CPU
GPU
GeForce 8600 GS
Popular choices:
GeForce GT 120
Popular choices:
Performance Spectrum - GPU
About G3D Mark
G3D Mark is a standard benchmark that measures graphics performance in real-world gaming scenarios. It simplifies comparing cards from different brands, where higher scores directly correlate with better fps and smoother gaming experiences.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (G3D Mark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The GeForce 8600 GS is positioned at rank 658 and the GeForce GT 120 is on rank 317, so the GeForce GT 120 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar GeForce 8600 GS
Performance Per Dollar GeForce GT 120
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
⚠️ Generational Difference
The GeForce GT 120 is significantly newer (2017 vs 2008). The GeForce GT 120 likely supports modern features like Ray Tracing, Tensor Cores, and DLSS/FSR upscaling, which act as force multipliers for performance. The GeForce 8600 GS lacks this hardware feature set, limiting its longevity in modern titles despite any raw power similarities.
🚀 Performance Leadership
The GeForce GT 120 is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 5% higher G3D Mark score. This advantage makes it significantly better for higher resolutions (1440p/4K) and graphic-intensive titles compared to the GeForce 8600 GS.
| Insight | GeForce 8600 GS | GeForce GT 120 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-5%) | ✅Leading raw performance (+5%) |
| Longevity | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2008 / G9x (2007−2010)) | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2017 / Pascal (2016−2021)) |
| Ecosystem | Supports FSR Upscaling | Supports FSR Upscaling |
| VRAM | ❌ Less VRAM capacity | ✅ More VRAM (+0%) |
| Efficiency | ⚡ Higher Power Consumption | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt |
| Case Fit | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly |
💎 Value Proposition
The GeForce 8600 GS offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. While both GPUs are considered legacy components by modern standards, the GeForce 8600 GS holds the technical lead. Priced at $15 (vs $40), it costs 63% less, resulting in a 153.9% higher cost efficiency score.
| Insight | GeForce 8600 GS | GeForce GT 120 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+153.9%) | ❌Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅More affordable ($15) | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($40) |
Performance Check
Real-world benchmarks and performance projections based on comprehensive hardware analysis and comparative metrics. Values represent expected performance on High/Ultra settings at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K. Modeled using a Ryzen 7 7800X3D reference profile to minimize specific CPU bottlenecks.
Note: Performance behavior can vary per game. Specific architectures may perform better or worse depending on game engine optimizations and API implementation.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of GeForce 8600 GS and GeForce GT 120
GeForce 8600 GS
The GeForce 8600 GS is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in July 15 2008. It features the G9x architecture. The core clock speed is 500 MHz. It has 224 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 150W. Manufactured using 65 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 179 points.
GeForce GT 120
The GeForce GT 120 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in May 17 2017. It features the Pascal architecture. The core clock ranges from 1228 MHz to 1468 MHz. It has 384 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 30W. Manufactured using 14 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 188 points. Launch price was $79.
Graphics Performance
In G3D Mark, the GeForce 8600 GS scores 179 versus the GeForce GT 120's 188 — the GeForce GT 120 leads by 5%. The GeForce 8600 GS is built on G9x while the GeForce GT 120 uses Pascal, both on 65 nm vs 14 nm. Shader units: 224 (GeForce 8600 GS) vs 384 (GeForce GT 120).
| Feature | GeForce 8600 GS | GeForce GT 120 |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 179 | 188+5% |
| Architecture | G9x | Pascal |
| Process Node | 65 nm | 14 nm |
| Shading Units | 224 | 384+71% |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
| Feature | GeForce 8600 GS | GeForce GT 120 |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling Tech | FSR 1.0 (Software) | FSR 1.0 (Software) |
| Frame Generation | Not Supported | Not Supported |
| Ray Reconstruction | No | No |
| Low Latency | Standard | Standard |
Video Memory (VRAM)
Both cards feature 512 MB of GDDR5. Bus width: 64-bit vs 64-bit.
| Feature | GeForce 8600 GS | GeForce GT 120 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 0.5 GB | 0.5 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | GDDR5 |
| Memory Bandwidth | Unknown | Unknown |
| Bus Width | 64-bit | 64-bit |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 10_0 (GeForce 8600 GS) vs 10.0 (GeForce GT 120). OpenGL: 3.3 vs 3.3. Maximum simultaneous displays: 2 vs 2.
| Feature | GeForce 8600 GS | GeForce GT 120 |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 10_0 | 10.0 |
| OpenGL | 3.3 | 3.3 |
| Max Displays | 2 | 2 |
Media & Encoding
Hardware encoder: PureVideo HD (GeForce 8600 GS) vs No (GeForce GT 120). Decoder: PureVideo HD vs PureVideo HD VP3. Supported codecs: H.264,MPEG-2,VC-1,WMV9 (GeForce 8600 GS) vs MPEG-2,H.264,VC-1 (GeForce GT 120).
| Feature | GeForce 8600 GS | GeForce GT 120 |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | PureVideo HD | No |
| Decoder | PureVideo HD | PureVideo HD VP3 |
| Codecs | H.264,MPEG-2,VC-1,WMV9 | MPEG-2,H.264,VC-1 |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce 8600 GS draws 150W versus the GeForce GT 120's 30W — a 133.3% difference. The GeForce GT 120 is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 350W (GeForce 8600 GS) vs 350W (GeForce GT 120). Power connectors: Legacy vs PCIe-powered. Card length: 170mm vs 168mm, occupying 1 vs 1 slots. Typical load temperature: 78°C vs 65°C.
| Feature | GeForce 8600 GS | GeForce GT 120 |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 150W | 30W-80% |
| Recommended PSU | 350W | 350W |
| Power Connector | Legacy | PCIe-powered |
| Length | 170mm | 168mm |
| Height | 111mm | 111mm |
| Slots | 1 | 1 |
| Temp (Load) | 78°C | 65°C-17% |
| Perf/Watt | 1.2 | 6.3+425% |
Value Analysis
The GeForce 8600 GS launched at $100 MSRP and currently averages $15, while the GeForce GT 120 launched at $100 and now averages $40. The GeForce 8600 GS costs 62.5% less ($25 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 11.9 (GeForce 8600 GS) vs 4.7 (GeForce GT 120) — the GeForce 8600 GS offers 153.2% better value. The GeForce GT 120 is the newer GPU (2017 vs 2008).
| Feature | GeForce 8600 GS | GeForce GT 120 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $100 | $100 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $15-63% | $40 |
| Performance per Dollar | 11.9+153% | 4.7 |
| Codename | NB9E-GTX | GP108 |
| Release | July 15 2008 | May 17 2017 |
| Ranking | #825 | #641 |
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