By: Sarju Shah - Posted on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2007

Nvidia has the DirectX 10 graphics technology lead and isn't hesitant about pushing it even though the content is still months away. The company didn't bother to wait for the release of Windows Vista before unleashing its GeForce 8800 DirectX 10 GPUs. The Santa Clara-based green giant launched its 8800 series of GPUs late last year targeting the early adopters with two high-performance, high-price GTX and GTS models. Now Nvidia is releasing the GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB model to give fresh Vista owners a more affordable DX10 video card option. The card comes with half the RAM of its $400 GeForce 8800 GTS 640MB sibling, but it also has a lower $300-350 MSRP.

GeForce 8800 GTS

The GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB comes with 96 floating point processors, the same as the original 640MB GTS but still less than the flagship 128-processor GeForce 8800 GTX. Stock GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB cards will come with a 500MHz core clock paired with a 1.2GHz shader clock. The 320MB of GDDR3 memory has an effective speed of 1.6GHz. Nvidia recommends a 400W power supply for the standard GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB card.

Expect to see several GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB variants out there because the video card manufacturers can adjust memory and GPU clock speeds to create more premium models. XFX sells an overclocked XXX model with a 580MHz core and 1.8GHz memory for $335.

GeForce 8800 GTS 320MBXFX GeForce 8800 GTS XXXGeForce 8800 GTS 640MB
Price$300$335$400
DirectXDirectX 10, SM4DirectX 10, SM4DirectX 10, SM4
Transistors681M681M681M
Core Speed500MHz580MHz500MHz
Stream Processors969696
Shader Speed1.2GHz1.8GHz1.2GHz
Memory320MB320MB640MB
Memory Speed800MHz (1.6GHz GDDR3)900MHz (1.8GHz GDDR3)800MHz (1.6GHz GDDR3)
Memory Interface320-bit320-bit320-bit

The GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB has the same core improvements as other 8800-based GPUs. You'll get a unified shader architecture, full DirectX 10 compatibility, and support for concurrent high dynamic range lighting with antialiasing. The 8800 series of GPUs can also improve image quality for H.264 and VC-1 high-definition video content. Nvidia's current Windows Vista driver is stable, but performance isn't up to XP levels yet.

We tested the XFX GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB XXX edition and then underclocked the card to standard speeds to get performance results for the reference GTS 320MB.

Performance Charts

GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB Performance

(Longer bars indicate better performance)

3DMark06, 1280x1024

GeForce 8800 GTX 768MB
10665
XFX GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB XXX
9727
GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB
8729
GeForce 8800 GTS 640MB
8708
Radeon X1950 XTX 512MB
6717

Quake 4, 1600x1200, High Quality, 4xAA/16xAF

GeForce 8800 GTX 768MB
114
XFX GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB XXX
91
GeForce 8800 GTS 640MB
82
GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB
80
Radeon X1950 XTX 512MB
75

Quake 4, 2048x1536, High Quality, 4xAA/16xAF

GeForce 8800 GTX 768MB
77
XFX GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB XXX
60
GeForce 8800 GTS 640MB
54
GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB
53
Radeon X1950 XTX 512MB
51

When do you plan on upgrading to a DirectX 10 video card? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

485 Comments

  • Mr_Versipellis

    Posted Mar 2, 2009 1:14 pm PT

    Yay just ordered 8800GTS 640 MB!!!
    :-D

  • DADA_007

    Posted Jun 11, 2008 2:00 pm PT

    Does anybody know when will All these cards's prices drop?they are so expansive and Nvdia is releasing cards again and again and again and again and also they are cutting their cards's price very slowly slowly on the other hand x360 has RROD ps3 has no great exclusivity so where i should go? i choosed pc which is expansive and now i am waiting to cut the price

  • Ibanez423

    Posted Aug 28, 2007 3:03 pm PT

    I have a 8800 GTS 640 MB card and it's amazing. Handles all games seamlessly DX 9 or DX 10 enabled. Don't be fooled by the ATI's superior number of stream processors. They are all clocked way slower and yet it consumes more power. Now all Nvidia has to do is release the 8900 GX2's.....

  • WizengamotX

    Posted Jun 30, 2007 1:15 pm PT

    Screw DX 10 and Vista for now guys. You have to know Vista is way to buggy and non-compatible with most stuff that it's not worth buying now. XP Professional Office with the latest service pack is the most stable choice, and will run your games the fastest. As for DX 10 and DX 10 cards, if you have any experience in the technology industry, you can figure out buying the first or even second generation of a new technology is potentially extremely dangerous and foolish, leading to lost dollars and regret. I'm sticking with the best DX 9 card out there for now - the NVidia Geoforce 512 MB 7900 GTX. I'm running all DX 9 games on fullest AA/AF, resolution, and graphical settings possible - and yes, that means all new games coming out and it'll be that way for a year or so. No lag, framerate drop or anything - online or whatsoever. Be smart with your money guys. Wait a year or two before buying a new card, and wait a year or even more before getting Vista. then you can play all of these DX 10 games for cheaper, and buy the best card without worrying where your cash is going. At least that's what I think. That's just me. Maybe others too. Cheers.

  • rokkuman09

    Posted May 20, 2007 11:52 am PT

    The 8800GTS is a amazing card for the price, I will definitely be buying this or a 8900GTS when it comes out.

  • dboy7

    Posted May 1, 2007 3:57 pm PT

    I am searching for a good DX10 video card that is at a good value. Slowly leaning towards Geforce 8800 GTS 640. Gives awesome performance on current games, however I'm still unsure about the future, don't know for sure how well it'll be able to really run DX10 games. Plus I'm also impatiently waiting for ATI's answer to the the 8800s. Eager to buy a good video card, rather save as much money possible.

  • kastrato90

    Posted Apr 24, 2007 11:59 am PT

    My monitor is a 15inch viewsonic with highest resolution only 1024*768. Which DirectX10 video card should I get for the best performace possible at only 1024*768 and 75Hz ???

  • Arsenal325

    Posted Apr 22, 2007 3:29 pm PT

    cant wait to get this card when i build my new comp later on down the year.. im gonna try to get the gtx

  • Gurnadar

    Posted Apr 17, 2007 1:10 am PT

    8950 will kick r600 out of race

  • Trazac

    Posted Apr 16, 2007 2:30 pm PT

    I've yet to see any Geforce Go G80 models to be said to come out yet, so no one knows. It might not be for a while but it might be by the end of this month. It is true that some cards are incompatible with some games, but normally thats a card by card, manufacture by manufacture kinda thing.

  • linkerik

    Posted Apr 16, 2007 11:47 am PT

    Well when the GEForce 8600`s come out.

  • DarkNeoBahamut

    Posted Apr 16, 2007 7:13 am PT

    I think nVidia 8800 is the best card you can buy, not only because of its great power and performance but because its great compatibility with most of the PC games (even more than ATI). and 8800 is not used only to play games but it has another
    And nVidia've earned the rigth to use DX10, the only full-operational card with DX10

    you don't believe me? then check this:

    http://www.nvidia.com/page/8800_tech_specs.html
    http://ati.amd.com/products/RadeonX1950/x1950pro_specs.html

  • edgaromar

    Posted Apr 15, 2007 10:46 am PT

    is there gonna be a laptop with this card?

  • Trazac

    Posted Apr 14, 2007 2:14 pm PT

    you say that as if the 8800 GTS is a bad card.

  • ldavidtw2000

    Posted Apr 14, 2007 1:31 pm PT

    They delayed R600 too much that's why I can't stand my current 6600GT and ordered an 8800GTS already...
    if they release it early I would've bought them.

  • Trazac

    Posted Apr 12, 2007 5:44 pm PT

    ALright. I've head of teh sapphire stuff too. Don't know what their up to, but I also heard a rumor that ATI is making their own duel X2800, 2 gigs of memory and a lot of power hungery processing power. I don't know why each manufacture is so different, or why they make their own cards that much different from the original. I hope that AMD and ATI change the size and power requierments in some way, since I can tel now that they'll be hot runners, so cooling may end up a problmw, as I've seen early concepts of the ards and the Fan is on the end, so I can only speculate a nice heatsink or heat pipe technology. I've also heard rumors of their own water cooled card, though I doubt those since I have seen pictures of them and they're pretty ugly and pretty big. AMD and ATI will eventually get their game in with Vista and DX10, but intel and Nvidia have had a good lead for a while, and I am sure that they aim to keep it that way.

  • coolgames89

    Posted Apr 12, 2007 1:07 pm PT

    lol dun wrry Trazac, just sharing my opinion, and don't worry i never thought that you were saying the R600's would suck, 8800 is good and we all know that the 8800 is good, whether R600 is power hungry or big that may change, personally for their own good i hope they change that, though change to 65nm should help, and the actually video card may vary by manufacturers, Sapphire may make it differently or Asus might not, though about the whole thing about power draw it may change, first off with the move to 65nm that could change, they may change the whole cooling system on board, maybe or maybe not, don't worry i know alot when it comes to speculation, if u looked way earlier in these comments page I've actually stated all of the speculation specifications for the series, With DX10 around the corner actually being used I'm rather excited, and in the end it doesn't matter to me, I'm going the Nvidia way cuz i have a Nforce motherboard, (lol I'm sorry AMD), Of course they tested video cards with different chipsets (single cards) and in the end not too much of a performance change, but hey if im buying a video card i get 2 at the same time, and the 2 are high-end. so don't worry I'm not flaming nor trolling, just wondering, Personally I'm just waiting, bought a system recently and I'm quite satisfied, now this whole Vista release and now manufacturers roll out their drivers and products to meet the new standards in Vista, I'm waiting, probably for another 2 years before any hardware upgrades.
    Actually if you can't wait for R600 they have DUAL GPU's on a single Video card, made by Sapphire but that isn't officially supported by AMD. Don't know whats with all the secrecy from AMD but I'm sure things will turn out good for the consumer.
    Sincerely
    Sup123101

  • Trazac

    Posted Apr 12, 2007 12:05 pm PT

    I never said that the R600 cards would suck. But it is true that they are big and power hungery. ATI is going to be releasing about 5 cards at once, once they release the x2k series, about the same time that Nvidia will be releasing their lower end g80 cards. They will be better, that is for sure, but in DX9, not so much. Buying either is a bad choice since what they are made for, is not yet avaliable. I suggest to wait, since no one knows what will happen. And it also seems that Intel has taken a liking to Nvidia, and that their new processors will be out later this year, probably making a difference on the DX10 cards preformance. Yet, no one knows until it happens. I've had expireience with Nvidia and ATI so their cards are pretty formidable and rivaled. ATI normally pulls out the better high end cards, but the worse low end cards, so all we can do is speculate. Crossfire and SLI are always iffy, as they don't always work or help, as Flight Simulator 10 has proven, as 8800 GTX SLI can't take the game beyond 12x10 yet one 8800 GTS 320 can take it above that. But power is becoming very apparent in these cards, as the newer cards are comsuming a lot of power, and stressing out PSUs more and more, the R600s will only do that more, as their estimated power draw is 40 watts higher than the 8800 GTX, and in crossfire, that number will be even high. Also, who knows what the ampage needed for those cards will be. I don't bad mouth them, but I like to speculate what will happen. It is a fact that the so called "x2800 XT" will be better, as its memory bandwith is huge and it has a Vram rated at 1 GB, so it will be better than the 8800 GTX by a good amount, since the highest overclock I have seen on an 8800 GTX is 680/2100, which make a huge difference in games like Oblivion (Max @1600x1200 16xAA 16xAF). I just want to know if they will be drastically different in DX10.

  • xche78x

    Posted Apr 12, 2007 4:16 am PT

    im a new asus geforce 8800gts 640 owner, installed and running OK on my core2duo e6600 2.4ghz, asus mobo p5ld2 se, 1gb ddr2 533 regular, stock 400watts power supply, no extra cooling. windows xp sp2. regular 7200rpm SATA 250gb, 300gb and IDE HD 250gb, 16xDVDR.

    3dmark06 - 8575 (2.4ghz stock CPU)
    3dmark06 - 8757 (3.19ghz CPU OC)

    runs all games released 2006 and older with everything max on 1280x1024 Mitsubishi LCD.
    2007 pc games runs fluid with minor hiccup (lag, framedown) on max settings, no lag on medium settings. i also suspect the lags are caused by my Hard Disk and power supply, not by the video card.

  • coolgames89

    Posted Apr 11, 2007 10:56 pm PT

    Now now, don't go around pouncing the R600, first off the Nvidia 8800 also take alot of power to run, especially in SLI, though with a good power supply that wouldn't be a worry to either side, and so what if Nvidia has 5 months more? Have any DX10 games come on within these 5 months? What about Driver Support? Nvidia driver support for Vista has actually been pretty bad until recently because of pressure from consumers, i've used both ATI and Nvidia drivers and patches etc, both work fine, btw im running on Vista Ultimate X64 so don't argue with me there. No to say anything but no one can say something about non-existant products that haven't been released. Its the same with processors, this whole Barcelona deal and then Penyrn you won't know till they are actually here, While people like me are stuck using Nvidia's SLI because we use Nvidia chipsets, other people have crossfire motherboards and are stuck to choosing AMD's way, (remember AMD bought out Ati), if we are hoping to efficiently use 2 cards. First off there are rumours going around about R600 having a sound card onboard? First off that is just pure speculation but that is something we don't know about once again, it is non-existant in mainstream, Now While Nvidia has released only 3 8800 cards with 8600 coming around the corner AMD is releasing an entire series all at once, from low-end to High end being all DX10 compatible (hmm not 100% sure but 89% sure about this) so preperations is quite a bit, plus there really is no competition in DX10 yet, because DX10 games aren't out yet, buying a DX10 card right now isn't exactly worth it in a more practical point of view, just a bit more and we get to see some games come out and the competition's answer, prices go down, demand for just the 8800 go down meaning prices for those go down(this is my point of view i respect other people's thoughts and if you want to buy one, then by all means go ahead), then more rumours about HDMI support straight up, and HD audio, if all true then media computers building could all become simpler but the audio onboard is speculation, about overclockability, it has been said they will be built upon 65nm manufacturing process, thus overclockability should be pretty good, and if this whole 65nm is true then power consumption will be down quite a bit and clock speeds might reach 1GHZ (btw thats quite a bit) but AMD doesn't say much so who knows, the only way this all doesn't happen completely is if AMD goes bankrupt suddenly, In the end, say nothing, AMD has their tricks, Nvidia will answer, No true need for DX10 yet, and people shouldn't be debating and flaming over non-existant products, you see this is what corporate america has done to us, marketing strategies, they talk a bit about their new product after hooking you in with their previous product and now we're screaming to hear more, Once again, Who knows, Who cares, just buy the better bang for the buck at the time and be happy, there is always gonna be something better around the corner, you can't deny that, its like waiting for Quantum computers for the masses, when's that gonna happen?
    Sorry for the long reply, but thats all i have to say,

    From Sup123101

  • Trazac

    Posted Apr 11, 2007 3:13 pm PT

    I've seen the R600s and the rumors. They take a lot of power to run, which makes me unsure of their ability to run crossfire and overclock. That and even if it is better than the 8800, Nvidia still got the jump on ATI by a good 5 months, their stuff has been spread out, evolved and becoming much better than it was a few months ago. Drivers are better, and their patches are working better for vista now. ATI is going to be in a bit once they release the R600 cards. Also, even if they are better, it won't be by too much, I can tell you that now. Not until DX10 is officially in games. In DX9 games, the winner won't be as clear, and end up in probably a good many ties.

  • gameniko

    Posted Apr 11, 2007 7:32 am PT

    The new chip from ATi (R600) is thought to kick the 8800's Ass! Ati has already won the Crossfire - SLi war its a matter of time before it wins the DirectX 10 war.

  • bulldog7

    Posted Apr 10, 2007 7:56 pm PT

    ha, don't you think people know that already? obviously he meant the best so far. Geez, how about a little charity

  • ldavidtw2000

    Posted Apr 10, 2007 1:05 pm PT

    how about the 9000 series coming out next year or so?
    nothing is best...because they just keep changing.

  • bulldog7

    Posted Apr 9, 2007 11:35 pm PT

    airwalk: it really depends on what else you're running. For example: you running 3 hard drives? SLI? how many optical drives do you have? how fast is are your hard drives? How many USB devices do you have attached? All those things matter. If you have a pretty bare bones system, little devices, only one hard drive, you may be able to make it without 400W, but getting 400W is safest.

  • airwalk_102

    Posted Apr 8, 2007 7:11 am PT

    thatwill be while but it has been roumored that the new 8 series are coming out mid april including the 8800 ultra which wil be the best i think

  • Flame_Co

    Posted Apr 7, 2007 3:50 pm PT

    Does anyone happen to know when the Nvidia 8900 Series comes out?

  • airwalk_102

    Posted Apr 6, 2007 6:49 am PT

    i know nvidia recomend 400w power supply but how much power does this card alone need?

  • DVD-ROM

    Posted Apr 5, 2007 8:48 pm PT

    you dam right staryoshi87

  • Trazac

    Posted Apr 5, 2007 3:20 pm PT

    Depends, can take two weeks. Can take three days.

  • airwalk_102

    Posted Apr 4, 2007 8:59 am PT

    has any one ever used newegg for buying somthing like this? if so is it good anod roughly how long does the delivery take?

  • airwalk_102

    Posted Apr 3, 2007 2:00 pm PT

    if you dont want to splash out on an 8800 then wait until about mid april i hear the 8600 series are coming out then which will be more affordable

  • Trazac

    Posted Apr 3, 2007 5:57 am PT

    English is a virtue. @tomnuke, you're going to be waiting a long time man. The prices for the 7800 didn't go down for a good while after its release. You're going to be waiting until a higher end G80 card comes out.

  • gamerar

    Posted Apr 1, 2007 7:35 pm PT

    dar hasrat didar to avareh tarinam....

  • tomnuke

    Posted Mar 31, 2007 1:50 pm PT

    cant wait fo geforce 8800 prices to drop when r600 comes out i wonder which will be better and aslo to chi you mna xxx are under warranty but do it your self not

  • NeoNavarro

    Posted Mar 30, 2007 4:20 am PT

    I'm really liking these benchmarks.... time to open up a new credit card!

  • jetbruceli

    Posted Mar 30, 2007 3:38 am PT

    Well I went all out and have a Intel X6800 OC to 3.2, 2 Gb of corsair, Evga 8800gtx, and enough room for tons of stuff. Now I am waiting for something to show how awesome my setup is besides these normal dx9 games. I mean, I had a 7950gx2 in my system and was great. Having the 8800 Gtx is great but not enough to show me any real diff. All my games play the same or lil better.
    I need Crisis, Unreal 3 and World in Conflict. Anyways, it's still better to know I am ready for whatever comes next!

  • zellwwf

    Posted Mar 29, 2007 10:20 pm PT

    I already have the Nvidia 8800 GTX from Asus ( i couldn't find it in this page) It ROCKS but i still haven't completed building my new PC i need only ( AMD DUAL FX - 2.1GHz processor & another 1Gb of Ram 800Mhz) Salute

  • Trazac

    Posted Mar 29, 2007 12:07 pm PT

    Well, to answer your question, no. The factory over clocked cards are for peopel who are afraid to overclock, and generally are made to be stable under their frequencies.

  • Chi-You-Man

    Posted Mar 29, 2007 7:16 am PT

    Theres a 320mb 8800GTS coming with my new pc, judging from these tests i willl be quite please with it. Who would buy a XXX edition? don't people know how to overclock themselves?

  • Trazac

    Posted Mar 26, 2007 8:26 am PT

    I don't know if you know or not, but the 8800 GTX does cost somthing like $600.

  • madcreation

    Posted Mar 25, 2007 11:40 am PT

    i'm in the market looking for one right now think i'm going for the one with 768 memory since i looked at this review

  • Trazac

    Posted Mar 24, 2007 8:17 am PT

    New egg. Check the archives at guru3d.com as well for any better prices.

  • master_jon35

    Posted Mar 23, 2007 11:02 pm PT

    i've never been able to find a xfx 8800 gts for around $350 anywhere. anyone know a good seller??

  • clacka

    Posted Mar 23, 2007 5:11 pm PT

    just got gainward bliss 8800gtx it`s fantastic , even with my athlon 4200x2 core 2gig ram oblvion all sliders on max full aa running at 30 to 60 fps. command and conquer 60 fps maxed settings even supreme commander runs at 30+ high setting.i had xfx 256 7900gt card thought that was quick 8800gtx is 2 to 3 times more powerfull everyone should get one you will be amazed.

  • dom84ts

    Posted Mar 23, 2007 4:39 am PT

    WOW! If i have enough money i would buy it!
    But i think also like most of you that upgrading to DX 10 is to early!!!

  • ldavidtw2000

    Posted Mar 21, 2007 8:01 pm PT

    Agree with imrlybord7, I'll absolutely upgrade to this one if ATI doesn't react soon...
    and this card IS UNDER 300 for marud2002.
    I agree with your Vista sux theory but even Dx9 game runs alot faster on this card then 190xtx

  • imrlybord7

    Posted Mar 20, 2007 6:07 pm PT

    To marud, you could just get this as a killer, reasonably priced DX9 card that's faster than the x1950xtx with the option of DX10 in the future

  • hhh_just

    Posted Mar 20, 2007 6:19 am PT

    good is always good

  • marud2002

    Posted Mar 19, 2007 9:31 pm PT

    I see no point in upgrading to a DX10 card before there's a decent card for under $300 that doesn't require a PCIe power plug-in from the power supply, until more games than just Crysis arrive on shelves to take advantage of such a transition, and especially not until Microsoft gives me a good reason to upgrade from XP to Vista besides "It's prettier" and it's the ONLY place to play DX10 games (bulls**t).

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XFX GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB Hands-On Preview

DirectX 10 just got more affordable! Find out more about the GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB in our hands-on report.

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