XFX GeForce 8600 GT XXX @ Neoseeker
Neoseeker reviews the XFX GeForce 8600 GT XXX, the new mid-range GeForce 8 card with 256 MB DDR3 memory but only with a 128bit memory bus. Neoseeker writes in the final thoughts:
During benchmarking, the most evident scores that really depicts the G84’s weakness were in Company of Heroes and X3. In those benchmarks, the PowerColor Radeon X1950 Pro takes a significant lead over the rest of the cards when it hadn’t been able to do that in the older generation of gaming benchmarks. Seeing as the X1950 Pro is the only card in the lineup with 256-bit memory buses while the other four card (including the G84 cards) 128-bit memory buses, this seems to be the indicting variable for the large lead. Particularly with these new games, the larger textures will hammer card with limited buses and low amount of RAM.
Slotting the 8600 GT XXX into the lower mid-range is quite difficult as of right now depending on what stage of purchasing you’re at. While some people may be inclined to hold onto their older 6600 GT class card, these can no longer remain even remotely competitive with the 8600 GT that is 2 generations ahead. The GeForce 7600 GT is another story though, as it scores are taut with the 8600 GT. Current owners of the 7600 GT class and X1950PRO/7900GS class cards are best recommended to stick with what they have. What really remains to be seen is what NVIDIA has been touting the G84 to do, and that is enhanced Windows Vista performance. DirectX 10 can only used with Vista and until some new benchmarks with DX10 compatibility come out, there is still that lingering question mark.
At the end of the day the math can be summarized fairly simply. The XFX GeForce 8600 GT XXX will cost a MSRP $169.99. With the X1950 Pro and GeForce 7900 GS sometimes as cheap as $169 and $159 respectively, it is best to wait a bit until the price drops for the 8600 GT.
Read the full review of the XFX GeForce 8600 GT XXX here.