The XFX GeForce 8800 GT price versus performance ratio is ideal for the enthusiast community and the feature set is impressive. NVIDIA didn’t forget about you guys and has just recently released the GeForce 8800 GT 256MB video card that is aimed at lower price points. The GeForce 8800 GT 512MB has been in such high demand the price has remained above $269.99, so the need for a more budget friendly card is a welcomed addition to the GeForce 8 lineup. As the wind goes on so does the testing.

Test

Even at smaller resolutions the GeForce 8800 GT 256MB has a hard time keeping up with the Radeon 3850 and Radeon 3870, which are both priced at or under what the GeForce 8800 GT 256MB is available at. The GeForce 8800 GT 256MB faces tough competition thanks to the Radeon 3800 series and it only clearly beat the Radeon 3800’s in Bioshock. Be sure to consider what games you play the most and the performance of the cards on them when you make your next purchase.

Bioware has always been known for progressive storytelling and constant action in every game, from Knights of The Old Republic I to II. It’s no surprise that Mass Effect is an incredible game with an interesting story. The game is about chasing a really evil guy across the galaxy, and for the first time in a long time, exploring a wide universe in the solar system —a beautifully chosen theme. BioWare has created a politically charged universe with an indelible backstory and filled it with a huge variety of characters. Combined with unique and intense combat mechanic, the game provides players with an unforgettable journey even if it’s not a perfect one. Mass Effect is simply a high quality role playing title that should be experienced by everyone.

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It’s been two months since Crucial launched their first Crucial Ballistix DDR3 memory modules and while they were months behind other DDR3 manufacturers their 1600MHz kit has been a success. Since Micron and Crucial are one and the same it shouldn’t be a surprise that Crucial memory kits are able to perform above average. The kit is part of the Ballistix line, which is a higher performance series that is specifically built for enthusiasts who want to push the performance envelope of their system.

The new Ballistix DDR3 modules sport a new look thanks to the redesigned heat spreader with a clip-less design, giving the modules a cleaner look. The new Ballistix heat spreader design also features a Micron company logo on the heat spreader, which means that the modules use Micron memory IC’s. Crucial also uses black Printed Circuit Boards (PCB’s) on their Ballistix series, which give the modules a a tougher look over traditional green PCB’s. When it comes to warranties, Crucial warrants the original end customer of its products that their memory kits are free from defects in material and workmanship affecting form, fit, and functions for life. So, all Ballistix modules carry a lifetime warranty.

Tests

Benchmarking Overview & Conclusion

Sandra XII showed higher memory bandwidth in the OCZ kit, but the 276MB/Sec difference is only a 3.4% performance improvement. Again, the relaxed CL8 memory timings on the Ballistix kit are causing the differences.

When it comes to picking DDR3 memory kits companies are selling kits at a variety of frequencies, which can be a bit overwhelming for those that are new to DDR3 and the chipsets that use it. Right now there are six speed grades that DDR3 memory is available in: 1066MHz, 1333MHz, 1375MHz, 1600MHz, 1800MHz and 1866MHz. Which is the right kit to invest in? Keep in mind that the Intel only officially supports 1333MHz on the Intel P35 and X38 Express chipsets. When it comes to density all Intel P35 Express chipsets support up to 8 GB of memory addressability, so density is certainly not a limitation these days when it comes to selecting a kit. So, why buy a 1600MHz memory kit when the chipsets are only rated to run at 1333MHz? Because Crucial does it right.

When it was announced eighteen months ago, Crysis was a game that I personally thought would be left in the infamous reigns of a game that strived for too much. With scenes of lush jungles and fast-coursing alien machines, it seemed too good to be true to come close. Graphics do not make the game itself, but they can help and the delivery percentage was not looking too hot for this title. Germany’s Crytek has proven that Crysis is a game that delivers the best first person shooter experience to date on any console. Crytek has simply delivered an incredibly advanced and exciting first-person shooter that rewrites the genre.

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Kingston Technology just recently increased the capacity of its DataTraveler Mini Fun and DataTraveler Mini – Migo Edition USB flash drives. Previously, these flash drives were only available in 1GB and 2GB, the drives will now come in capacities up to 4GB. This little device now also features Sudoku as well as the previously included Atlantis from Big Fish Games. The drives measure 38mm x 19mm x 8mm and support USB 2.0 interface.

• Convenient: mini-size for easy portability
• Simple: plug and play into a USB port
• Functional: comes preloaded with Sudoku and Atlantis
• Capacities1: 1GB, 2GB, 4GB
• Dimensions: 1.5? x 0.75? x 0.31? (38mm x 19mm x 8mm)
• Operating temperature: 32° F to 140° F (0° C to 60° C)
• Compliant: designed to Hi-Speed USB 2.0 specifications
• Operating Systems: Windows Vista, Win 2000, Win XP, Mac OS 10.x and above, Linux Kernel 2.4 and above
• Bundled games support Windows Vista, XP, 2000 and DirectX 8.0
• Guaranteed: five-year warranty

Package It!

The Kingston Mini Fun comes packed, in a plastic enclose. The body of the drive is almost as small as the USB plug. The size is great for anyone who loves smaller and smaller objects. The drive measures 1.5″ x 0.75″ x 0.31″ (38mm x 19mm x 8mm) is th exact size.

When most consumers look into getting a thumb drive they look at the price compared to how much stuff they can cram on it. Kingston has offered up a line of mini drives in 1GB, 2GB, and 4GB ranging from an MSRP of $15 for the 1GB (yellow) drive, to an MSRP of $61 for the 4GB (red) drive. The Kingston DataTraveler Mini Fun series of Flash drives cost a little more than standard ‘plain’ Flash drives, but the Mini Fun is small and fun.