Today NVIDIA is announcing the availability its GeForce 8800 GTS on 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.
EVGA e-GeForce GTS 320MB Superclocked
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The GeForce 8 Series launched in traditional fashion for a next-generation Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). A traditional launch begins with an announcement of the high-end GPU and is followed by an announcement of the mainstream and budget GPUs. In such a scenario, the mainstream and budget GPUs are less-powerful derivatives of the high-end GPU.
Although NVIDIA has yet to announce the GeForce 8 Series mainstream and budget GPUs, 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 (with rebates) to $400 range.
EVGA e-GeForce GTS 320MB Superclocked
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EVGA SUPERCLOCKED
In support of today's launch, EVGA sent us 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 it an effective data rate of 1700MHz. Reference clocks for the GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB are 500MHz/800MHz.
EVGA e-GeForce GTS 320MB Superclocked
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Accessories consist of a retail version of the Source engine powered Dark Messiah of Might and Magic, two DVI-to-VGA adapters, one HDTV cable, one S-Video cable, one 6-pin PCI-E power cable, a driver installation CD with trail software (Beyond Media and ULead DVD MovieFactory 3), a user's guide, and an EVGA sticker pack. Software installation is fully automated and features a front-end menu to assist the casual user.
