ECS GeForce 8800 GT Video Card Review – N8800GT-256MX

Test Setup

The test system was running Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit with all available Microsoft updates including the hotfixes required for enthusiast video cards to run correctly. NVIDIA Forceware 169.28 beta drivers were used on all of the GeForce 8800 series graphics cards, and 174.74 used for the 9800 GTX (174.74 drivers will not install on the GeForce 8800 GTX series). ATI Catalyst 8.3 drivers were used for all ATI cards. All results shown in the charts are averages of at least three runs from each game or application used. Memory timings were set to 1000MHz 4-5-4-15. The XFX GeForce 8800 GTX were standard modles and the GeForce 8800 GTS were the Palit 1GB Sonic SLI Video Cards.

Intel Test Platform
Component	Brand/Model	Live Pricing
Processor	Intel Core 2 Quad QX9770	Click Here
Motherboard	XFX nForce 780i SLI	Click Here
Memory	Crucial PC2-8500 2GB	Click Here
Video Card	See Above	Click Here
Hard Drive	Western Digital Raptor 150GB	Click Here
Cooling	Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme	Click Here
Power Supply	Thermaltake ToughPower 1000W	Click Here
Operating System	Windows Vista Ultimate	Click Here

Note that all of our testing was done on a Dell 30″ LCD screen at a resolution of 2560×1600. While this doesn’t represent a typical gamer, we have tested the 8800 GT at more mainstream resolutions and this article is to focus on the performance and value of cards under $200 for gamers with large LCD panels.