We expected that some vendors would launch unique GeForce 8800 GT models that differ from the reference NVIDIA graphics design not only by the heatsink stickers. Little by little our expectations start coming true and graphics accelerators like that arrive into the market. The mass release of GeForce 8 series cards based on the new 65nm G92 chip was one of the most important events that happened in the world of consumer 3D graphics in the second half of 2007. The GeForce 8800 GT is a real gift for every gamer as it brings you the performance of a high-end product at a price of the performance mainstream class. Today we are going to talk about a solution from Gainward. - X-Bit Labs

Gainward BLISS 8800 GT 512MB GLH Version Review

Today, the GeForce 8800 GT has got dangerous rivals, ATI's Radeon HD 3800 series that are cheaper and more available. The GeForce 8800 GT is still a rare product and its retail price is considerably higher than the recommended price of $259 for the 512MB version. The NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT also has two serious technical problems. First, it is incompatible with a number of mainboards that support the PCI Express 1.0 interface. Today, such mainboards are the most widespread variety. The second problem is about cooling. The new cooler was designed to be compact with all the ensuing consequences.

The GeForce 8800 GT is similar to the GeForce 7900 GTX in terms of heat dissipation, but the latter came with one of the best dual slot coolers whereas the former has the described cooler with a rather weak fan that becomes very loud at an increased speed. All of this has a negative effect on the reliability of the GeForce 8800 GT, especially of its pre-overclocked versions that generate more heat. To avoid the potential problems with pre-overclocked cards, Gainward has introduced a more unique version of GeForce 8800 GT that differs from the standard card not only in clock rates but also in its cooler system.

The BLISS 8800 GT 512MB GS GLH comes in the same box as the previous GeForce 8800 series. The box is rather small and doesn't need a handle. It is designed in mild colors that don't annoy the eye, but do not attract it, either. Judging by the model name indicated by means of a sticker, Gainward uses the same box design for the entire BLISS 8800 series. The Golden Sample sticker is a different color than before and spells out the GLH abbreviation in the product name, Goes Like Hell. And the Gainward card deserves our praises for its accessories, which are free from drawbacks.

The efficiency of the reference GeForce 8800 GT cooler is questionable, especially when the GPU is clocked at an increased frequency. That's why Gainward refused to install it on the BLISS 8800 GT 512MB GS GLH version. This card comes with a unique cooler that differs greatly from everything we have seen so far. It resembles the reference cooler of the GeForce 7900 GTX, but with some special nuances such as the placement of the fan below the heatsink. Anyway, this system is going to be superior to the reference cooler due to the larger heat dissipation area as well as to the high performance fan.

The Gainward BLISS 8800 GT 512MB GS GLH version might have left a better impression on us with all its exciting features such as superb performance in games. With a normal cooler, the Gainward BLISS 8800 GT 512MB GS GLH edition is a very appealing product. As opposed to the cards with the reference PCB design, it is absolutely silent while delivering the same or better gaming performance. On the downside are its price and availability. First, the card is going to be more than the official price of $259 because it belongs to the Golden Sample series and has per-overclocked frequencies.

The current shortage of G92 chips may affect its price, too. The same shortage limits the card's availability, so you are not going to find it freely available at your local shop. This graphics card may also be interesting to people who are building an advanced multimedia system capable of running modern games because it features a silent cooler and supports audio over HDMI. Although the latter feature is not native, so an extra adapter will help avoiding a clutter of cables just as successfully. In the end, the BLISS 8800 GT 512MB GS GLH version can be viewed as the best choice for a devoted gamer.