Leadtek 8800 GT 256MB aka G92

INTRODUCTION

The past year was something NVIDIA had always wished for -- stay on the top and keep the performance crown. Not that they never did in the past, but this seems to be the trend. That includes both desktop and mobile markets ranging from high to low-end SKUs. As always, the first batch of high-end G80 cards were expensive and unavailable to a lot of people. Since performance wasn't the sole deciding factor, video chip giant had to make a smart move and introduce a subtle form of 8800 GTX. Based on cheaper 65nm process, this G92 code-named SKU became a product for the masses while still keeping most of G80 characteristics. Shrinking the die and selling it cheaper isn't only NVIDIA's strategy. If you remember well, AMD did the same thing a while back with their Radeon HD 3850/3870 which in fact brought high performing cards to almost everyone. Ok, enough of my gum flapping, let's get down to business.

YET ANOTHER VALUABLE SKU?

Though I'm not planning on delving into a lot of details, some brief explanation on the features and specs might be needed. As I've already mentioned, Leadtek PX8800 GT is a cut down version of more expensive 8800 boards. The main features resemble a lot of G80 traits. There are obviously differences which I will go over in just a second, but here is what we already have.

• NVIDIA® unified architecture with GigaThread™ technology:  Massively multi-threaded architecture supports thousands of independent, simultaneous threads, providing extreme processing efficiency in advanced, next generation shader programs.
• NVIDIA® Lumenex™ Engine:   Delivers stunning image quality and floating point accuracy at ultra-fast frame rates.
• Full Microsoft® DirectX® 10 Support:   World’s first DirectX 10 GPU with full Shader Model 4.0 support delivers unparalleled levels of graphics realism and film-quality effects.
• Dual 400MHz RAMDACs:  Blazing-fast RAMDACs support dual QXGA displays with ultra-high, ergonomic refresh rates--up to 2048 x 1536 @ 85Hz.
• Dual Link DVI:  Capable of supporting digital output for high resolution monitors (up to 2560x1600).
• NVIDIA® SLI™ Technology:  Delivers up to 2x the performance of a single GPU configuration for unparalleled gaming experiences by allowing two graphics cards to run in parallel. The must-have feature for performance PCI Express graphics, SLI dramatically scales performance on over 60 top PC games.
• PCI Express™ Support:  Designed to run perfectly with the next-generation PCI Express bus architecture. This new bus doubles the bandwidth of AGP 8X delivering over 4 GB/sec. in both upstream and downstream data transfers.
• 16x Anti-aliasing:  Lightning fast, high-quality anti-aliasing at up to 16x sample rates obliterates jagged edges.
• NVIDIA® PureVideo™ Technology:  The combination of high-definition video processors and NVIDIA DVD decoder software delivers unprecedented picture clarity, smooth video, accurate color, and precise image scaling for all video content to turn your PC into a high-end home theater. (Feature requires supported video software.)
• OpenGL™ 2.0 Optimizations and Support:  Ensures top-notch compatibility and performance for all OpenGL applications. NVIDIA® nView® Multi-display Advanced technology provides the ultimate in viewing flexibility and control for multiple monitors.
• NVIDIA® nView® Multi-Display Technology:  Advanced technology provides the ultimate in viewing flexibility and control for multiple monitors.

There are three important factors that make GeForce 8800 GT a better run for the money. First and foremost, the GPU is manufactured using 65 nm process, thus making it a smaller and cooler chip. The second change involves the way G92 communicates with the rest of the components; PCI Express 2.0 which in my opinion is more of an evolution than revolution (sort of like AGPx4 -> AGPx8). The last thing that has been overlooked when looking at enthusiast SKUs is VP2 or Visual Processor which takes care of HD video decoding.

GPU-Z output

From the chart above you can spot the obvious differences between the new GT (G92) and old GTX (G80). Those include smaller process, more transistors, a bit cut down rasteriser, PCI interface, clocks and VP2. Please note that our Leadtek PX8800 GT came with 256 MBs of on-board RAM; a bit cheap in my opinion as you will be extremely limited at high resolutions. Applying FSAA will kill the performance even more -- theoretically at least, but you will soon find out that to be true.