MSI NX8600GTS OC Edition
NVIDIA GeForce 8600GTS, 256 MB GDDR3Core / Shader Clock : 688 / 1458 MHz
Memory Clock : 526 MHz (1053 MHz GDDR3)
Overall Score: 90 points
The MSI NX8600GTS OC Edition is the first card based on the reference design in this round up. Now, the OC Edition moniker might fool you into thinking this card is faster, but if you look at the core and memory clock, you'll see MSI only raise the clock slightly. So, we doubt there is any tangible difference in performance between this card and your standard GeForce 8600GTS.
The use of the standard, reference cooling doesn't translate into a disadvantage. On the contrary, using reference cooling means both the core and memory are actively cooled. MSI (or basically every other manufacturer for that matter) still uses thermal pads to help transfer heat between the memory and the heat sink, serious overclockers will likely get more mileage from the memory by using more efficient thermal paste.
Now, the bundle. The bundle accompanying the MSI NX8600GTS OC Edition is very similar to the NX8800GTS we tested several weeks ago. You'll find a complete bundle of standard accesories - two DVI-to-analog dongle, an HDTV dongle, an S-Video cable you can use to extend the HDTV dongle, and a 6 pin ATX power connector / converter. You'll also find a driver CD and a full version of Company of Heroes. Again, we think MSI did a great job with the bundle. This makes the NX8600GTS OC Edition not just an attractive package for some gamers, but also very affordable in regards to value.
A look at RivaTuner's System Tweak's fan tab shows the fan is set to its lowest setting. So, for less hardcore overclockers, you can still turn up the fan speed to compensate for any temperature rise you get from overclocking the card.
70° Celsius is a bit high than we'd like and is a bit strange since the card is still very close to standard clocks. We actually git lower full load temperature from the passively cooled Gigabyte NX8600GTS Silent Pipe 3.
Clearly, MSI want to provide value with their GeForce 8600GTS offering. The included bundle allows you to fully utilize the GeForce 8600GTS potential and the game bundle doesn't hurt either. Company of Heroes is essentially one of the first games able to take advantage of the new DirectX 10 API (and does so with noticeable graphical improvements). However, don't be fooled by the OC Edition moniker - the increase in clock is not substantial enough to differentiate it from standard, reference clocked cards.
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