yes, in in every 8400/8600, there's always 2 version available.
GDDR2, GDDR3. depends on manufacturer. because DDR2 running at a lower clock speed(for both core and mem), the performance is about 20-30% lesser than DDR3 version.

8400GS DDR3 can be found in dell 1420, M1330, M1530, compaq presario, HP DV pearl edition
8400GS DDR2 usually found in DElLL 1520 and 1720.
whie so far i nvr heard acer release any GS, but MG series which is using DDR2 in 4720G, same as Z99 asus.
8600GT DDR2 version can be found in all 1520, 1720, M1530. acer 5920G.
i think only XPS M1730, asus G1,2s, toshiba X, macbook have DDR3 version of 8600GT.

so, don't be too fascinated by the 8400/8600/8700 name, the type of memory it's using is very important.

same goes apply to
9500GS - usually DDR2 version in acer, while Asus have 2 version- 9500gs with GDDR3 but not in malaysia.
HD2600- DDR2 found in F5 series asus, F3k
8700M- DDR2 in siemens-fujitsu amilo

Oh, i know why d...
well, previously in US, dell released 1520 and M1530 with the same 8600GT specs. there was a confusion in the public because the website didn't specifically mentioned the specs of the graphic card.
Initially, M1530 was built with 8600GT DDR3( if not mentioned GDDR3, it's actually a DDR2). Which later on , people find out the graphic card is not impressed as said. There's people starting to complain to dell because of this issue because of the mistakes of the information given in the website.
The notebook i review last year was actually one of the early batch released in US haha...anyway, Dell made this lappy with 8600GT DDR2 to cut some production cost and make more money.
Now they know consumer are getting smarter...Maybe that's why they decided to change back to GDDR3. else it'll be nothing difference than the 1520 version with 8600GT DDR2.

anyway, to be certain which types of memory your graphic card is utlizing, Rivatuner is the best software.

theoritically, GDDR3 maximum potential can goes up to 1000mhz, while corespeed up to 650mhz... believe me?..

stock performance for 3Dmark06 should be around 3.1k-3.3k

this is what you get @ 600/910mhz


This post has been edited by klifex: May 5 2008, 12:14 PM