Today NVIDIA released their new GeForce 8800 GTS 512MB. Unlike the old GeForce 8800 GTS, which was based on the G80 GPU, the 512MB version features the new G92 which is already used on the GeForce 8800 GT. The new GPU brings a larger number of shaders in a smaller process which allows higher clocks at a reduced power consumption. Compared to the GeForce 8800 GT, the clock speeds and the shader count have been increased. Zotac as one of NVIDIA's premier add in board partners today also launched their GeForce 8800 GTS 512MB. With a price point of around $300 the card is only marginally more expensive than the GeForce 8800 GT. - techPowerUp!

Zotac GeForce 8800 GTS 512MB Video Board Review

Zotac's orange box will definitely catch some attention in shops. All the major specifications are listed on the front, while the back has additional detail in several languages. The Zotac GeForce 8800 GTS has the same PCB size as the GeForce 8800 GTS and is shorter than the GeForce 8800 GTX. We would also like to mention that the PCB is exactly the same as on the GeForce 8800 GT, down to the PCB part number. This also means that you could exchange coolers between the GeForce 8800 GT and the GTS without any problems. As expected, the card uses a dual slot cooling design. Hot air is blown outside of the case.

NVIDIA's cooler is a fairly complex design. In addition to the GPU and the memory, it also cools the voltage regulation circuitry, all in one cooler. This makes it a bit more difficult for 3rd party companies to design their own solutions because of the complex and expensive design. The GeForce 8800 GTS 512MB can be used with a second card in SLI config. A powerful card like this definitely needs some juice. The power connector is located on the back of the card, under the top of the heatsink. We found this a bit hard to use in a small case since you can not see where exactly you have to plug in the power connector.

Zotac's GeForce 8800 GTS is available for $299, but other models can go up to $349. Just like the GeForce 8800 GT, NVIDIA's new GeForce 8800 GTS 512MB is a great product at a nice price. Its performance is stunning and can even beat the much more expensive GeForce 8800 GTX in many benchmarks. While overall performance is just some percent behind the GeForce 8800 GTX, it should be no problem getting the card to reach this level, when overclocked. On our sample we saw some amazing overclocks considering this is a new product launched today, and that over time normally the cards do get better.

While your overclocks may vary they are still a good indicator of what can be expected from these cards. Also I assume that overclocked versions will be out soon which benefit directly from the added clock headroom. When looked at it purely from a bang per buck perspective the GeForce 8800 GT would still be the better deal but with a price premium of around $50 for the GTS this may not be much of a deal for people who want more bragging rights or are looking into serious overclocking. In the segment of $300 to $350 there is really no choice other than the GeForce 8800 GTS accelerator.

Actually we are a bit worried for NVIDIA's GeForce 8800 GTX sales, because we don't see any reason to get a much more expensive, power hungry card to see only a slight increase in performance. Let's hope availability will be as promised so everyone can get a card for under the Christmas tree.