Both equip with 256MB memory, ONE 8800GTS equal to 2.3　8600GTS. 8600GTS have only 128bit memory interface.

2.256MB 256bit GF8800GT VS 256MB 256bit HD3850

This is the most important part of the test. Except the 3DMark06 1920X1200 4xAA 16xAF and Bioshock 1920X1200 these two extreme situations, 8800GT have a average 25% lead compare to HD 3850.

3.256MB 8800GT VS 512MB 8800GT

If you don’t use the high resolution or AA/AF, you can’t not notice the difference of these two cards. In common usage you can pay less and have the almost the same performance. In all the 7 tests, 512MB 8800GT lead 256MB 8800GT about 50% only in Full HD setting Bioshock、COD4 and HL2.

4.256MB 8800GT VS 512MB HD3870

It is not fair to compare like this but we still do it. Similar to 512MB 8800GT VS 256 8800GT situation, 256 8800GT only lose in the AA/AF items. Totally speaking, 512MB 3870 lose about 5% compare to 256MB 8800GT.

Final thoughts

Because of 256MB 8800GT and 512MB 8800GT have the same frequency, so we can easily judged G92 will affected by small memory while running in high resolution and AA/AF turned on.

On the other hand, 256MB 8800GT will got a error notice & forced program shut while running in HL2 EP2 1920X1200 4xAA. We need more sample to focus in this issue. Anyway thanks to the powerful G92 core, 8800GT 256MB can have a better performance comparing to HD 3870, not to mention its rival HD 3850.