What makes one graphics card better than another?

[jesus]

I've been looking at quite a few benchmarks for these cards, and they're basically equal, but the 9600GT tends to be a few FPS better.

These are the specs of each:
9600GT
Core clock: 700mhz
Memory clock: 1900mhz
Stream processors: 64
Memory: 512mb
interface: 256bit

8800GS
Core clock: 580mhz
Memory clock: 1400mhz
Stream Processors: 96
Memory: 384mb
interface: 192bit

So what makes one better than the other?
Also, if the 8800GS were to be overclocked to the 9600GT core speeds and memory speeds (which it can be), then which one be better?

The 8800gs has more stream processors, but the 9600gt has more memory bandwidth...

[sgt.collins]

i was reading a thread today on overclock.net about this. they said the 9600gt was better
and i didnt even know they made an 8800GS until i found it on newegg last tuesday
no im just kidding i found it like 10 minutes ago

[jesus]

lol yeah. well, its actually a pretty good card and it only costs like $110 - $120 after rebates

[Kreepy Kitteh =^o.O^=]

more numbers more speed.. higher clock speeds and more ram make a graphic card better... then u can overclock these using riva and make lower cards just as good as higher ones..

[jesus]

Yeah I thought that, too, until I saw an overclocked 8600GT.

It's core clock is 600mhz, and it's shader clock is 1600mhz and it has 512mb of RAM. All those numbers are better than the 8800GS, but the 8800GS is double the power of the 8600GT

[Flt. Sgt. Powderhound]

more numbers more speed.. higher clock speeds and more ram make a graphic card better... then u can overclock these using riva and make lower cards just as good as higher ones..

Actually, it's the stream processors that make all the difference.

[jesus]

so how come the 3850 has 320 stream processors, but is beaten by the 8800gt which only has 112?

[=98=]

Completely different architectures.

Like how a 1.6ghz Core 2 Duo will beat a 3.6ghz Pentium 4

[sava700]

the 9600GT is the better card... higher core and memory clock..more memory and better/higher interface.

[jesus]

well, I canceled my order for the XFX 8800GS because the fan would be at 100% all the time, and there's no way to control the speed. I didn't like that very much, so instead, I paid $10 more (so $129 for the 9600) and got a slightly factory overclocked Galaxy 9600GT 512mb. It should be here in a couple days

[Hellsent 2.0]

remeber piccies..I want a 9600Gt tbh..just cause it looks better than my one now...I dont really care if mines slightly better..lol..9600Gt is sleek and sexy..

[jesus]

This is the one I'm getting:


675mhz core clock, 2000mhz memory clock and 1674mhz shader clock

And hopefully I'll remember to take some pictures

[Eagle101]

good luck with ur new card! i am looking into buying one for my mini Atx project next yr tell meh how this card performs!

[=98=]

good luck with ur new card! i am looking into buying one for my mini Atx project next yr tell meh how this card performs!

If your doing a mini atx project, save up and get a sweet Shuttle case. Those things are the dogs doo dahs.

[Eagle101]

^^ where to buy from? cheap pounds pls.