All the cards that we see here are based on nVidia's reference design. What separates the different cards are the software bundle, and yes, the packaging and the design sticker on the card. It's just like the 8800GTS and 8800GTX days where you 'buy the card that has the nicest box'. Heh. Well, at least I did, and I told others the same too.

Inno3D's package looks pretty much smaller than Leadtek's.

If not for the stickers, you wouldn't know which brand your card came from!

However, we note that there are no more side vents on the reference cooler itself. All hot air is ducted directly to the rear and out through the PCI vents. On the earlier 8800GTS and the 8800GTX, the side vents would allow hot air to re-circulate into the casing, introuducing more heat, but that wouldn't be a problem if you have adequate cooling to force the hot air out.

Two DVI outputs and the exhaust vents - similar to the 8800GTS and 8800GTX. You get a pair of SLI connectors on the card for Tri-SLI capability.

The Inno3D GeForce 9800GTX 512MB is priced very competitively at $ 485. 

Let's move on with the Leadtek card. The same box design of white-and-orange has been used since the 8800 days, but you get a pretty cool looking figure on the box this time!

The Leadtek 9800GTX 512MB card itself.

Unlike the 9800GX2, which requires both a single 6-pin PCI-E cable and a single 8-pin PCI-E cable, the 9800GTX needs two 6-pin PCI-E cables. No 8-pin PCI-E cables are required. This is similar to the older 8800GTX.


The Leadtek GeForce 9800GTX 512MB goes for $ 519. It's a bit steep comparatively at the moment, but I'm sure pricing will go down soon.

Not featured here (oops, stocks already ran out for this card during mid-week, but new shipment is arriving) is the XFX GeForce 9800GTX 512MB, which is also retailing at $ 485 (with a nicer box, if that matters to you, heh).