ZOTAC 8800 GT AMP! Edition

When you think of discrete graphics, your probably don't think low-end. It's very common, as with most things we can buy, for people to immediately shoot for the stars. In the video card world, this usually means discussing only the best money can buy, and this is the start of a bigger mistake. Very recently NVIDIA released their newest addition to the GeForce family: the 9600 GT. While it offers solid performance for the lower mid-range of discrete graphics, NVIDIA's 9th generation of video cards has only one offering thus far. Essentially, the latest is by far not the greatest.

Since the remaining heavyweights are soon to be replaced by the upcoming GeForce 9800 GTX and 9800 GX2 in just another month, there seems to be a gaping hole left in the new lineup. This is where the market will continue to cling onto the tried and true mid-range solution: the GeForce 8800 GT. Not so long ago here at Benchmark Reviews, we offered a very unique comparison of the GeForce 8800 Graphics Performance: GT vs GTS vs GTX. In this article, it was shown that a more affordable 8800 GT could easily beat an overclocked 8800 GTS and compare to the far more expensive 8800 GTX. Well now we can do one better because ZOTAC offers an 8800 GT that not only directly competes with the 8800 GTX, but it goes places nobody else in the 8800 series can: HDMI digital audio and video output.

Powered by NVIDIA's G92 graphics processor, the ZOTAC GeForce 8800 GT 512MB AMP! Edition HDMI output ZT-88TES3P-FCP video card takes performance to another level by boosting core clock speed to 700 MHz and GDDR3 memory to 2000 MHz. For that extra performance boost in intense gaming situations, ZOTAC has 112 supercharged 1700 MHz stream processors to offer unmatched performance-per-dollar.

The new PCI Express 2.0 interface delivers 5.0 GBps of graphical bandwidth; twice the data throughput offered in the older PCI Express x16 bus which it replaces. In the new generation PCI Express 2.0 compatible motherboards, such as the Gigabyte GA-X48T-DQ6 we used for testing, while remaining backwards compatible with existing PCI Express x16 motherboards. The new PCI Express 2.0 interface sends data to the graphics card‘s 512MB of GDDR3 video memory for smooth performance and realistic textures in current and next-generation PC games. The 512MB of GDDR3 video memory communicates with the graphics processor through a wide 256-bit memory interface.

The new ZOTAC GeForce 8800 GT AMP! Edition with HDMI output features S/PDIF audio input to connect to any sound card. ZOTAC includes all necessary adapters and cables in the package for easy HDMI connectivity. The ZOTAC GeForce 8800 GT and GeForce 8800 GT AMP! Edition includes a DVI-to-HDMI adapter and S/PDIF audio input cables. HDMI audio and video output is a unique ZOTAC feature to its GeForce 8 series of graphics card. No other NVIDIA AIC, or add-in card, partner implements this feature across its entire GeForce 8 series product lineup.

"With our new ZOTAC GeForce 8800 GT AMP! Edition, we further differentiate ourselves from our competitors," Carsten Berger, marketing director, said. " Our unique PCB design with HDMI audio and video output features are a ZOTAC exclusive that provides greater value and exclusivity to our graphics cards."

Benchmark Reviews tests the new ZOTAC GeForce 8800 GT 512MB AMP! Edition ZT-88TES3P-FCP discrete graphics card against the most widely used NVIDIA product: the GeForce 8800 GTS and 8800 GTX.

About the company: ZOTAC International (MCO) Limited

ZOTAC International (MCO) Limited was established in 2006 with a mission to deliver superb quality of NVIDIA graphic solutions to the industry. It has strong backup from parent group, PC Partner Ltd. Headquartered in Hong Kong, factory in Mainland China and regional sales offices in Europe, Asia Pacific and North America. The support ZOTAC provides is currently the largest of its kind around the world.

With 40 SMT lines, 6,000 workers and 100,000 square-feet meter, ZOTAC features a full array of state-of-the-art facilities and machinery. In addition, ZOTAC has over 130 R&D professionals in Hong Kong, China and warranty and service center in strategic countries to enable effective and efficient worldwide as well as localized sales and marketing supports.

ZOTAC with NVIDIA not only means superb quality, it also means high performance, absolute reliability and great value. In the past year, ZOTAC was compared and tested by several influential members in the media and have proven its products are good quality, worth-to-buy graphic cards in the market. With the product features of overclocked performance, excellent cooling properties and unique packaging ZOTAC products definitely exceed users' expectations.

ZOTAC's commitment to our user is to bring the latest products quickly to the market with the best value. Doubtless to say ZOTAC is the right choice for those who require high-quality graphic solutions. For additional information please visit the ZOTAC website.

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