8800GTS shootout - XFX 8800GTS XXX vs Gainward 8800GTS "Golden Sample"
Conclusion
Published: 5th March 2007 | Source: XFX | Price: |
Comparing the cards against each other sees XFX winning straight out on every benchmark. clocking those stream processors up to 1500MHz over the stock speed of 1200MHz really makes a difference.
The only downfall of this is that this seems to inhibit overclocking, but seeing as how the XFX card still beats out the Gainward Golden sample with 34Mhz lower core clock speed I don't think this is a huge issue.
Where can you get the cards from?
Tekheads stock the "XXX" Edition for £299
Dabs stock the "XXX" Edition for £329
Update
Aria UK stock the Gainward card for £293 the Golden sample
The XFX "XXX" Edition card seems to be a pretty good bet for your money if you are looking for a blazingly fast 8800GTS and cannot stretch to a GTX. XFX offer a "Double Lifetime" warranty in the US, but disappointingly, do not offer this in Europe.
At this point it's worth mentioning the 320mb cards that are available, which seem exceptional value for money with only a small performance hit. For around £200 you can grab one of these cards (XFX Gainward) and you have yourself a great performing card at an even better price. Certainly something to add into consideration when looking at the 8800 series. Also note XFX are bundling G.R.A.W. with these cards.
The XFX "XXX" edition gets "Editors Choice" and also "Recommended" for being a blazingly fast 8800GTS with looks to match.
Pro's
+ Extremely fast
+ Good looks
+ Solid Hardware bundle
+ Decent Overclocking
Con's
- Bad software bundle
- Slightly expensive compared to normal 8800GTS
The Gainward card gets out-gunned by the XFX but it is still a solid card and produces a very nice overclock. It gets a "Recommended" Award.
Pro's
+ Fast
+ Excellent software bundle
+ Solid hardware bundle
+ Very good overclocking
Con's
- Again slightly expensive compared to the normal 8800GTS
- Beaten out by XFX "XXX" Edition card
- Stock stream processors
Thanks to Gainward and XFX for Supplying the review sample
Discuss in the Forums
Most Recent Comments
looks like a good deal, does that GTS 
but i am waiting to get a X1950XTX, when the R600 comes out, the price should plumit!
or so i hope
Quote
but i am waiting to get a X1950XTX, when the R600 comes out, the price should plumit!
or so i hope
QuoteHey Kempez, do you thing a XFX XXX 320Mb version would be better than a regular 640Mb version?Quote
I didn't try the 320mb version I'm afraid mark - but I put it in the conclusion as a considerationQuote
nice review kemp =P
@ markkleb out of the box, GTX is better, GTS stock is 500 whereas GTX is 550-575. I dont think price/performance wise thou a GTX is worth more to get.Quote
@ markkleb out of the box, GTX is better, GTS stock is 500 whereas GTX is 550-575. I dont think price/performance wise thou a GTX is worth more to get.Quote
CSS Valid
Definatly made a good read