Zotac 9800 GTX AMP! Review

While the 9600 GTX and 9800 GX2 are targeted at the mainstream and enthusiast segment, the newly announced 9800 GTX fits between the two. The spanking new GPU is meant to replace the old 8800 GTX which is no longer in production as it was cannibalized why Nvidia’s own 8800 GTS which offered similar performance at less than half the price. Let’s find out what this new member of the GeForce 9 family has in store.

Features: The 9800 GTX is based on the G92 core that we have seen being earlier in the 800GT, 8800 GTS (512 MB), and 9600GT. With core and memory speeds of 675 MHz and 11000 MHz, Nvida’s new baby is slightly faster than the 8800 GTS, 12 MB and it is aimed at the high-end segment. Zotac has already gone a rung higher and bumped the core speed 12 percent higher to 756 MHz. The memory speed too has been bumped by 50 percent. Despite these differences, the design of the card isn’t different than Nvidia’s reference design. The card is fitted with a dual-slot cooler about the length of the PCB, quite similar to that of the 8800 GTS. Going by Nvidia’s specifications, the 9800 GTX features dual0link DVI outputs and HDTV output via an HDMI adapter bundled in the package. There’s a provision for S/PDIF audio input on the side of the card next to the twp 6-pin PCIe power connectors. Like the older 8800 GTX, the 9800 GTX too features two SLI edge connectors for supporting both 2-way and 3-way SLI configurations.

Performance: The scores clearly indicate that this factory-overclocked 890 GTX delivers merely a few more frames per second than the 8800 GTS. This means that at stock speed, the 9800 GTX would perform almost similar to the 8800 GTS. Nonetheless, you’ll be able to comfortably play games at high-definition resolution but with effects set to low or medium.

Crysis still remains a tough nut to crack at high resolutions with eye candy set to max.

CRYSIS, Rescue, DX9, High
FPS CHARTS: CRYSIS, Rescue, DX9, High

CRYSIS, Harbor, DX9, High
FPS CHARTS: CRYSIS, Harbor, DX9, High

CRYSIS, Rescue, DX10, Very High
FPS CHARTS: CRYSIS, Rescue, DX10, Very High

CRYSIS, Harbor, DX10, Very High
FPS CHARTS: CRYSIS, Harbor, DX10, Very High

Verdict: If you already own an 8800 series card, you’re not missing anything great. Instead of buying a 9800 GTX we suggest you buy an 8800 GTS, 512 MB and save a few thousand bucks unless you have a deep pocket for a 3-way SLI setup.

For: Better than the 8800 GTS due to overclocked core and memory.

Against: Nothing.