Benchmarks: 3Dmark2006, X3: Reunion

Test System Specifications
- Intel Core 2 Duo E6700 (2.66GHz) LGA775

 

- Corsair PC2-6400 2GB DDR2

 

- ASUS P5W DH Deluxe (Intel 975X)

 

- OCZ GameXStream (700 watt)

 

- Seagate 250GB 7200RPM (Serial ATA II)

 

- ASUS GeForce 8800 GTX (768MB)
- ASUS GeForce 8800 GTS (640MB)
- ASUS GeForce 8800 GTS (320MB)
- Inno3D GeForce 7950GT (512MB)
- Gigabyte GeForce 7900GT (256MB)
- Gigabyte GeForce 7600GT (256MB)

 

Software
- Microsoft Windows XP Pro (SP2)
- Nvidia Forceware 93.71
- Nvidia Forceware 97.92
- Intel System Drivers 7.2.2

 

According to 3Dmark2006, the 640MB version of the ASUS GeForce 8800 GTS is 22% faster than the 320MB version at 1600x1200. This is a substantial difference, though given the 640MB version is 33% more expensive, the 320MB version remains a good value.

The X3: Reunion test saw a 16% performance advantage favoring the 640MB card when compared to the 320MB version at 1600x1200. However, at 1280x1024 the 640MB version was just 8% faster, which equated to just 7fps. This means that those gaming with 19" LCDs could do just as well with the new 320MB version of the 8800 GTS, while those running at resolutions above 1600x1200 will be better off with the 640MB version.