We couldn't talk about the GeForce 8800 GTS 512MB without mentioning the alternatives---such as the GeForce 8800 GT and GeForce 8800 GTX---that are tentatively priced either side of the card we're looking at here today. Ultimately, the choice on whether you need to spend £150, £200 or £250 will depend on your requirements.

1680x1050 seems to be the optimal resolution for the GeForce 8800 GTS 512MB, but performance doesn't tail off too much at 1920x1200; therefore, if you're gaming on a higher-resolution screen, we'd recommend plumping for a GeForce 8800 GTX or Radeon HD 3870 X2. However, if you've got a 1280x1024 screen you should probably save the cash and opt for a GeForce 8800 GT. It's also worth mentioning that the GeForce 8800 GT is a pretty capable card at 1680x1050 as well -- although it's not as competent as the 8800 GTS 512MB, where it's around 15 percent slower on average.

You're probably wondering why I've not mentioned the alternatives from ATI yet -- that's because there really isn't any alternative at this price point. The newly-released Radeon HD 3870 X2 typically retails for around £270 (inc. VAT)---some £65 more than the BFGTech GeForce 8800 GTS 512MB. And at the other end of the scale, the Radeon HD 3870 is available for around £130 (inc. VAT) -- that's about £65 less than the cheapest 8800 GTS 512MB and it's in a different performance class.

So, BFGTech's GeForce 8800 GTS OC 512MB appears to have hit a price point that can't be matched by anything other than stock-clocked GeForce 8800 GTS 512MB cards and as such it earns a recommendation from us. However, it's important to make sure that it's going to be connected to a 1680x1050 or 1920x1200 display, as that will show the card in its best possible light. You can get away with running the BFGTech GeForce 8800 GTS 512MB on higher or lower resolution screens, but the benefits of the card aren't going to be quite so profound.