EVGA e-GeForce 9600 GT SSC Review

[skypx]

Thank you. Yes, the review was somewhat rushed and I failed to document some key features like HD video and PureVideo HD. Although I rarely use my PC to watch DVDs, I realize that it is a feature that others are interested in. Can you be more specific about the tests that you would like me to run? Are you referring to a measure of CPU utilization during playback?

Yes I am. I am very interested in how it handles the VC-1 codec, but any available HD content would be great. Thank you.

[MikeC]

OK, I've compiled average and maximum CPU utilization numbers from the GeForce 9600 GT while playing HD content.

I used an NVIDIA demo, which is pretty neat as it compares SD and HD side-by-side, Step Into Liquid, and footage
from Burnout running on the Xbox 360. nStant Media was used to playback HD content.

http://www.nvnews.net/reviews/evga_geforce_9600_gt_ssc/images/nstant_media.png

The results:

NVIDIA HD Demo: 1920x1080 - 10,205k bps bit rate - Avg 8%, Max: 13%
Step Into Liquid: 1440x1080 - 8,442 kbps bit rate - Avg 7%, Max 16%
Burnout: 1280x720 - 12,282 kbps bit rate - Avg 9%, Max 19%

Links to the NVIDIA demo and Step Into Liquid can be found here:

http://www.nzone.com/object/nzone_hdcontent_home.html

A few screenshots :)

Burnout on Xbox 360

http://www.nvnews.net/reviews/evga_geforce_9600_gt_ssc/images/hdv_burnout_1280_720_1.jpg

MotoGP '06 on Xbox 360

http://www.nvnews.net/reviews/evga_geforce_9600_gt_ssc/images/hdv_motogp_1280_720_1.jpg

NVIDIA HD Demo

http://www.nvnews.net/reviews/evga_geforce_9600_gt_ssc/images/hdv_nvdemo_1920_1080_1.jpg

http://www.nvnews.net/reviews/evga_geforce_9600_gt_ssc/images/hdv_nvdemo_1920_1080_2.jpg

http://www.nvnews.net/reviews/evga_geforce_9600_gt_ssc/images/hdv_nvdemo_1920_1080_3.jpg

Also, Elite Bastards and Hexus have video playback results in their reviews:

http://www.elitebastards.com/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=533&Itemid=27&limit=1&limitstart=9

http://www.hexus.net/content/item.php?item=11865&page=10

[skypx]

OK, I've compiled average and maximum CPU utilization numbers from the GeForce 9600 GT while playing HD content.

Wow!! Thanks for the update. :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[SLippe]

Great review, Mike.

[MikeC]

Great review, Mike.
Thanks bro :afro:

I made a major update to the last page today as I added all this new content.

[SLippe]

Thanks bro :afro:

I made a major update to the last page today as I added all this new content.
Looks good. I'll be picking one of these up soon and then my PC will be complete, again. :)

[Bearclaw]

Awesome review Mike. I especially liked the SD/HD side by side comparison shots. :thumbsup:

[Mr_LoL]

Is 26fps @ 1920x 1200 playable for the cod4 numbers? I don't know if I should just stretch a bit and get an 8800 GTS. Sold the GTX because I didn't plan on playing pc games anymore but I am tired of 12 player ps3 multiplayer and sucking bad with a controller.

[Bman212121]

Is 26fps @ 1920x 1200 playable for the cod4 numbers? I don't know if I should just stretch a bit and get an 8800 GTS. Sold the GTX because I didn't plan on playing pc games anymore but I am tired of 12 player ps3 multiplayer and sucking bad with a controller.

IMO it isn't. COD4 doesn't feel right until you have about 60fps to me. If your going to be running that high of a resolution then you should consider getting 9600GT SLI.

[Mr_LoL]

IMO it isn't. COD4 doesn't feel right until you have about 60fps to me. If your going to be running that high of a resolution then you should consider getting 9600GT SLI.
I think i'll just wait till the end of April and get a 9800GTS. Something under £200. I will never spend £350+ on a graphics card ever again.

[j0j081]

well thanks for this great review. I just tested my EVGA 9600GT SC playing UT3 for two hours and the upgrade in performance is mindblowing when compared to my old heavily overclocked 8600GT. I was really worried because a lot of people seem to reporting random black screens with these cards but so far so good.