NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GTS roundup

While last year’s launch of the GeForce 8800 GTX and 8800 GTS was an important achievement for NVIDIA, it can be argued that the GeForce 8800’s little cousin, the GeForce 8600 GTS and 8600 GT is just as critical, if not the more important product for NVIDIA.

“Why?” you ask? Because while the GeForce 8800’s performance grabs the most press and headlines, it is the GeForce 8600 line that brings in the bulk of graphics card sales for NVIDIA and their board partners. System manufacturers like Dell and HP buy value and mainstream graphics cards like the GeForce 8600 in huge numbers. In addition, these value-priced cards are popular with consumers looking to upgrade their graphics while at the same time saving some money. After all, not many users are willing to budget $300-$500+ for a high-end video card.