A Closer Look:

Just because it's not a 512MB version doesn't mean there's a lack of features. It still offers 112 Stream Processors and a full 256-bit buffer that's standard on all 8800s. And there is a second generation NVidia PureVideo HD Engine which frees up the processor's resources. This is standard in all the 8800 GPUs. It's looking good so far.

¹ A GeForce 8800 GTS 512MB must be paired with another GeForce 8800 GTS 512 MB, regardless of graphics card

The main difference between this 8800 GT and others that are factory overclocked are the GPU clock, Memory, and Shader frequencies. The card's frequencies clock in lower than quite a few of the ones we're accustomed. Stock GPU clock is 600 MHz, Memory is 700 MHz, and Shader is 1500 MHz on the NVidia reference 8800 GT. The card is identical, but should change once the BIOS flash is complete.

Top

The card is just about the same size as any other 8800 GT. It's over all design and components don't make it a heavy graphics card. The previous ASUS 8800GT Top card wasn't heavy either. Those large colorful GPU coolers tend to add a lot of extra weight. Sometimes, those kinds of coolers work and other times it's simply a waste. I think it's time we got back to using coolers that do the job right with a little bit of flare thrown in for good measure.

Hynix DDR3 (FP-14) Memory Modules

The card uses Hynix (FP-14) DDR3 memory which isn't garbage ICs. Results with Hynix in the past has proven more positive than negative when pushing the frequencies higher. Again, this has much more to do with the card's BIOS controlling the card's all around frequencies, including memory.

Front

Ok, let's be honest. It's not exactly the fanciest looking graphics card. The card doesn't have an extremely, huge or fancy GPU cooler like you may be accustomed to on the 8800 GT series. Essentially, it has a simpler, budget designed aluminum GPU cooler with a black NVidia logo fan about the size of an 80mm fan and it doesn't have any LEDs. The black shroud at least sort of helps guide the air down on the center of the GPU heat sink more directly.

GPU Cooler

One thing to keep in mind if you just happen to plan to buy or have a compatible after market 8800 GPU cooler, the stock cooler is fastened by only four screws. The card has all of the factory reference holes in the PCB, so you should be just fine if you feel like installing your own cooler if the stock one doesn't cool enough for you.

Easy removal & extra holes

The voltage power management components at least also have an aluminum heat sink on them. That can help ensure the cards don't over heat in that respect especially if you live in warmer climates and/or have a poorly cooled computer case. The video memory modules don't have any RAM sinks. That should some what limit the results of any overclocking in that respect.

Voltage PWM Sinks

This brings me to a good point regarding overclocking graphics cards. It really doesn't make any sense these days since the benefits aren't worth the risk. Graphics cards just don't overclock like they use to or offer a big performance gain when you do mainly due to heat and already maximized components. The only real way to get anything extra is using water cooling. So again, rather than spending more money on water cooling, save yourself the trouble and just buy a faster video card. 

6-pin PCI Express Power

Again, the main purpose of this card is to offer a more feasible graphics card option over the competition with some better than average performance. Not everyone needs a power 512MB graphics card. For instance, there are users who like a the benefits of the 8800 GPU and its HD supported features. And some of those users may play the occasional video game. So, this card can benefit them more over than an 8500 or 8600 GT and even the HD 3570 and 3870 video cards.

Back View

The rest of the card's bundle includes a PCI Express power cable adapter, manual, driver CD, video cable, and DVI/VGA adapter. You're not going to find any game titles in the box which can be a little sad sometimes. But, then again, it really depends on the price of the card you're buying. My personal take on this is that if a card costs you more than $225, it should come with a game title even if it's a little out dated. Hey! I'm a consumer too, surprise me!

Very Simple Bundle

Got News? Send 'em in!