14 - The Conclusion
The Verdict
I just can't help it, but I like the GeForce 9600 GSO. For several reason actually. See, there are a lot of people out there that can't spend as much cash on graphics cards that we spoiled brats can spend. Secondly a lot of people out there still are bound to a monitor with a resolution of maximum 1280x1024. Now if these two factor weigh in for you .. look no further. This has to be the most cost effective product for you that offers the best performance for the money.
Due to the nature of the architecture this product had to have 384 MB of memory .. it's certainly a weird number. But fact is that the increased framebuffer will help you with some decent anti-aliasing with the games over 256MB graphics cards. Secondly the weird memory volume directly translates to the architecture and thus this product carries a 192-bit memory bus. Sure, it's not 256-bit ... but it's not 128-bit either. Look at that as a compromise ... and the compromise just works really well for the GSO in this price range.
The fun part is, prices can and will go down even further. I think in a month when everybody is fully stocked the prices will settle at 75 maybe 80 EUR.
So for sure this is not the best performing card in the world, but the return in your petite investment here is just splendid. Up-to 1280x1024 you can pretty much play any modern game and then throw in some AA levels as well. That's just great value. Also, you are a Guru3D reader .. meaning you love Rivatuner, don't be shy ... there is a lot of stretch in the product when it comes to overclocking; bringing the product even closer to or faster than GeForce 9600 GT performance.
I mean, at 1280x1024 you can play Call of Duty 4 with 4xAA and the very best image quality setting .. and still retrieve an average 40 FPS framerate. That's golden in my book. Surely if you can afford it, go for a 9600 GT, Radeon HD 3850/3870 or GeForce 8800 GT, but if you just can't spend more than 100 EUR... this is the best next thing.
You can purchase the GeForce 9600 GSO for roughly 90 to 99 bucks, Point of View throws in the HDMI connector and you will receive a three year warranty on this product as well. Pure value for a real fun product at this price, nothing else needs to be said. For that it received our best value award.
Info: pointofview-online.comPrice: 89 EUR - 99 USD
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