Graphic Cards The mainstream cost of 8800 series product: MSI NX8800GTS T2D320E performance reviews

[windwithme]

Since NVIDIA announced the Geforce8 new generation GPU products,
They launched 8800GTX 768MB and 8800GTS 640MB as enthusiast products.
Geforce8 series build with DX10 and new generation technology to replace
old top segment 7900 series.
Because of the sky high price, make the 7900 series still alive under 350USD
product segment.
NVIDIA seems wants to enhance the 8800 series market share, so they
phase in the 8800GTS 320MB,
Use smaller memory size design with same performance and make the street
price under 320USD to the performance market.
This time we got MSI NX8800GTS T2D320E
There are HDCP ready and OC version stickers on BOX.

Accessory and Game

The body of 8800GTS 320MB
Unlike the huge 8800GTX, and it only need 1 power connector.

Right side layout and power connector.

2 DVI port and multimedia port.

Behind the 8800GTS

Testing platform setup

CPU:INTEL Core 2 Extreme X6800
MB: Nvidia nForce 680i SLI
DRAM:CORSAIR Dominator TWIN2X2048-8888C4DF
VGA:MSI NX8800GTS T2D320E
HD:Seagate 7200.7 160GB
POWER:Corsair HX620W Modular Power Supply
Cooler:TT Big Typhoon VX

CPU:400X9=>3600Mhz
DRAM: DDRII 1200 CL4 3-3-9 2T
VGA:575/1700Mhz(Normal version 8800GTS is 500/1600)

3DMARK2003

3DMARK2005

3DMARK2006

The OC version have great performance improve,
almost 90% higher compare with 8800GTX, but only need half cost to nuy.

After the 3DMARK2006 test, the core temp. is 66 ℃ with default frequency.

Need For Speed Carbon test
We try the real in game FPS as reference.
Setup:
1280*1024 Resolutions
Detail Texture: High
Others use default setting.

3D main menu: 97FPS

AOE III
The real in game FPS reference.
1280*1024 Resolutions
Detail Texture: High
Others use highest setting.

3D main menu: 103FPS

 

[windwithme]

8800GTS overclock performance
VGA:650/2133Mhz

3DMARK2003

3DMARK2005

3DMARK2006

After the 3DMARK2006 test, the core temp. is 69℃ with overclock frequency.

650/2100Mhz=>NV performance test software shows 59℃

Need For Speed Carbon test
We try the real in game FPS as reference.
Setup:
1280*1024 Resolutions
Detail Texture: High
Others use default setting.

3D main menu: 110FPS

AOE III
The real in game FPS reference.
1280*1024 Resolutions
Detail Texture: High
Others use highest setting.

3D main menu: 110FPS

8800GTS got great overclock ability, almost can reach 8800GTX frequency.
The performance of 8800GTS is closed with 8800GTX after overclock.

8800GTS use smaller size, single power connector and lower temp.
After the cost down with 320MB design, 8800GTS did great job to install and
buy more then 8800GTX

Seems the 8800GTS 320MB under340USD almost defeat 7900 series SLI
solution.
That makes the 8800GTS could replace the 7900/7950 series over 300USD,
and become the best selection with 300USD segment.

We sure for expect on few month later, GeForce8 series mainstream and
value segment launch to make the DX10 generation coming!
SLI test to be continued...

 

[deathvirus_me]

Well , 3DMark scores are fine .. but u should have tested some games that actually use >320 MB frame buffer ... like Company of Heroes .. or GRAW ... infact in other reviews , and trust me i'm not kidding .. the 320 MB is seriously bottlenecking the 8800GTS , bringing down the performance to the 7900GTX level .. and considering the net gen games should be using a 512 MB frame buffer atleast .. i think the 8600 Ultra will definitely give this card a fight ..

 

[undertaker]

Lets see what the 8600 ultra has to offer, if it is based on a separate core instead of g80 with disabled units, it should clock well.Either way, my yet to arrive x1950pro is going to be RMA'ed in 40 days, lol.

 

[Alias]

Nice review there.. Though a couple of game benchmarks using new games like Oblivion, COH would have been more helpful!

Great work, nevertheless!!:hap2:

The 8800GTS seems like a solid buy at 300$. Though benchmarks from other sites show it seem to be bottlenecked at resolutions above 1600x1200..

 

[Hotstuff]

but 320 mb bottlenecks the cards true capability......640mb is able to use the card's full potential

 

[DuBudhi]

Great review...great card for the price....

 

[thexfactor]

Awesome review as always ... guess it's a good enuff price considering the performance leap it offers over the previous gen cards

 

[windwithme]

More temperature information

Driver Version: 97.92 with ATI TOOL 0.26 & RivaTuner 2.0
No case setup platform with 25℃ room temp.

8800GTS OC version default frequency: Core/Mem 575/1700

Standby 20 minute: 53℃

After 3DMARK2006 test: 68℃

8800GTS OC version overclock frequency: Core/Mem 650/2133

Standby 20 minute: 53℃

After 3DMARK2006 test: 71℃

When test with 3DMARK, fan will not speed up,
so the noise is acceptable with my temp. test.

8800GTS 320MB SLI

Testing platform setup

CPU:INTEL Core 2 Extreme X6800
MB: Nvidia nForce 680i SLI
DRAM:CORSAIR Dominator TWIN2X2048-8888C4DF
VGA:MSI NX8800GTS T2D320E SLI
HD:Seagate 7200.7 160GB
POWER:Corsair HX620W Modular Power Supply
Cooler:TT Big Typhoon VX

CPU:400X9=>3600Mhz
DRAM: DDRII 1200 CL4 3-3-9 2T
8800GTS SLI
VGA:575/1700Mhz

3DMARK2003

3DMARK2005

3DMARK2006

AOE III
The real in game FPS reference.
1280*1024 Resolutions
Detail Texture: High
Others use highest setting.

3D main menu: 135FPS

8800GTS SLI overclock test
VGA:633/2133Mhz

3DMARK2003

3DMARK2005

3DMARK2006

AOE III
The real in game FPS reference.
1280*1024 Resolutions
Detail Texture: High
Others use highest setting.

3D main menu: 143FPS

The END
Thanks

 

[whateve_r]

Does getting two of these together sound better than a single 8800GTX, i mean 300$ for each means 600$ for two and they seem to OC amazingly..

What i mean it makes "some" sense to buy one now and buy another when it gets cheap and see a great improvement. Don't you think so ?

Great Review man !!!

akS !