PALIT GEFORCE 8600GT SONIC+ 256MB GDDR3 PCI-EXPRESS
| Category | Computers Hardware |
| Manufacturer | Palit Microsystems Inc. |
Videocards are everywhere and too many models to choose from. But the question is... Which one fits your needs? Today, I'll introduce Nvidia's GeForce 8600GT from Palit Microsystems, Inc. with a "SONIC+" tag. I know this card is old by now, but can still compete the current graphic cards from the mainstream category.
As an owner of GeForce 8600GT for about 3 years, I would say I grab the right choice for my needs. From word processing, spreadsheet, web browsing, graphic editing, video playback, listening music, video conversion, up to the gaming experience ---- GeForce 8600GT from Palit would be the best choice among the product lines. And now, the card is still kicking for the current generation.
Performance. The "SONIC+" version is a factory overclock card that offers 19% more than the vanilla GeForce 8600GT's performance. Not just that, this card provides a cooler environment for it uses larger heatsink (occupies 2 PCI slot bay) and designed with vent holes at the back where hot air will escape immediately. Despite the hardware is overclocked, it is cooler than the vanilla 8600GT. Comparing its performance to GeForce 9500GT 512MB DDR2, this videocard runs faster despite this card has only 256MB Video RAM (VRAM).
Limitation with 256MB VRAM is no longer a problem. Thanks to Windows Vista/7, these memory can raise up to 1GB or even higher (up to 50% of your physical RAM). This feature will share your system RAM with the videocard in case your application requires.
Compatibility. It is 100% compatible with any mainboard with PCI Express x16 slot so there's nothing to worry. GeForce 8 series has DirectX 10 hardware support and Windows Vista-ready. You can enjoy DirectX 10 enhancements without emulating from your processor.
Power Consumption. Consuming 43-50W is not bad for a videocard. The videocard's temperature didn't rise as hot as GeForce 8800GT. You play a game, watch movie or just checking your email, It only consumes less than 8800GTs 105-119W (http://www.gpureview.com/show_cards.php?card1=513&card2=544). Quite interesting isn't it? By the way, it will require you to upgrade your power supply if you choose 8800GT. While with 8600GT, you can still use your bundled power supply.
Value. For a decent gaming experience, Palit's offer has an advantage for its price. It costs less than the 8800GT yet you can still enjoy the entire function as a videocard (except extensive gaming). But if your PC's function is purely gaming (on a High Resolution with Anti-Aliased enabled), you'd better skip 8600GT and prepare your pocket for further upgrades (power supply upgrade is required for 8800GT and later).
For overall performance, compatibility, power consumption, and value --- this card is really one of the best choice even newer generations are now released.
OVERALL SCORE (5/5):
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