Midrange 8000 series debut April 17th

[Maxvla]

NVIDIA's next-generation mid-range offerings are just 10 days away

Earlier this week review publications received their test kits for the GeForce 8300 through 8600. The bulk of these cards, the GeForce 8500 GT, GeForce 8600 GT and GeForce 8600 GTS will launch on April 17, with the GeForce 8300 GS and GeForce 8400 GS following soon after.

* GeForce 8600 GTS -- 256 MB GDDR3, 675 MHz core clock, 1000 MHz memory clock
* GeForce 8600 GT -- 256 MB GDDR3, 540 MHz core clock, 700 MHz memory clock
* GeForce 8500 GT -- 128 to 256 MB DDR2 or GDDR3, 450 MHz core clock, 700 MHz memory clock

NVIDIA claims these three cards will be available at launch. The 8600 GTS will fill the $199 to $229 price point, followed by the 8600 GT ($149 to $159) and the GeForce 8500 GT ($89 to $129).

Edit: Note: All cards are limited to 128bit memory, which really sucks for a fairly premium item (GTS at least). Should have made it 256bit.

Source: http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=6825

Comparative benchmarks: http://www.hardwarezone.com/articles/view.php?id=2231&cid=3&pg=1

looks like i'll be getting a 8600GTS in a couple weeks with a E4400 5 days later.

 

[pak]

wow

--pak

 

[Maxvla]

memory is worse than expected though. i might have to reconsider.

256mb/128bit even on the best model, performance equal to last generation's top end models, but not at a price point to make it good enough. might have to go the little bit extra for a 8800GTS to get 320mb/320bit.

 

[Raptord]

April 17th is my birthday =D Maybe Nvidia will send me one free as a present

I would of expected more memory on the GTS aswell, however if it had more memory, it would pretty much become a 8800GTS with 320mb (or 512).

 

[Aceros]

Wheres the Ultra ><

 

[Memphis69]

sigh... what do i do.. what do i do.. get an 86gts... or something from the 79xx HELP!

 

[ChinStrap]

sigh... what do i do.. what do i do.. get an 86gts... or something from the 79xx HELP!

Basically to future proof yourself I don’t think this should even be a question about which card to buy. I would go with the 8-series hands down. Espe if they are around the sam4e price point. DX10 support should you ever consider going down the scenic “vista” road and a newer more efficient architecture.

 

[MadMan007]

For the same price and assuming similar performance there's no question - get an 8-series. There are other advantages such as better AA and AF options plus they can run HDR and AA at the same time, although they might struggle a bit depending upon resolution.

 

[Evilsizer]

IMO if your already spending the money for the 8800gts 320mb then get the 640mb instead. before buying the 320mb though compare it to 640mb.

 

[xenocross]

mm i wonder whats gonna happen to the 7xxx series.... are they gonna be tossed out into the garbage dump?

 

[Raptord]

It'll be gradual. I tihnk the higher-end 7 series cards still have atleast 1 good year in front of them.

 

[ShadowPho]

I think NVidia is just playing on ATi not releasing anything. People who don't know much will buy 8500, and people who do care are forced to buy 8800GTS.

So once ATi comes out with THEIR middle sector, NVidia will have to release like 8600Ultra or otherwise ATi will kill NVidia in the middle sector.

 

[Maxvla]

IMO if your already spending the money for the 8800gts 320mb then get the 640mb instead. before buying the 320mb though compare it to 640mb.

the 8800GTS 320 is already about $50 more than i really wanted to spend on a video card, going to the 640 increases that another $75.

 

[nd4spdbh2]

the 8800GTS 320 is already about $50 more than i really wanted to spend on a video card, going to the 640 increases that another $75.

yes but a 640mb 8800gts is WAY worth it ... the 320 is sora a waste IMO.

 

[Hardin]

No 512MB? I'm a little disappointed.

 

[Maxvla]

yes but a 640mb 8800gts is WAY worth it ... the 320 is sora a waste IMO.

performance differences don't really seperate to a large degree. i run 1280x1024 in which both cards run about the same even at max filters. the most difference i saw in benches between a 320 and 640 was on average about 1-2%. i'll take a 1% performance hit to save $120.

8800GTS 320s after rebates start at $249, 640s start around $369. so its even more expensive than i thought to upgrade the ram.

 

[David_N]

It's nice to know something official finally. I am a little disappointed that there are no current official plans for new 512mb cards, so it looks like I'll either be waiting until after the summer, or getting a 640mb 8800GTS.

 

[Nandro]

Personally I have no plans for vista and DX 10 games aren't even out yet so I want to see how any of these cards perform real world in that arena before laying out anything. If the 8600GTS is equal to a 7900GTX I might get that when i can finally afford it or wait and see if their are any mod's or how the OC. Then the 8900's will come out as soon as ATI show's its hand so prices will drop.

 

[Vipasnipa]

This offering doesn't look too hot, personally. It'll be a 8800GTS or the equivalent refresh for me when the time (read: Crysis) comes for an upgrade.