8800 GT vs 9800 GT Graphics Card | Detail Comparison

If you are on the hunt for a graphics card that won’t break the bank but still deliver a punch in gaming and other tasks, the GeForce 8800 GT and 9800 GT can be two of your top choices. Both of these cards have had their time in the limelight, but are considered outdated nowadays.

However, for sub $200 graphics cards, both of them still hold their own against their newer counterparts. In this article, we will compare both 8800 GT and 9800 GT and see which one is the best value for your buck.

Comparing 8800 GT and 9800 GT Graphics Card

Before jumping into in-depth comparison, here’s a quick look at the key specs of both of these cards.

Feature	8800 GT	9800 GT
Architecture	G92	G92
Core Clock	900 MHz	900 MHz
Stream Processors	112	112
Memory	512MB GDDR3 (256-bit)	1GB GDDR3 (256-bit)
DirectX Support	11.1	11.1
TDP	105W	105W
Release Year	2007	2008

Now that we’ve got the basics laid out, let’s delve into how these two stalwarts measure up.

• Architecture: Both cards share the same G92 architecture, so no winner here.
• Core Clock: Clock speeds for both cards are identical at 600 MHz, so there’s no clear winner in this category either.
• Stream Processors: Again, both cards pack the same punch with 112 stream processors each.
• Memory: They both come equipped with 512MB of GDDR3 memory on a 256-bit bus, so it’s a tie here too.
• DirectX Support: Both cards support DirectX 10, so no clear advantage on this front.
• TDP: Both cards have a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 105W, so they’re equally power-hungry.
• Release Year: The 8800 GT came out in 2007, while the 9800 GT followed in 2008.

Performance

In terms of gaming performance, these cards are quite evenly matched. They’ll handle older titles and some less demanding modern games reasonably well but don’t expect them to tackle the latest AAA titles with ease.

Benchmark Scores and FPS Data

In 3DMark Fire Strike, the 8800 GT scores around 2500 points, while the 9800 GT manages slightly higher at about 2700 points. In synthetic benchmarks, however, the 8800 GT scores slightly higher than the 9800 GT (around 5% higher).

In real-world gaming, you can expect both cards to provide playable frame rates at 1080p, but the 9800 GT might squeeze out a few more frames per second in some titles.

Verdict: Which One to Get?

If you’re on a tight budget and can find either of these cards at a reasonable price, the 9800 GT might be the better choice due to its slightly superior performance and higher memory capacity. However, neither card is suitable for modern gaming at high settings.

For tasks like video editing, both cards will struggle with more demanding projects. Consider saving up for a more modern GPU if content creation is a priority. However, if you want to enjoy some casual gaming and light editing, both of them can handle it moderately well.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Can I use these cards for cryptocurrency mining?

While they won’t be profitable for mining the latest cryptocurrencies, they can still be used for mining less demanding coins.

Are these cards still supported by driver updates?

Driver support for these cards is limited as they are quite old. You might get basic functionality but don’t expect the latest features or optimizations.

Can I run games like Fortnite or Apex Legends with these cards?

You can run these games on low settings, but for a smoother experience, it’s advisable to upgrade to a more modern GPU.

End Notes

In the battle between the NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT and the NVIDIA GeForce 9800 GT, the latter emerges as the winner, but it’s a marginal victory. If you’re a casual gamer on a tight budget, the 9800 GT might be a reasonable choice, but remember that these cards are showing their age. For modern gaming or intensive tasks like video editing, you’ll want to save up for a more up-to-date graphics card.

Happy gaming!