257 fps
• Max- 62 fps

Quake Wars

The final 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 on the single player African refinery level. Fraps recoded the following frame rate data:

• Min- 22 fps
• Avg- 35.908 fps
• Max- 47 fps

Final Thoughts

In the end the performance of the XFX 8800 GTS 512MB XXX was impressive. I miss the single slot design of the 8800 GT, but the XFX 8800 GTS 512MB XXX packs a larger punch for $379.99. Certainly a lot more than the $250 range the 8800 GT 512MB goes for, but the XFX 8800 GTS 512MB XXX is so close to the much more expensive 8800 Ultra in performance that it renders the 8800 Ultra impotent in the marketplace.