XFX GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB & 8800 GTX XXX Editions
Our Summary and Conclusions
Performance Summary: In our performance profile, we're looking at two products on their own distinct merits -- the XFX GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB XXX Edition and GeForce 8800 GTX XXX Edition. The new XFX GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB XXX Edition card performed very well throughout our entire battery of tests. The card's 50% smaller frame buffer - in comparison to the original GeForce 8800 GTS - didn't hinder performance in the majority of situations. Some games, like F.E.A.R. and Episode 1, however, showed a sharp drop-off in performance once resolutions went higher than 1600x1200. Overall however, the card's performance is only really overshadowed by the flagship GeForce 8800 GTX.
Summarizing the XFX GeForce 8800 GTX XXX Edition's performance is much easier. This card is quite simply the fastest we have ever tested. And due to its higher-clocked core and 2GHz memory, its currently the fastest, air-cooled, desktop graphics card money can buy.
XFX GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB XXX Edition: The new 320MB GeForce 8800 GTS is an excellent value when you look at its feature set and performance in comparison to the competition. More often than not, the 320MB GTS outperforms ATI's current flagship Radeon X1950 XTX and it hangs right alongside the original 640MB GeForce 8800 GTS in situations where its smaller frame buffer doesn't hinder performance. It is not necessarily a good alternative to the 640MB model for gamers with higher res monitors or XHD capable panels, however. At XHD resolutions with anti-aliasing and anisotropic filtering enabled, the 320MB GeForce 8800 GTS' frame buffer comes up a little short in a few of today's games. And this will likely be the case with many future gaming titles as well. If you've got a XHD capable display (1920X1200 on up), we definitely recommend investing a little extra cash in the 640MB GeForce 8800 GTS or the more powerful GeForce 8800 GTX. If you've got a 19" or 20" panel or a monitor capable of resolutions of 1600x1200 and lower, the new 320MB GeForce 8800 GTS would be a perfect fit. For around $300-$340, these new cards will give you all of the features of NVIDIA's current flagship GPU and plenty of performance, with all of the eye candy turned up in just about any game. Couple that with DX10 support, HDCP compliance, a great video engine, and you can clearly see why the 320MB GeForce 8800 GTS is an extremely enticing product. In addition, XFX's interpretation in particular is a real winner. The XFX GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB XXX Edition card we tested is one of the highest clocked models available, its bundle is well rounded and includes a decent game, it's priced competitively, and the XFX double-lifetime warranty is second to none. The XFX GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB XXX Edition is a clear Editor's Choice winner.
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XFX GeForce 8800 GTX XXX Edition: XFX's flagship GeForce 8800 GTX XXX Edition will also be winning an Editor's Choice award from HotHardware for a number of reasons. For one, the card carries the same double-lifetime warranty mentioned earlier. And its price, while relatively high for an 8800 GTX at about $630, isn't completely out of touch with other 8800 GTX offerings, especially in comparison to other "factory overclocked" models. Where the card really shines is in terms of performance. Quite simply, the XFX GeForce 8800 GTX XXX Edition is the fastest air-cooled desktop graphics card money can buy today. If you're building a high-end gaming rig and were planning to purchase a GF 8800 GTX, you owe it to yourself to check out the XFX GeForce 8800 GTX XXX Edition - this card is a monster.
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