A reworking of an old card from Palit, but it’s not quite enough to beat the 9600 GT

Both graphics card giants have unleashed powerful new additions to their ranks recently, and their battle for supremacy is hotter than ever. We put the new arrivals through their paces

A mighty dual-GPU board that makes light work of even today’s toughest DirectX 10 games.

Fast but disappointing card that delivers only small benefits over its predecessors for a significant price premium.

It’s incredibly powerful, but recent releases offer similar performance for significantly less money.

It was all looking good until Nvidia’s new cards overtook it on the final straight.

A popular and fast top-end option, but it’s losing its grip to new competition from both sides.

A wonderful return to form, leaving the disappointment of the 8600 GT as just a distant memory.

Great performance at an appealing price, although the 9600 GT encroaches on its turf

Impressive performance for an affordable card, but the 9600 GT treads on its toes.

Affordable and fast, the 8800 GS was our top budget choice until the 9600 GT arrived to spoil the party.

It had little competition at this price, and it knocks Nvidia 8600 cards out of the race, but Nvidia’s 9600 GT trumps it.

Superseded by both Nvidia’s new 9600 card and ATi’s excellent HD 3800 series

Disappointing gaming ability and a higher price than media-centre cards rule this one out of contention

It may be affordable, but we’d rather spend a little more to guarantee some genuine gaming ability

Video and almost decent gaming at fantastic prices

A great media-centre card with some nice features – and at an affordable price

Takes the crown as today’s fastest graphics architecture, but you’ll have to pay for it

Hugely powerful for such a reasonable price, it’s far more appealing than a GTX or an Ultra

The 9600 GT redefines the mainstream graphics market, offering high-end power at a mid-range price. At this price we want one.