EVGA 9600GT SSC vs 8800GT

[weidt]

I have been slowly purchasing hardware to build myself a new rig, one piece of hardware each paycheck basically. I am looking at getting an EVGA-brand Nvidia video card, and I was initially looking at the Geforce 8800 GT, but ideally I'd like to spend no more than $200. The Geforce 9600 GT recently came out and fits my budget; however, Newegg has both with rebates for $199 -- a 9600GT SSC edition and a basic 8800GT. So which is really a better value? I've read reviews and seen charts comparing the different cards, but they don't mention what editions they are comparing. I would imagine a basic 9600GT is inferior to a basic 8800GT, but how does a 9600GT SSC compare? 8800GT specs: Core clock- 600MHz Stream Processors- 112 Memory Clock- 1800MHz Memory Size- 512MB Memory Interface- 256-bit Memory Type- GDDR3 9600GT SSC specs: Core clock- 740MHz Stream Processors- 64 Memory Clock- 1950MHz Memory Size- 512MB Memory Interface- 256-bit Memory Type- GDDR3 As you can see, the 9600GT SSC is faster, but has half the stream processors. Thanks!

[DreamGoddessLindsey]

I seem to recall reading somewhere that the first number is the series number of the second number is the model number. Higher number is usually better, but not always. 8800 = Series 8, Model 8 9600 = Series 9, Model 6 Of course the letters at the end matter as well. That is harder to read without being a tech junkie, but that is why you look at the specs. The stream processors, well, what they might do really depends on the rest of your system I think. If you are going to max out in everything, it is a tough call. That is assuming that the source of my information was accurate, of course. Honestly, I would go with the 9600.

[Thomnipotent]

That is a tough decision... personally, though, I've always been a bigger ATI fan. Have you checked prices at Tigerdirect.com? And, even further, have you looked into some of the drop dead gorgeous Quad-Core box machines that Circuit City and Best Buy have been advertising? It's worth looking into, in my opinion. Although, if you have your heart set on the nVid, I'd probably go with the 9600 as well. I just wish I knew more about the importance of stream processors... I'd suggest hitting up CNET and seeing what they think of the whole thing. If stream processors are the king of video card land, then the 8800 would win out hands down.

[Blasphemywebleed]

My pc has the following specs and runs like a dream: Intel Core 2 Quad Core 9.6Ghz 4Gb DDr2 Ram 2 x Nvidia 8500 GT SLI (1024mb) making for a total of 2048mb of dedicated SLI graphics power :D And I got it all for less than £500

[supermareo]

reveiew of the 9600 here [URL]http://www.tomshardware.com/2008/02/21/nvidia_geforce_9600_gt/[/URL] based on that id go with the 8800 GT