The GeForce 8800 GTX and 8800 GTS brought NVIDIA’s G80 unified-shader architecture and DirectX 10 support to graphics cards in 2006. The GTX was the more powerful launch model; the GTS used fewer shader processors and had lower clocks and less memory. Their importance is historical: they marked a shift in how GPU shader work could be assigned, while period reviews found the GTX especially fast and the GTS competitive with the previous generation.
What made the GeForce 8800 cards different
Earlier GPU designs used separate shader processor groups for different jobs. G80 instead used a pool of stream processors that could handle vertex, pixel, geometry or physics operations. In practical terms, this let the GPU direct shader capacity toward the type of work a scene demanded rather than leaving a fixed-purpose group underused while another was busy.
NVIDIA’s November 2006 GeForce 8800 Architecture Technical Brief describes the GTX’s 128 processors running at a 1.35 GHz shader clock and says they could be dynamically assigned among those operations. This is NVIDIA’s architectural description, not an independent measurement of performance.
DirectX 10 and Shader Model 4
The 8800 GPUs supported DirectX 10’s unified shader instruction set and Shader Model 4 capabilities, including geometry shader processing and stream output. NVIDIA described the GTX as the first shipping DirectX 10 GPU. Its brief also states that Windows Vista was required to use DirectX 10. That launch-era capability does not by itself establish compatibility with present-day games, drivers or systems.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Launch GTX and GTS specifications compared
The following figures describe the launch configurations reviewed in November 2006. “GeForce 8800 GTS” was later used for other variants, so these GTS figures specifically refer to the 640 MB G80 launch model.
| Launch-model specification | GeForce 8800 GTX | GeForce 8800 GTS (640 MB) |
|---|---|---|
| Core clock | 575 MHz | 500 MHz |
| Stream processors and shader clock | 128 at 1.35 GHz | 96 at 1.2 GHz |
| GDDR3 memory and clock | 768 MB at 900 MHz | 640 MB at 800 MHz |
| PCIe power connectors in the reviewed reference configuration | Two | One |
PC Perspective’s November 8, 2006 review reports these model specifications. The connector count applies to the reviewed reference configurations; an individual board should be checked before any installation or purchase.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What contemporary reviews found
In its November 8, 2006 review and test suite, HotHardware reported that the GTS outperformed the GeForce 7900 GTX in every test it ran. It nevertheless fell short of the Radeon X1950 XTX in a couple of high-resolution tests and occasionally trailed the GeForce 7950 GX2. HotHardware found the GTX to be the strongest performer in its benchmarks, with some results reaching twice those of prior-generation single-GPU cards. These are findings from that review’s specific period test suite, not a general measure of performance across games or later systems.
HotHardware described launch prices of approximately $599 for the GTX and $449 for the GTS. Those are historical launch-era prices, not current used-market valuations.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Board details and present-day caveats
PC Perspective described the GTX as a large card with dual dual-link DVI and HDTV output. Although the GPU had chip-level HDCP support, the review noted that HDCP required an external CryptoROM supplied by the board partner. Such details matter when identifying a historical board, but they are not enough to establish whether a specific card will work in a present-day system. Current compatibility, condition and value depend on the exact board and host hardware; the launch reviews do not establish those facts.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
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