X-bit labs

Quiet Power: Elitegroup N8800GT-512MX DT Graphics Card Review (page 16)

Category: Video

by Alexey Stepin , Yaroslav Lyssenko

[ 03/18/2008 | 02:53 PM ]

Conclusion

We are really pleased with the version of GeForce 8800 GT 512MB from Elitegroup Computer Systems we have tested today, largely due to its superb cooler Arctic Cooling Accelero S1 (also see our article called Roundup: AeroCool Double Power, Thermaltake DuOrb, Zalman VF1000 LED and a Few Other Good VGA Coolers). Thanks to the Turbo Module, which consists of two additional fans, the cooler coped even with a seriously overclocked GeForce 8800 GT 512MB.

We guess the ECS N8800GT-512MX DT can also be used in passive-cooling mode in a well-ventilated system case like the Chieftec LCX with system fans on the side panel. You can remove the Turbo Module then – the single drawback of the card is that it occupies as many as three slots with its cooling system fully assembled.

As for the performance, the test results suggest that there is no significant difference between the GeForce 8800 GT 512MB and GeForce 8800 GTS 512MB in most games if their GPU and memory frequencies are identical. The latter card provides a higher minimum speed at high resolutions in such games as Call of Duty 4, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. and Hellgate: London. Otherwise, the cards are identical for the gaming fans. Of course, you should prefer the GeForce 8800 GTS 512 if they cost the same money. But if the ECS card is cheaper, it may be a better buy, especially as it comes with a very quiet and highly efficient cooler.

Highs:

• Excellent performance in games;
• Doesn’t yield to Nvidia GeForce 8800 GTS 512MB in some cases;
• Wide range of supported FSAA modes;
• Excellent quality of anisotropic filtering;
• Hardware HD video decoding support;
• HD video post-processing;
• PCI Express 2.0 support;
• No compatibility problems;
• Low noise;
• Highly efficient cooling;
• Low price for this performance level.

Lows:

• Fully assembled cooling system takes three slots;
• Low overclocking potential.