GeForce 8800 series round-up

Leadtek WinFast PX8800 GTS TDH 320MB:

Core Clock: 513MHz
Shader Clock: 1200MHz
Memory Clock: 1600MHz
Warranty: 2 years (parts and labour)
Price (as reviewed): £199.61 (including VAT)
Latest UK Pricing
Latest US Pricing


Leadtek is another manufacturer that has taken the chance to give its box artwork a bit of a facelift. Gone is the rather garish yellow and in comes the new black, also known as white. Everything that you’re likely to need to know about the card is listed on the box somewhere and it even advertises the fact that you get a couple of games, too. Everything inside the box is well packed, with the video card inside a padded anti-static bag.

The company has only included one DVI-to-VGA adapter, which is a shame on a card that costs £200+, but it shouldn’t be too much of a worry in this day and age. If you only have one monitor, it won’t be a problem at all, and if you’ve got two analogue monitors, you’ve probably got a second adapter from a previous purchase. If not, you can pick one up for a couple of quid at your favourite online retailer, or alternatively ask a mate, as they’ve probably got one knocking around.

In addition, Leadtek has included a component/S-Video combi cable and a six-pin PCI-Express power adapter. On the software front, the card doesn't disappoint. Both Serious Sam II and Spell Force 2 are pretty good games and are certainly worth a bit of play time. Leadtek also includes Cyberlink PowerDVD 7 and a driver / utility CD.

The underlying hardware in Leadtek’s card is exactly the same as any other standard-clocked GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB video card, but the company has given the heatsink a bit of a cosmetic makeover in the same way that it has changed its box designs. The heatsink is actually the standard GeForce 8800 GTS one, but Leadtek has designed a customised shroud in the same way that EVGA has.

The shroud around the radial fan is still plastic, but Leadtek has designed it so that it covers the capacitors and power circuitry to help protect them (it would seem) although not to the extent that EVGA has gone to by covering them up completely. The rest of the shroud (above the heatsinked portion of the card) is made from brushed aluminium and what look like a pair of scoops with a small design etched into them.

Warranty:

Leadtek offers a two-year warranty covering parts and labour. During the first year in the product's life, your point of contact should be the retailer. If you're having problems getting hold of the retailer, or the retailer goes out of business, you should contact Leadtek directly. During the second year of the warranty, you should talk directly with Leadtek if you are having issues with the product. This is nothing special and in our opinion, it should be a longer term; especially when the likes of BFGTech and EVGA are offering 10 year warranties on competing cards.