GeForce 8600 GS
GPU·Budget

GeForce 8600 GS

NVIDIA

G3D Mark

179

MSRP

$100

AVG Price

$15

July 15 2008
150 Watt
G9x (2007−2010)

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.

Overview

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.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (G3D Mark) per dollar. The GeForce 8600 GS is positioned at rank #658 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar GeForce 8600 GS

#648
Radeon RX 550X (móvel)
MSRP: $35|Avg: $35
6065%
#650
5498%
#651
5484%
#655
GeForce GTX 1050 (Mobile)
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $50
4987%
#656
Radeon RX 6300
MSRP: $60|Avg: $40
4953%
#658
GeForce 8600 GS
MSRP: $100|Avg: $15
100%
#659
100%
#660
GeForce 9800M GTS
MSRP: $200|Avg: $15
100%
#661
Radeon HD 2900 GT
MSRP: $170|Avg: $15
96%
#662
Radeon HD 8280E
MSRP: $150|Avg: $110
96%
#663
Radeon R5 M420
MSRP: $300|Avg: $300
94%
#664
Mobility Radeon HD 2600
MSRP: $100|Avg: $30
94%
#665
Radeon HD 8550G + 8690M Dual
MSRP: $400|Avg: $400
93%
#666
Mobility Radeon 4100
MSRP: $49|Avg: $49
92%
#667
Radeon HD 2900 XT
MSRP: $399|Avg: $20
92%
#668
GeForce 9300 SE
MSRP: $50|Avg: $10
92%
#669
GeForce 9700M GT
MSRP: $200|Avg: $40
92%
#670
Mobility Radeon X2500
MSRP: $50|Avg: $15
92%
#671
GeForce 9800M GTX
MSRP: $300|Avg: $30
84%
#672
Radeon HD 7520G + 8750M Dual
MSRP: $250|Avg: $57
84%
#673
83%
Based on actual market prices and performance benchmarks.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of GeForce 8600 GS specifications and capabilities.

Graphics Performance

The GeForce 8600 GS scores 179 in the G3D Mark benchmark (the standard measure of rasterization GPU performance), placing it in the Entry Level tier as a Legacy generation graphics card. It is built on the G9x (2007−2010) architecture (codename: NB9E-GTX), manufactured on a 65 nm process— smaller process nodes improve power efficiency and transistor density. It packs 224 shader units (the primary compute units for rendering pixels).

SpecificationGeForce 8600 GS
G3D MarkPassMark 3D graphics benchmark score179
ArchitectureGPU microarchitecture generationG9x (2007−2010)
CodenameInternal GPU die codenameNB9E-GTX
Manufacturing ProcessFabrication node — smaller = more efficient65 nm
Shader UnitsCore compute units for rendering/compute224
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum GPU frequency500 MHz
PCIe InterfaceCPU↔GPU data link generationPCIe 1.1 x16
Transistor Count3016 Million
Performance RankPosition in global GPU performance ranking#825
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Video Memory (VRAM)

The GeForce 8600 GS is equipped with 0.5 GB of GDDR5 video memory connected via a 64-bit memory bus, delivering Unknown of bandwidth. Memory operates at 8 Gbps effective speed.

SpecificationGeForce 8600 GS
VRAM SizeVideo memory capacity — more = better for high-res textures0.5 GB
VRAM TypeMemory technology generationGDDR5
Memory BusWidth of data path — wider = more bandwidth64-bit
Memory SpeedEffective memory data rate8 Gbps
BandwidthMaximum data throughput between GPU and VRAMUnknown

Advanced Features & APIs

Graphics API support: DirectX 10_0, OpenGL 3.3— latest API versions enable the most advanced rendering features like ray tracing and mesh shaders.

SpecificationGeForce 8600 GS
NVIDIA Reflex❌ Not Supported
DLSS Frame Generation❌ Not Supported
DLSS Super Resolution❌ Not Supported
DirectXMicrosoft graphics API version10_0
OpenGLLegacy graphics API3.3
Compute APIGPGPU framework (CUDA/ROCm/OpenCL)CUDA
🖥️

Display & Media

Display outputs: 1x DVI, 1x VGA, 1x S-Video — supports up to 2 simultaneous displays. Hardware encoder: PureVideo HD, decoder: PureVideo HD— dedicated hardware for video encoding/decoding accelerates streaming, recording, and video playback. Supported codecs: H.264,MPEG-2,VC-1,WMV9.

SpecificationGeForce 8600 GS
DVI PortsNumber of DVI display connectors1x
VGA PortsNumber of VGA display connectors1x
S-Video PortsNumber of S-Video display connectors1x
Max DisplaysMaximum simultaneously connected monitors2
Hardware EncoderVideo encoding engine versionPureVideo HD
Hardware DecoderVideo decoding engine versionPureVideo HD
CodecsSupported video compression formatsH.264,MPEG-2,VC-1,WMV9
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Power & Dimensions

The GeForce 8600 GS draws 150 Watt under load (TDP) — a 350W PSU minimum is recommended. Power connector: Legacy. Physical size: 170mm long, 111mm tall, occupying 1 expansion slots— verify your case has clearance before purchasing. Typical temperatures: 52°C at idle, 78°C under load.

SpecificationGeForce 8600 GS
TDPPower consumption under load150 Watt
Recommended PSUMinimum power supply wattage350W
Power ConnectorRequired PCIe power cable typeLegacy
Card LengthGPU card length — check case clearance170mm
Card Height111mm
Slot WidthExpansion slots occupied1-slot
Idle TemperatureTypical temperature at desktop idle52°C
Load TemperatureTypical temperature under gaming load78°C
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Value Analysis

At an average price of $15 (MSRP: $100), the GeForce 8600 GS delivers 12 G3D Mark points per dollar. It holds Rank #658 in the cost-benefit ranking — a comprehensive score that weighs raw performance against current market pricing. Overall performance ranking position: #825 among all indexed GPUs.

SpecificationGeForce 8600 GS
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price$100
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days$15
Cost-Benefit RankOverall value ranking position#658
Performance RankPosition in global GPU performance ranking#825
Release DateJuly 15 2008
Release Year2008

Our Recommendation for GeForce 8600 GS

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