
GeForce 8600 GS vs Quadro FX 380

GeForce 8600 GS
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Quadro FX 380
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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 Quadro FX 380 is on rank 327, so the Quadro FX 380 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 Quadro FX 380
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
The GeForce 8600 GS is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 1.1% higher G3D Mark score and 100% more VRAM (512 MB vs 256 MB). This advantage makes it significantly better for higher resolutions (1440p/4K) and graphic-intensive titles compared to the Quadro FX 380.
| Insight | GeForce 8600 GS | Quadro FX 380 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ✅Leading raw performance (+1.1%) | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-1.1%) |
| Longevity | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2008 / G9x (2007−2010)) | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2008 / Tesla 2.0 (2007−2013)) |
| Ecosystem | Supports FSR Upscaling | Supports FSR Upscaling |
| VRAM | ✅ More VRAM (+100%) | ❌ Less VRAM capacity |
| Efficiency | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt | ⚡ Higher Power Consumption |
| 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 $15), it costs 0% less, resulting in a 1.1% higher cost efficiency score.
| Insight | GeForce 8600 GS | Quadro FX 380 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+1.1%) | ❌Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
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 Quadro FX 380

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.

Quadro FX 380
The Quadro FX 380 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in November 11 2008. It features the Tesla 2.0 architecture. The core clock speed is 610 MHz. It has 240 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 189W. Manufactured using 55 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 177 points. Launch price was $3,499.
Graphics Performance
The GeForce 8600 GS scores 179 and the Quadro FX 380 reaches 177 in the G3D Mark benchmark — just a 1.1% difference, making them near-identical in rasterization performance. The GeForce 8600 GS is built on G9x while the Quadro FX 380 uses Tesla 2.0, both on 65 nm vs 55 nm. Shader units: 224 (GeForce 8600 GS) vs 240 (Quadro FX 380).
| Feature | GeForce 8600 GS | Quadro FX 380 |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 179+1% | 177 |
| Architecture | G9x | Tesla 2.0 |
| Process Node | 65 nm | 55 nm |
| Shading Units | 224 | 240+7% |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
| Feature | GeForce 8600 GS | Quadro FX 380 |
|---|---|---|
| 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)
The GeForce 8600 GS comes with 512 MB of VRAM, while the Quadro FX 380 has 256 MB. The GeForce 8600 GS offers 100% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Bus width: 64-bit vs 64-bit.
| Feature | GeForce 8600 GS | Quadro FX 380 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 0.5 GB+100% | 0.25 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | GDDR5 |
| Bus Width | 64-bit | 64-bit |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 10_0 (GeForce 8600 GS) vs 10_0 (Quadro FX 380). Maximum simultaneous displays: 2 vs 2.
| Feature | GeForce 8600 GS | Quadro FX 380 |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 10_0 | 10_0 |
| Max Displays | 2 | 2 |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce 8600 GS draws 150W versus the Quadro FX 380's 189W — a 23% difference. The GeForce 8600 GS is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 350W (GeForce 8600 GS) vs 350W (Quadro FX 380). Power connectors: Legacy vs PCIe-powered. Card length: 170mm vs 168mm, occupying 1 vs 1 slots.
| Feature | GeForce 8600 GS | Quadro FX 380 |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 150W-21% | 189W |
| Recommended PSU | 350W | 350W |
| Power Connector | Legacy | PCIe-powered |
| Length | 170mm | 168mm |
| Height | 111mm | — |
| Slots | 1 | 1 |
| Temp (Load) | 78°C | — |
| Perf/Watt | 1.2+33% | 0.9 |
Value Analysis
The GeForce 8600 GS launched at $100 MSRP and currently averages $15, while the Quadro FX 380 launched at $129 and now averages $15. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 11.9 (GeForce 8600 GS) vs 11.8 (Quadro FX 380) — the GeForce 8600 GS offers 0.8% better value.
| Feature | GeForce 8600 GS | Quadro FX 380 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $100-22% | $129 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $15 | $15 |
| Performance per Dollar | 11.9 | 11.8 |
| Codename | NB9E-GTX | GT200B |
| Release | July 15 2008 | November 11 2008 |
| Ranking | #825 | #815 |
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