The Inno3D GeForce 9800 GTX OC (overclocked edition) card is as stated a pre-overclocked version of the reference model as discussed in the previous chapter. So where the reference models have a core, shader processor and memory frequency of 675, 1675 and 2200 MHz respectively the OC edition runs faster. Let's compare:

GeForce 9800 GTX reference clocks

• Core 675 MHz
• Shader processors 1675 MHz
• Memory 2200 MHz effective

GeForce 9800 GTX Inno3D OC Edition

• Core 720 MHz
• Shader processors 1674 MHz
• Memory 2304 MHz effective

GeForce 9800 GTX+ reference clocks

• Core 738 MHz
• Shader processors 1836 MHz
• Memory 2200 MHz effective

As you can see, the product in theory is a teeny weenie bit slower than the newly created GTX+ SKU. But the faster memory does make up for it a bit. So while being a good amount faster than the regular GTX card, it's really close to the new GTX+.

BTW if you find all this confusing, ... blame NVIDIA not me please.

Fact is that given the right circumstances (resolution, image quality, overall PC performance) this Inno3D 9800 GTX OC will beat one 4850 by a slight margin. And that makes things really interesting as for the OC edition the price drop will count as well. Likely 229 USD matching the GTX+, yet with a full game for free.

What's also interesting is that the 9800 GTX is 2 and 3-way SLI compatible. That's right, it is possible to combine three together and set them up in SLI. That way you will have three GPUs rendering your games.

Included in the box you'll find:

• Inno3D GeForce 9800 GTX 512MB OC  model
• Driver CD
• THQ Company of Heroes Opposing Fronts (Full game)
• SVideo cable
• 6-pin to Molex power cable
• 3-way RCA component cable
• manual / quick install guide
• VGA->DVI dongle 1x.

Unfortunately no HDMI dongle and SPDIF cable have been included.

The good people from Inno3D are offering you a two year warranty with this graphics card. And at this price-level with an OC edition it's okay.

Small note to all board-partners, it's time to replace that 3-way RCA component with a DVI-HDMI dongle. We do not live in the analog era anymore.

What is again substandard to see from Inno3D is that they did not overclock the shader domain. A lot of extra performance can be found there. I say again, as the last time we tested an OC product of theirs they didn't do so either. Pretty much they clock the ROPs domain and the memory faster and leave the shader domain as it is.

I fail to see the reason here as the competition surely doesn't mind doing so.

We'll slowly start up the actual test. First we'll look at power consumption, heat levels and noise. Then we'll show you a thing or two in our photo-shoot after which we'll obviously fire off the hottest games of 2008 at the card to see if it can deliver what it's supposed to. Next page please.

THQ's Company of Heroes Opposing Fronts bundled with this graphics card