MSI GeForce 8800 GTX (NX8800GTX-T2D768E)
Introduction, Specs & Features
As enthusiasts, we are always anxiously awaiting new GPU architectures, with additional pipelines and more memory. All of these aspects usually go into creating the next must-have flagship video card. Like us, you've probably been wondering when single GPU cards would sport a full gigabyte of memory. Dual-GPU cards, like NVIDIA's GeForce 7950 GX2, already boast 1GB of high-speed GDDR3. And as exciting as that may sound, it isn't quite as geek-tastic as having 1GB of memory coupled to a single GPU.
We all know it's coming; it's only a matter of time. NVIDIA's latest line-up, the GeForce 8 Series, got us one step closer as the 8800 GTX features 768MB of fast GDDR3 memory. New architecture, new features, DirectX 10 support, 768MB of GDDR3 RAM and a 384-bit memory interface; the 8800 GTX has a lot of exciting things going for it. And at over ten and a half inches in length, the 8800 GTX is definitely a monster.
Today, we have an MSI 8800 GTX (specifically, the NX8800GTX-T2D768E) on the test bench. In addition to comparing it to a GeForce 7950 GX2 and Radeon X1900 XTX, we'll hook it up to a 65-inch 1080p TV for some big-screen gaming.
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Memory: 768MB DDR3 Video Output Function: - TV-out + HDTV Support - Two Dual-link DVI Connectors - SLI Bridge 384-Bit Memory Interface |
Clocks: - GPU: 575 MHz - Memory: 1.8 GHz (effective) Performance: - Memory Bandwidth (GB/sec): 86.4 - Fill Rate (Billion pixels/sec): 36.8 |
NVIDIA unified architecture: Fully unified shader core dynamically allocates processing power to geometry, vertex, physics, or pixel shading operations, delivering up to 2x the gaming performance of prior generation GPUs.
Full Microsoft DirectX 10 Support:
NVIDIA SLI Technology:
NVIDIA Lumenex Engine:
128-bit floating point High Dynamic-Range (HDR):
NVIDIA Quantum Effects Technology:
NVIDIA ForceWare Unified Driver Architecture (UDA):
OpenGL 2.0 Optimizations and Support:
NVIDIA nView Multi-Display Technology:
PCI Express Support:
Dual 400MHz RAMDACs:
Dual Dual-link DVI Support: |
Built for Microsoft Windows Vista:
NVIDIA PureVideo HD Technology:
Discrete, Programmable Video Processor:
Hardware Decode Acceleration:
HDCP Capable:
Spatial-Temporal De-Interlacing:
High-Quality Scaling:
Inverse Telecine (3:2 & 2:2 Pulldown Correction):
Bad Edit Correction:
Video Color Correction:
Integrated SD and HD TV Output:
Noise Reduction:
Edge Enhancement: |
Like the last MSI card we reviewed, the MSI 8800 GTX is packed in a box sporting an angelic woman and a carrying handle. The back of the box of course boasts some of the main features of the card. Once we opened the box, we were glad to see the $600 card surrounded by styrofoam.
We were also glad to see a decent bundle included with this flagship card. MSI includes a handful of accessories: two VGA-to-DVI adapters, two PCI Express power cables, one S-video cable and one TV-out cable (with S-video and component video connectors). In addition to the accessories, the bundle includes a bunch of software, including Serious Sam II, CyberLink PowerCinema and Power2Go, and all the utilities listed below.
MSI developed software | |
. | VGA Driver |
. | MSI Live Update Series ( Live VGA BIOS & Live VGA Driver) |
- | Automatically online download & update VGA BIOS & Drivers, reduce the risk of getting the wrong files, and never have the trouble on web site searching. |
. | StarOSD |
- | StarOSD can monitor system information, adjust monitor figuration, and overclock system. |
. | Dual Core Center |
. | GoodMen |
Automatically release the system memory space, reduce the risk of system hang-up. | |
. | LockBox |
- | Instantly enter the data lock mode when you must leave your system for a while. |
. | WMIinfor |
- | Automatically list the detail system configuration, it helpful for engineering service people. |
. | MSI VIVID |
- | Vivid brings the easiest way to optimize graphic quality. Colorize your vision when browsing photos!!! Sharpen characters edge! Enhance contrast when playing game! |
. | MSI Live |
- | Including all real time life information you need, such as Live MSI Product News, Live Daily Information, Live Personal Schedule Manager, Live Search and more. |
. | MSI Secure DOC |
. | E-Color |
. | MediaRing |
. | ShowShift |
. | ThinSoft Be Twin |
. | Adobe Acrobat Reader |
. | Norton Internet Security 2005 |
. | Microsoft DirectX 9.0 |