Albatron 8600GT-256 (v2) Graphic Card Review

The Appearance

I was surprised to receive another version of Albatron’s 8600GT-256. Those of you who have been reading my articles would know that I’ve reviewed an Albatron 8600GT-256 not long ago.

Unlike the previous unit, this version looks great right from the start. Sure it’s on the usual green piece of PCB BUT what’s attractive about this unit is the transparent blue fan over the heatsink.

The card comes with a DVI output, a VGA output and an S-Video output.

The Bundle

– HDTV-out
– S-Video cable
– DVI-VGA converter
– Installation guide & driver CD.

Card Details

Here’s a summarized detail of the card.

More details at the official product page (Yes, it’s the same link as seen in the previous review, just that Albatron’s 8600GT-256 has evolved. 🙂

Test Setup

The computer setup used for this review.

The Performance & Overclocking

The Albatron 8600GT-256 runs at 540Mhz core and 700Mhz memory speed, just like the previous version.

I was absolutely curious on the card’s overclocking potential. The previous card did an impressive 655Mhz on core speed and 850Mhz on memory speed. So what about this one? Guess what, it did an amazing 695Mhz on core speed and 820Mhz on memory speed. Yes. I couldn’t believe it as I kept pumping the Mhz up on the core, to only have it fail at around 700Mhz. The memory on the other hand, is stuck at a 820Mhz. To say it’s a dismal overclocking wouldn’t be appropriate, considering that’s a 120mhz boost from its default speed.

Now, let’s have a look at the test results

3Dmark06

Default setting.

Lost Planet : Extreme Condition

Graphic Detail : Default

F.E.A.R.

Graphic Detail : Maximum

Company Of Heroes : Opposing Fronts

Graphic Detail : Custom

This card was a real pleasure to use, just as the previous version.

Just like the previous version, how far can you overclock this card (and any other computer components) depends on the ambient temperature and the air-flow of your casing. Do note that if ever you decide to buy this card, the overclocking results may vary. A typical factory-overclocked 8600GT would run at 600/800, so clearly you’re getting more than what you paid for here.

The card runs at 47°C on idle and 66°C on load. When overclocked, the card idles at 47°C and 72°C on load. Readings were taken when ambient temperature was around 25°C.

Saw the pictures above? YUP! The heatsink actually lights up! It’s the first time I come by a card that “glows in the dark”. 🙂 Initially thought it’s just some blue decorative fan, indeed it was a blue decorative fan – just that it’s more decorative once it’s powered up!

Conclusion

My conclusion for this card is just the same as my conclusion for the previous version……..

I must say that this card is gem, considering how much further you can push it! With a little effort, the card runs just like an Overclocked Edition 8600GT and if you’re adventurous, there’s more to push for. 🙂

Great Job, Albatron!

I’d like to add that even though I’m a person who prefers dual-DVI cards, I just can’t complain about that on this card. Look at it, it looks good and it overclocks well. 🙂 What more could anyone ask for?