CPU
GPU
GeForce GT 120
Popular choices:
GeForce 8600 GTS
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 GT 120 is positioned at rank 317 and the GeForce 8600 GTS is on rank 698, 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 GT 120
Performance Per Dollar GeForce 8600 GTS
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 GTS 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 1.6% higher G3D Mark score. This advantage makes it significantly better for higher resolutions (1440p/4K) and graphic-intensive titles compared to the GeForce 8600 GTS.
| Insight | GeForce GT 120 | GeForce 8600 GTS |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ✅Leading raw performance (+1.6%) | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-1.6%) |
| Longevity | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2017 / Pascal (2016−2021)) | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2008 / G9x (2007−2010)) |
| Ecosystem | Supports FSR Upscaling | Supports FSR Upscaling |
| VRAM | ❌ Less VRAM capacity | ✅ More VRAM (+0%) |
| Efficiency | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt | ⚡ Higher Power Consumption |
| Case Fit | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly |
💎 Value Proposition
The GeForce 8600 GTS offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. While both GPUs are considered legacy components by modern standards, the GeForce 8600 GTS holds the technical lead. Priced at $35 (vs $40), it costs 13% less, resulting in a 12.5% higher cost efficiency score.
| Insight | GeForce GT 120 | GeForce 8600 GTS |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌Lower cost efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+12.5%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($40) | ✅More affordable ($35) |
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 GT 120 and GeForce 8600 GTS
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.
GeForce 8600 GTS
The GeForce 8600 GTS 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: 185 points.
Graphics Performance
The GeForce GT 120 scores 188 and the GeForce 8600 GTS reaches 185 in the G3D Mark benchmark — just a 1.6% difference, making them near-identical in rasterization performance. The GeForce GT 120 is built on Pascal while the GeForce 8600 GTS uses G9x, both on 14 nm vs 65 nm. Shader units: 384 (GeForce GT 120) vs 224 (GeForce 8600 GTS).
| Feature | GeForce GT 120 | GeForce 8600 GTS |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 188+2% | 185 |
| Architecture | Pascal | G9x |
| Process Node | 14 nm | 65 nm |
| Shading Units | 384+71% | 224 |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
| Feature | GeForce GT 120 | GeForce 8600 GTS |
|---|---|---|
| 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 GT 120 | GeForce 8600 GTS |
|---|---|---|
| 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 GT 120) vs 10.0 (GeForce 8600 GTS). Vulkan: None vs None. OpenGL: 3.3 vs 3.3. Maximum simultaneous displays: 2 vs 2.
| Feature | GeForce GT 120 | GeForce 8600 GTS |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 10.0 | 10.0 |
| Vulkan | None | None |
| OpenGL | 3.3 | 3.3 |
| Max Displays | 2 | 2 |
Media & Encoding
Hardware encoder: No (GeForce GT 120) vs No (GeForce 8600 GTS). Decoder: PureVideo HD VP3 vs PureVideo HD VP2. Supported codecs: MPEG-2,H.264,VC-1 (GeForce GT 120) vs MPEG-2,H.264 (GeForce 8600 GTS).
| Feature | GeForce GT 120 | GeForce 8600 GTS |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | No | No |
| Decoder | PureVideo HD VP3 | PureVideo HD VP2 |
| Codecs | MPEG-2,H.264,VC-1 | MPEG-2,H.264 |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce GT 120 draws 30W versus the GeForce 8600 GTS's 150W — a 133.3% difference. The GeForce GT 120 is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 350W (GeForce GT 120) vs 350W (GeForce 8600 GTS). Power connectors: PCIe-powered vs Legacy. Card length: 168mm vs 198mm, occupying 1 vs 1 slots. Typical load temperature: 65°C vs 85°C.
| Feature | GeForce GT 120 | GeForce 8600 GTS |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 30W-80% | 150W |
| Recommended PSU | 350W | 350W |
| Power Connector | PCIe-powered | Legacy |
| Length | 168mm | 198mm |
| Height | 111mm | 111mm |
| Slots | 1 | 1 |
| Temp (Load) | 65°C-24% | 85°C |
| Perf/Watt | 6.3+425% | 1.2 |
Value Analysis
The GeForce GT 120 launched at $100 MSRP and currently averages $40, while the GeForce 8600 GTS launched at $199 and now averages $35. The GeForce 8600 GTS costs 12.5% less ($5 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 4.7 (GeForce GT 120) vs 5.3 (GeForce 8600 GTS) — the GeForce 8600 GTS offers 12.8% better value. The GeForce GT 120 is the newer GPU (2017 vs 2008).
| Feature | GeForce GT 120 | GeForce 8600 GTS |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $100-50% | $199 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $40 | $35-13% |
| Performance per Dollar | 4.7 | 5.3+13% |
| Codename | GP108 | NB9E-GTX |
| Release | May 17 2017 | July 15 2008 |
| Ranking | #641 | #825 |
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