Today NVIDIA is announcing the availability its GeForce 8800 GTS graphics cards with a 320MB memory configuration. Last November, the GeForce 8800 GTS appeared in graphics cards sporting 640MB of GDDR3 memory at a suggested retail price of $499. The lower priced 320MB model, which has the same specifications as its 640MB counterpart, is debuting at a suggested retail price that is expected to range from $299 to $329. The GeForce 8 Series launched in traditional fashion for a next-generation Graphics Processing Unit. A traditional launch begins with an announcement of the high-end GPU and is followed by an announcement of the mainstream and budget GPU's. - nV News

EVGA e-GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB SuperClocked Review

Although NVIDIA has yet to announce the GeForce 8 series mainstream and budget GPU's, the 320MB model of the GeForce 8800 GTS looks to be positioned in the upper mid-range segment. However, just as the 320MB model is being announced, it is already facing a stiff challenge from the 640MB model, which continues to drop in price and currently sells in the $350 to $400 range. EVGA sent in a 320MB version of their e-GeForce 8800 GTS SuperClocked model to check out. The SuperClocked model features a core clock speed of 576MHz and an 850MHz memory clock, giving an effective rate of 1700MHz.

EVGA's e-GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB SuperClocked is factory overclocked at a core frequency of 576MHz and a memory frequency of 1700MHz. Given the chance that the core and memory might have the headroom to tolerate higher clock speeds, I proceeded to use the overclocking applet in nTune. With nTune, I was unable to configure the core clock speed to any other value other than 576MHz. I turned to RivaTuner, which successfully reported the core and memory speed and allowed them to be overclocked. Shortly thereafter I returned to nTune, which was now reporting the core and memory speed.

Based on my results, the memory on the e-GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB SuperClocked model has much more headroom to be overclocked than the core. The final stable clock speeds I could reach were 630/990MHz and all games and benchmark could be ran successfully. As NVIDIA releases the GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB they are well aware of the performance limitations. However, the GTS 320MB is about choice. While the enthusiast may feel that a 320MB variant of the GTS is really not needed and is a step backwards, the traditional mainstream gamer may be seriously considering it for their next graphics card.

EVGA's e-GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB SuperClocked is highly recommended. During the last year, we have seen EVGA move into the forefront as being one of the most desirable NVIDIA partners to purchase a graphics card or motherboard from. Their unique value added features and customer support is second to none.