Power Consumption
The 8800 GTS has the highest idling power consumption out of all the competitors here -- it draws a full 27W more than the X1900 XT. On the other hand, it has the second-lowest power consumption when it's actually doing something useful. Props to NVIDIA for packing 2.5x as many transistors into this GPU, but still keeping power consumption while gaming at very reasonable levels!
Conclusion
Naturally it's quite difficult to judge a new video card technology in its entirety based on a card that isn't the representation of the best available in the series, however we will be looking at the bigger picture when we receive our 8800 GTX. What this review does give us is a look into the underpinnings of the 8000 series which will doubtless be expanding into the other price segments presumably next year. NVIDIA have put together an extremely competitive package and the value to be had in the future proofing through DX10 support as well as the current DX9 performance is really high.
The 8800 GTS is a very quick card and for the money (expected to be over or around $450) does offer alot of features. As you've seen in the charts, performance is quite good even against the best of class from ATI. You did also see that it's performance in current games doesn't necessarily outgun the current heavyweights. Its worth noting that at the price range that is intended however, its hard to imagine a person choosing an X1950XTX over the 8800 GTS simply based on the performance and future proofing offered by the GTS. This card is sure to shine in future DirectX 10 games and anyone in the market at this price range would be silly not to consider this card. Our verdict on 8000 series performance however will not come until we've had a chance to look at the 8800 GTX in the near future.
Retailers are expected to stock both cards today and despite rumors of a delay, there should be plenty of cards available on e-tail shelves.
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The 8800GTS is beating the single XTX card in FEAR, Prey, Q4, and Far Cry and both are priced EXACTLY the same right now.
Add to that the fact that the card now supports HDR + AA and I think its hard to argue too much in favour of buying an older X1950 XTX card versus a DX10 capable GTS. (newegg shows the XTX card ranging from $409 to $449).
My advice is that if you are unwilling to pay for the GTS because of concerns about when its power will become useful, then don't buy any video card right now above $250US. Stick with the older X1800 and X1900GT/GTO class cards, or the 7800GT class and wait until the titles come out, then buy a price reduced GTS or whatever equivalet G80/R600 card is available at the time that fits your budget. For goodness' sake don't plunk down $450 on last year's DX9 flagship.
I still find it ironic when ATI comes out with new technology that nobody can use they are praised for their forward looking planning. When NVIDIA does it the ATI fans complain about how overpriced the unused features are and how it will be months before it is worth buying
This message was edited by Redemption on Nov 08 2006.
These things will be down to the $250 price range in no time. Hell, the first BluRay drive has dropped $200 already.
Wait a few more weeks for the 8800's to show in volume for the holiday and the 78's should probably come down in price.
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