8600GTS vs 8800GT(S)/(X)

llThunDeRll

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Aug 3, 2007
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Alright So right now i have an 8600GTS 256MB with a core of 710 in my computer. I am thinking about upgrading to a better card like an 8800GTS 640(or whatever it is) or an 8800GTX 720(around there lol...sorry for the dumness). Anyway i noticed there core clocks are much lower than my 8600GTS, they are like only around 550...erm any help on that part? Are they a lot better but y do they have a lower clock. Im only upgrading so i can run Bio Shock and the really new DX 10 games to there fullest potential, but is the high Core clock good for older games like CSS or something? Ty for any help.
 

lankiller

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Aug 1, 2007
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Remember a higher clock doesn't always mean it runs faster. Sometimes its about how efficient a chip is. For example a 2 pipe line gpu running at 800 mhz will absolutly be destroyed by a 300mhz 12 pipe line gpu; simply because can handle more load. Intel found this out the hard way with their p4 line, when they kept pushing for GHZ while AMD was pushing for lower ghz with better performance, which absolutely destroyed intel in the long run. So keep in mind pipelines and memory size/interface are all important factors when comparing a card.

P.s. might wanna look at the 2900xt. It has the same price as a 8800gts but blows the thing outta the water!! It can even hang with the 8800 gtx's in some areas!! Not bad for 300 bucks less!!
 

Mugz

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Oct 27, 2006
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8800-series completely nails anything less in a GeForce. I don't have firsthand experience of the HD2900XT (or any other DX10 ATi hardware), unfortunately, so I cannot comment about the Radeons.

I'm personally running a (heavily OCed) XFX 8800GTS 320, and about the only complaints about it I've been able to come up with are about heat, power usage and expense. Oh, and that it's nVidia. [/undercover ATi fanboy]