The GeForce 8 series offers a complete family of graphic cards ready to meet the unique needs of their users. The series features a unified DirectX 10 Shader Model 4.0 & Open GL 2.0 architecture for stunning 3-Dgraphics textures. With 10-bit per channel output, the 8 series produces higher fidelity color and separation. In addition, the cards support SLI and NVIDIA's PureVideo HD.
The 8800GT delivers blistering video and graphic performance. Its 754 million transistors can handle anything your games throw at it – and with reduced energy requirements. Accelerated processors offer faster video and other high-demand graphic effects. Its 112 stream processors are fed by 512MB of 256-bit GDDR3 SDRAM running at 1800MHz to deliver a full 2560 x 1600 resolution.
The 600MHz core clock keeps everything moving and the 400MHz RAMDAC and twin dual-linked DVI let you output to multiple and large monitors. Video can also be streamed via the HDTV or S-Video outputs for greater flexibility. The 8800GT hits the mark for price while delivering high-end graphic performance.
NVIDIA Unified Architecture with GigaThread TechnologyThe fully-unified shader core dynamically allocates processing power to geometry, vertex, physics and pixel shading operations, delivering incredibly true-to-life 3D graphics. In addition, the massively multi-threaded architecture supports thousands of independent, simultaneous threads, providing extreme processing efficiency in advanced, next generation shader programs.
Full Microsoft DirectX 10 SupportThe DirectX 10 GPU with full Shader Model 4.0 support delivers unparalleled levels of graphics realism and film-quality effects.
NVIDIA Lumenex EngineThe NVIDIA Lumenex Engine supports 128-bit and 64-bit floating point HDR with up to 16X anti-aliasing, delivering vividly realistic lighting effects while obliterating "jaggies".
NVIDIA SLI TechnologyDelivers up to 2X the performance of a single GPU configuration for unmatchable gaming experiences. The must-have feature for PCI Express graphics, NVIDIA SLI technology allows two graphics cards to run in parallel and dramatically scales performance on today's hottest games.
NVIDIA PureVideo HD TechnologyThe combination of high-definition video decoding acceleration and post-processing delivers unprecedented picture clarity, smooth video, accurate color and precise image scaling for all video content, especially movies.
Built for Microsoft Windows VistaBuilt for Windows Vista, NVIDIA's fourth-generation GPU architecture offers users the best possible experience using the Windows Aero 3D graphical user interface available in Microsoft latest operating system.
Pros: One of the fastest cards on the market, and a decent price. You can buy a factory OC'd card for a few bucks more, but overclocking it is so easy, I suggest just getting the "normal" card and learning to do it yourself. It takes a single slot on the mobo, unlike some other recent cards which require two. I'm running it at stock speeds but will OC later. It's very easy to do this with a bios flash or registry editing. This card is VERY easy to OC. With a 7900 GTKO, I was pulling 24-40 FPS in WoW, and 25-30 FPS in NWN2. Now, I am pulling 35-60 FPS in WoW - TBC (Ironforge) and 55-60 FPS in NWN2 - no stutters.
Cons: It's long - about 11.5", so make sure you have room to fit the card in your system. Might need to replace the stock cooler if you're into heavy Ocing, as it seems a bit weak.
Overall Review: This is really a beautiful card, and my previous eVGA card is running smooth as silk (7900 GT KO). I put it in my girlfriend's Dell. Main reason for upgrade was some new DX10 MMOs being released soon (AoC, WAR), and to get a bit of a performance "facelift" for Adobe CS3. eVGA limited lifetime warranty sold me. Unless you put it in the microwave or solder something to the card, you can always turn it in (I exaggerate here slightly, but it's pretty durn close to that). With step-up, you literally are given technology insurance if the next "latest and greatest" comes in 90 days within purchase. eVGA is a great company with great products - and they are pretty attentive on CS. This is literally free money - if you choose to use it. If not, no loss. Win-win situation.