Video Cards: Reviews

Nvidia makes three higher-end models in the GeForce 8800 series, but reviewers say the GT offers the best price/performance ratio. In fact, the GT outperforms the more expensive GTS graphics card. The Nvidia GeForce 8800… GT has a 600 MHz core clock and 512 MB of video RAM. It includes PureVideo Technology for HD movie playback and full support for Microsoft's Windows Vista and DirectX 10. Keep in mind that unless a card is overclocked, reviewers measure no performance differences between brands of GeForce 8800 GT video cards. While we name the slightly less expensive PNY XLR8 GeForce 8800 GT here, other versions of the card, including the XFX GeForce 8800 GT Alpha Dog Edition (*est. $300), XFX 8800 GT XXX (*est. $330), BFG 8800 GT OC (*est. $300) and MSI GeForce NX8800GT (*est. $290) are equally good choices.

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The MSI NX8600 GT is sold in a variety of configurations with clock speeds from 540 to 700 MHz (factory overclocked) and 256 or 512 MB of RAM. Reviewers say this is far from the ultimate gaming card, but it's a great… value for those who don't need the very fastest technology. The NX8600 GT runs quietly (because it has no fan) and consumes minimal power. If you're building a home theater PC that won't be used for gaming, reviewers say that this card offers all you need and that you gain nothing by spending more. Other well-received cards based on the same Nvidia GeForce 8600 GT design include the Gigabyte GeForce 8600GT (*est. $115) and EVGA GeForce 8600 GT (*est. $110). The XFX GeForce 8600 GT XXX (*est. $130) is a factory-overclocked version that's also favorably reviewed.

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While entry-level video cards wilt in the face of demanding action games, they more than hold their own in any other application (watching videos, photo editing, etc.) and put integrated video to shame in almost every… instance. Among entry-level video cards, most reviewers point to the XFX GeForce 8400 GS as a top choice. It has a 450 MHz clock speed and 256 MB of RAM, though versions with more memory are available. In tests, the graphics card performs as well or better than similar and even more expensive options, and versions with a heat sink (fan-cooled versions are also available) run exceptionally quietly. The video card is a great performer with standard definition video, but there are better cards for HD DVD or Blu-ray playback.

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XFX's GeForce 8800 GTX video card receives rave reviews for its speed and video quality. Compared with other video cards, the 8800 GTX is over the finish line, while competitors are revving their engines. The card is just… part of the cost of usage. Reviews say it needs a very spacious case, a beefy power supply, a CPU that's fast enough that it won't create a bottleneck, and a large monitor. If you're not planning to put one or two 8800 GTXs in a multi-thousand dollar system, reviewers believe a GeForce 8800 GT card makes more sense. XFX provides a lifetime limited warranty.

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