Entry level VGA round-up, 7 Geforce 8400GS compared

Videocards/VGA Reviews by geoffrey @ 2007-10-12

Home users and budget minded enthusiasts have been getting watered down version of high end hardware for years now, the latest Geforce 8 series recently got the same treatment, with NVIDIA introducing the 8400GS part, this lowly priced VGA card comes HDTV ready (for HTPC usage) and has a GPU with DX10 compatibility. We test 7 offerings from different manufactures and compare them to the low end range from ATI to see which one comes out on top. Read on to find out which card gives you the most bang for the buck!

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Introduction

Introduction

The Geforce 8400GS is NVIDIA's latest entry level video card meant for people who mainly concentrate on office use and besides that still want to benefit from extra 3D performance in case they've the opportunity to play a video game. By adding advanced video playback support this card can also be a candidate for your HTPC's or other media playing computer systems. Common price tag for those cards is around €50/$50, you won't find anything lower priced, still we like to find if this card is of much use, because after all, nobody just wants to throw away their hard earned cash!




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Gainward is a world leading producer of High-quality, High-End 3D accelerators for the Personal Computer market. Gainward offers a full product line of value adding products targeting gaming enthusiasts as well as entry-level consumers. Since 2000 Gainward has become an official NVIDIA launch partner and have well made their name in since their establishment back on the 80's. Let's hope they can charm us yet again, for now have a look at their Bliss 8400GS.

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Gainward Bliss 8400GS 256MB | core: 450MHz | memory: 400MHz





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Established in 1985, PNY Technologies, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and supplier of computer graphics accelerator cards for consumers and professional graphics boards for professionals, memory upgrade modules, Flash Media and Flash peripherals. PNY has enjoyed continued growth and success since its inception, expanding its product and service offerings into new channels, and has distinguished itself through a unique ability to deliver superior products and value-added services to all of its customers.

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PNY 8400GS 256MB | core: 450MHz | memory: 400MHz





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XFX is a global presence in the world of electronic gaming. With its focus on taking gaming to the extreme, XFX has developed an exciting array of video cards and accessories that are designed to maximize the entire entertainment experience. A division of PINE Technologies, XFX operates its own manufacturing facility and maintains an R&D team that features some of the industry's most renowned talents. For now, here is glimpse of their 8400GS sample, also keep in mind that XFX has a small secret weapon, but more on that later on:

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XFX 8400GS 256MB | core: 450MHz | memory: 400MHz





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EVGA has been on the VGA market for a few years now but many people might have never heard of them. Though, if we take a look at their latest hardware release we did get enthusiastic to say the least. EVGA is one to keep an eye on in the future. Here is their gladiator:

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EVGA 8400GS 256MB | core: 450MHz | memory: 400MHz





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Albatron has been on the electronics market for more then two decennia. Though, while they originally were called Chun Yun Technology, it was only until 2002 when the 'Albatron' brand name was introduced. When Albatron launched their IT division they were beside ASUS and MSI the only companies to be INTEL Direct Account and NVIDIA certified vendor, and they only grow bigger since then. Their graphics team has been around since the very beginning of that IT department and is pleased to introduce us their newest additions to their Geforce 8 gamma:

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Albatron 8400GS 256MB | core: 450MHz | memory: 266MHz
Albatron 8400GS 256MB | core: 450MHz | memory: 400MHz





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Guided by a belief that the electronics products would be an integral part of everyday life in every office and in every home, Terry Gou founded Hon Hai Precision Industry Company Ltd., the anchor company of Foxconn Technology Group in 1974. Today, Foxconn is the foremost provider of joint-design, joint-development, manufacturing, assembly and after-sales services to global Computer, Communication and Consumer-electronics ("3C") leaders. Aided by its legendary execution, uncompromising customer devotion and its award-winning proprietary business model, eCMMS, Foxconn Group is not only the largest, but also the fastest growing multinationals manufacturing services provider in the world. Doesn't sound familiar? Well, get used to their name, Foxconn has been around for a long time and is not going to dissapaer anytime soon. Here is their entry for our roundup:

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Foxconn 8400GS 256MB | core: 450MHz | memory: 400MHz
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Comment from Sidney @ 2007/10/12
Better than my X1300
Comment from Massman @ 2007/10/12
Great article, Geoffrey !!
Comment from Sidney @ 2007/10/13
Nicely structured/presented, making me want to buy one.
Comment from geoffrey @ 2007/10/14
thx guys

 

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