The Point Of View 9800 GTX
As for the GeForce 9800 GX2, Point Of View was again the quickest manufacturer to offer a test sample of its 9800 GTX. But like all the other models, this one is in conformity with the reference design, which is par for the course with high-end cards (although - unlike the 9800 GX2, which had too limited a potential sales volume to amortize the additional costs - there probably will eventually be more customized models of this one).
GeForce 9800 GTX
GeForce 8800 GTS
You have to admit that as far as visual design goes, Nvidia hasn’t really tried to discourage comparison between the 9800 GTX and the 8800 GTS 512 MB. The double-slot design that channels air over the cooler and vents it outside the case (which the 9800 GX2 does not offer); a 4.08 W radial cooling fan with the axis tilted slightly to blow air closer to the base of the cooler; two dual-link DVI-I outputs and a TV connector. If you want to spot the differences, they include a second SLI connector (needed for Triple SLI support), a second PCI Express six-pin power connector (and not eight-pin as on the 9800 GX2), indicating higher power consumption; and finally the larger size. Unfortunately the card measures 26.7 cm, like the 8800 GTX, Ultra, 9800 GX2 and 3870 X2, and not 23 cm like the 8800 GTS 512 MB. It’ll also have a tough time fitting into certain cases.
The card ships with a DVI-to-VGA adaptor, but also with a DVI-to-HDMI, with support for the active adaptor via a small HDMI input connector. There’s also a 2 Molex -> PCI Express six-pin adaptor, which is useful for those who have only one such connector, whereas two are needed. No games are shipped with the card.
Test Configuration
After our recent 9800 GX2 review this is a test of the first midrange/high-end card to use Windows Vista, with SP1. In comparison to the GX2, we have lowered the resolutions to keep them in line with the performance of the cards we test here. On the other hand, all settings remain at maximum and we use Fraps and our standardized gameplay sequences for our tests.
Hardware
Asus P5E3 Deluxe (Intel X38) Intel Core 2 Quad QX6850 (3 GHz) Crucial 2 x 1 GB DDR3 1333 MHz 7-7-7-20 Western Digital WD5000AAKS Asus 12x DVD drive Coolermaster RealPower Pro 850W
Software
Windows Vista SP1 ForceWare 174.53 beta (9800 GTX) ForceWare 169.44 beta (GeForce 8 series) Catalyst 8.3 WHQL
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Still no reason to upgrade form an 8800 GT or GTS (512) though
DAMMIT need to pull their finger out, so Nvidia wont fob us of with the "upgrades" and get on with some new research!
The fact the review contains the addition of an LED on the PCB tells you all you need to know...
Unless being an audiophile or wanting to play games at highest resolution with AA on, I believe the performance recap tells you all your need to know. This may well not be a revolution, but it's good bang for the buck.
WHAT! am i the only one who thinks this review is nothing but a load of rubbish?
this is nothing more than an overclocked 8800GTS 512...
shame on you, TH, for that terrible review.
what? why? they have to review it - and they tell us its more or less an OC'd 8800gts
For those who already have an 8800GTX or Ultra, it's about half as fast as desired and of no 'purchasing' interest whatsoever. For everyone else it looks like a well priced buy.
I want a card that uses less power, makes less noise, costs a lot less and get great frame rates.
But; I like the heat mine kicks out as it keeps my feet warm in the winter. I'll need a cooler card summer maybe.
I'll not be getting a new gfx card for a few years, so the above may happen.
There’s no doubt that it’s a good value card, but it really does not warrant the GTX moniker. When the 8800GTX replaced the 7800GTX there was a significant increase in performance. The increase in performance from a standard 8800GTX and the 9800GTX is a bit of a joke. I'm running a BFG 8800GTX OC2 and the 9800GTX in no way attracts my attention. The 9800GTX may run cooler and quieter, but for those of us interested in best in class performance, these are not normally factors that would sway our buying decisions.
I have the new 9800 GTX and i have to say it is well worth the buy, it melts your face running everything on HD a really good card to buy
WATAFAK these cards have better performance with AA AF turned ON than without it?????? Where are we........
u just have to wait till the new comer 9900GTX and 9900GT is out