Gigabyte GeForce 8600GT 256MB

The reference specifications for the NVIDIA GeForce 8600GT call for a 540MHz core clock and 900MHz memory clock, but like the previously reviewed 8500GT, Gigabyte has bumped up the core and memory clock to enhance this product offering. The GV-NX86T256D is factory clocked at 600MHz with 1400MHz GDDR3 memory using a 128-bit memory bus. Even with these higher operating frequencies, Gigabyte is able to passively cool the GPU and memory using Silent-Pipe II. This cooling technology uses a "proprietary front-flow thermal fan module" with a natural convection design that increases the thermal dissipation compared to a traditional passive heatsink.