The XFX 8800GTS 512MB Alpha Dog Edition


In the graphics card industry, the name XFX carries with it respect from enthusiasts everywhere. They are known for offering some of the most heavily overclocked cards on the market and backing them up with an outstanding warranty and great customer service. In this review we will be putting XFX’s new 8800GTS 512MB Alpha Dog Edition under the microscope. Unlike quite a few XFX cards, this Alpha Dog Edition does not come pre-overclocked even though it carries with it a funky name. To tell you the truth, there is nothing performance-wise that would distinguish this 8800GTS 512MB from all the other stock-clocked cards. XFX will have their typical XT and XXX versions out around the same time as this card is released so if you want slightly more performance than the Alpha Dog will give you, those cards may be a good choice.

With the Alpha Dog Edition, XFX offers you a full version of the game Company of Heroes as well as XFX’s unique Double Lifetime Warranty. I find the game a great addition since it is (in my opinion) one of the best RTS games released in the past few years and it offers a large amount of added value to this card from XFX.

The Double Lifetime Warranty is completely unique in the industry and it offers the best protection on your investment compared to the warranties offered by other companies. Not only does it offer you a lifetime warranty but it also offers a lifetime warranty to the NEXT person to own your card if you choose to sell it. This will usually mean that XFX cards with this warranty will command a price premium when they are sold on EBay or the For Sale areas in forums. This warranty will also not be voided by the installation of an aftermarket heatsink or overclocking. For more about this warranty, please go here: XFX - Support


Packaging and Accessories


Upon first glance the box of the XFX Alpha Dog seems a bit on the small side compared to other graphics cards we have seen in the past year. I actually remember receiving an 8800GTX card a few months back in a box whose size defied my imagination. Well, with the recent focus upon “going green” many companies have drastically cut down on their packaging size which not only helps the environment but it also helps their bottom lines.

Even though the box itself is small, it contains all of the information one would expect. Something that is conspicuously missing is the usual Double Lifetime Warranty sticker seen on nearly all other XFX boxes. Maybe XFX had to get these cards out in a rush before anyone could pop the stickers on them.


The 8800GTS 512MB card itself is lovingly embraced in form-fitting Styrofoam which protects it quite well against any mishandling it may encounter on its way to you.


The accessory bundle is quite complete with the inclusion of a full copy of Company of Heroes, a driver CD, a single DVI to VGA adaptor and a HDTV Out connector. On the other hand, the documentation is pretty basic with a single page Quick Start Guide and a Tips and Tricks guide. There is also the inclusion of what may be the geekiest thing I have seen in a long time: a sign for your door handle that says “I’m gaming, do not disturb”.