NVIDIA Mid Range 8600 GT vs 7600 GT Performance Comparison

Videocards/VGA Reviews by jmke @ 2007-08-13

Only a few weeks ago we compared the new 8500 GT to the cheaper and older 7300 GT video card and found the new NVIDIA budget card to be average at best. This week we compare the mid range offering, a Sparkle 8600 GT 256Mb which can be found at ~€100 in stores, to a ~€100 XFX 7600 GT 256Mb which comes with higher clock speeds. To round up the comparison we threw in a factory overclocked Calibre 8600 GT with 512Mb. Let´s see if the new cards can beat the revived price/performance champ.

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Calibre 8600 GT 512Mb GDDR3 Video Card

Calibre 8600 GT 512Mb
» Provided by: Dollarshops

Calibre is a sub-brand from Sparkle, aimed at the enthusiast these products come in fancy packaging and the product themselves feature distinct features and design. You do pay a premium for all of this, but the factory overclock goodness might make up for it. This Calibre model not only gets higher clock speeds but also features 512Mb GDDR3 memory instead of the default 256Mb.

As said, the box is a bit over the top:

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The package contains a small installation manual, driver CD, HDTV connection cables, classic TV-out, and one DVI->VGA converter… no games included.

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The Calibre 8600 GT stands out, not only by the use of black PCB, cooler and PCI plate, the real *bling* on this video card is the small PCB plate you see sticking out of it at the left top:

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The increased GPU/MEM speeds don’t require more power than the PCI express slot can deliver, so no external power connector on this card either.

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Here it is in full glory, a custom build add-on for the 8600 GT card, a LED display for showing GPU or PCB board temperature, you switch between the two by pushing the small black button.

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While the cooler is a single slot affair, with the LED display it becomes a dual slot solution, still SLI friendly though.

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The memory chips are rated at 700Mhz @ 1.8v just like the ones on the Sparkle 8600 GT, most likely they now are running at a higher voltage.

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The LED, light up, when you power on the system, they are bright and easily readable in a dark room, although you will need a side-window in your case to appreciate it.

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How to pick out an 80nm 7600 GT next ->
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Comment from Sidney @ 2007/08/13
8600gt finally received the credit it deserves
Comment from jmke @ 2007/08/13
but only at that price point it must be said!
Comment from Sidney @ 2007/08/13
Credit = price/performance
I never give credit at a single level
Comment from thorgal @ 2007/08/13
Nice article J. A lot of info here, still digesting Very complete benchies too
Comment from RichBa5tard @ 2007/08/14
Exellent review!
Comment from jmke @ 2007/08/14
I have overlooked the X1950 Pro it seems, it's now also at price ~€100 and offers out of the box performance slightly higher than the 8600 GT
http://www.madshrimps.be/?action=get...&articID=5 72
Comment from RichBa5tard @ 2007/08/17
Yes, but slightly lower power consumption and better drivers.

Both of them are a good deal though.

 

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