9600 GT vs 8880 GT?

[Sankari]

Currently looking at the 9600 GT for my new build (see sig) but wondering if it might be more worthwhile to buy the 8800 GT instead.

My budget is very tight; I can't go above ~£115. So these are my options:

• BFG 9600 GT OC
  - GeForce 9600 GT core running at 675MHz
  - Shader Clock Speed of 1700MHz
  - 512MB GDDR3 Memory running at 1800MHz
  - 256-Bit Memory Interface
  - 64 Stream Processors
  - Shader Model 4.0
  - Memory Bandwidth: 57.6GB/s
  
  
• BFG 8800 GT OC
  - GeForce 8800 GT core running at 625MHz
  - Shader Clock Speed of 1566MHz
  - 512MB GDDR3 Memory running at 1800MHz
  - 256-Bit Memory Interface
  - 112 Stream Processors
  - Shader Model 4.0
  - Memory Bandwidth: 57.6GB/s

Now, I need some expert advice on the difference between these stats from people who actually know what they're talking about (unlike me).

The 9600 has a higher core speed and shader speed, but the 8800 has nearly double the amount of stream processors. I am not really bothered about the speeds (since I can OC the 8800 anyway) but I am confused about the stream processors. What are they, what do they do, and assuming that "more = better", what difference does this make to the card's performance?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Rroff]

8800GT - not a great deal in the prices and its clearly the better card.

The streaming processors will make more of a difference with future titles - especially if developers start using physx now that nVidia are porting it to CUDA.

 

[straxusii]

The 8800GT is significantly better

 

[RobertN]

amount of shaders makes a slight difference 8800gt is about 10-20% better in most reviews

google 9600gt review and you can get a more detailed comparison

 

[Sankari]

Nice one, thanks guys.

 

[-iceblade^]

8800GT... that BFG OC model is a top class model, especially for that price... take that deal.

 

[Sankari]

Sound.

 

[steve258]

8800GT is so incredibly cheap now no need to even consider 9600GT.

*slaps OP for even asking*

 

[Sankari]

I repent, I repent!

OK, so I've read that these cards run pretty hot. What's a safe operating temperature for a BFG 8800 GT, and should I consider an aftermarket cooler (bearing in mind that this will probably void my warranty)?

 

[Richdog]

I am not really bothered about the speeds (since I can OC the 8800 anyway) but I am confused about the stream processors. What are they, what do they do, and assuming that "more = better", what difference does this make to the card's performance?

A quick search would answer your question mate http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GPGPU

Go with the 8800GT, but if you're on a strict budget then remember by sticking on an aftermarket cooler you are effectively adding on £15 to the price

 

[EdGey]

I have the BFG 8800 oc.

I have never had problems with heat at all.. it runs at 40ºC and goes to about high 50's to 60ºC in games

And it makes hardly any noise.. i can hear my hard drives more that i can the card.

Convinced yet?

 

[Sankari]

Convinced! Thanks, I had read some crazy stuff about people hitting 80-90 degrees under full load, so it did get me wondering.

Price should be down further in a month or so (which is when I'll be about ready to buy) so I might even have a chance to pick up a GTS.

 

[mks2005]

The Accelero S1 is an awesome piece of kit. It's nice running the card silently and cool, even whilst overclocked. My computer is next to silent thanks to it.