Best Graphic Card Reviews

Diamond 2600XT 512 Mb 2600XT512PE3SB

2007-10-18T20:47:00.000-07:00

VIEW THIS PRODUCT IN AMAZON FOR BEST PRICE!
Model
Brand DIAMOND
Model 2600XT512PE3SB
Interface
Interface PCI Express x16
Chipset
Chipset Manufacturer ATI
GPU Radeon HD 2600XT
Core clock 800MHz
Memory
Memory Clock 1400MHz
Memory Size 512MB
Memory Interface 128-bit
Memory Type GDDR3
3D API
DirectX DirectX 10
OpenGL OpenGL 2.0
Ports
DVI 2
TV-Out HDTV / S-Video / Composite Out
VIVO No
General
Tuner None
Max Resolution 2560 x 1600
RoHS Compliant Yes
CrossFire Supported Yes
Cooler With Fan
System Requirements
AMD Athlon or Intel Pentium 4
512MB of system memory; 1GB or more for best performance.
Optical drive for installation software (CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive).
400 Watt or greater (550 for CrossFire(tm)) power supply recommended
Dual-Link DVI Supported Yes
HDCP Ready Yes
Features
Features Up to 24x Custom Filter Anti-Aliasing
CATALYST Software Drivers
Windows Vista 3D environment Support
ATI Avivo HD Video and Display architecture
Unified Video Decoder (UVD) for Blu-ray and HD DVD
Unified Video Decoder (UVD) for Blu-ray and HD DVD
CrossFire multi-GPU
Packaging
Package Contents 2600XT256PESB
Driver Disk
User Manual
HDTV Cable
S-Video Cable
DVI to VGA/D-sub Adapter
DVI to HDMI Adapter
S-Video to Composite Adapter

Review
Great price for a mid-range card. Perfect for High Definiton output and very nice for gaming. Single slot active cooling(quiet). Available for Crossfire setup. Perfect for multimedia environment. The fan is quiet or at least quiet enough that I can not hear it during lulls in the movies. A good selection of adapters for any type of display setup. I did not use drivers disc since with all hardware installations I go online and get the latest ones. If you are looking for a mid-range media card that will allow you to play your games too this is the card you should get. The 2600XT is an excellent choice. 512 Mb memory is enough for most cases.

ASUS EN8800GTX/HTDP/768M 768 Mb DDR3

2007-10-18T20:18:00.000-07:00

VIEW THIS PRODUCT IN AMAZON FOR BEST PRICE!
Model
Brand ASUS
Model EN8800GTX/HTDP/768M
Interface
Interface PCI Express x16
Chipset
Chipset Manufacturer NVIDIA
GPU GeForce 8800GTX
Core clock 575MHz
Stream Processors 128
Memory
Memory Clock 1800MHz
Memory Size 768MB
Memory Interface 384-bit
Memory Type GDDR3
3D API
DirectX DirectX 10
OpenGL OpenGL 2.0
Ports
DVI 2
TV-Out HDTV / S-Video / Composite Out
VIVO No
General
Tuner None
RAMDAC 400 MHz
Max Resolution 2560 x 1600
RoHS Compliant Yes
SLI Supported Yes
Cooler With Fan
System Requirements Minimum 450W or greater system power supply (with 12V current rating of 30A)
Dual-Link DVI Supported Yes
HDCP Ready Yes
Features
Features Microsoft DirectX10.0 and Shader Model 4.0
GigaThread technology
NVIDIA Quantum Effects Technology - Card length is 10.5 inches
Dimensions
PCB Length = 10.5"
With Bracket = 11.026"
Height (Inside Case) = 4.376"
With Bracket (Partially Hidden) = 4.975"
Width = 1.809"
Packaging
Package Contents EN8800GTX/HTDP/768M
Driver Disk
User Manual
4 x Software Disk
HDTV Cable
2 x Power Cable
DVI to VGA/D-sub Adapter
CD Wallet

Review
Fast!! I try it with an Intel Core2Duo @ 3.6ghz and reached 12,000 on 3DMark 2006. Game performance is exceptional. This card chews up and spits out FEAR, Oblivion, and anything I toss at it, at 1920x1200 with AA and AF on even. Faster than a couple of 1900 in CrossFire. Great IQ feature!! Nvidia has reworked it's IQ features and now has better AA and AF modes giving them the best IQ I have ever seen to date for any card. Silent Operation!! this card with the fan @ 100% runs very quietly.

XFX 7600GT 256 Mb DDR3 AGP PVT73AUDE3

2007-10-18T18:17:00.000-07:00

VIEW THIS PRODUCT IN AMAZON FOR BEST PRICE!
Model
Brand XFX
Model PVT73AUDE3
Interface
Interface AGP 4X/8X
Chipset
Chipset Manufacturer NVIDIA
GPU GeForce 7600GT
Core clock 580MHz
PixelPipelines 12
Memory
Memory Clock 1500MHz
Memory Size 256MB
Memory Interface 128-bit
Memory Type GDDR3
3D API
DirectX DirectX 9
OpenGL OpenGL 2.0
Ports
DVI 2
TV-Out HDTV / S-Video Out
VIVO No
General
Tuner None
RAMDAC 400 MHz
Max Resolution 2560 x 1600
RoHS Compliant Yes
Cooler With Fan
Dual-Link DVI Supported Yes
Features
Features 90nm Process Technology
Microsoft DirectX 9.0 Shader Model 3.0 Support
Next-generation Superscalar GPU Architecture
NVIDIA CineFX 4.0 Engine
NVIDIA Digital Vibrance Control (DVC) 3.0 Technology
NVIDIA Intellisample 4.0 Technology
NVIDIA PureVideo Technology
nView Multi-Display Technology
Packaging
Package Contents PVT73AUDE3
Driver Disk
User Manual
S-Video Cable
Power Cable
DVI to VGA/D-sub Adapter

Review
Easy to install, already had the 93.71 drivers included, worked fine right out of the box. FEAR is playable with maximum settings at FSAA x2, AF x4. Good visual details, and nice overall game experience. GPU temp after 2 hours of playing at factory clock settings: 49C. Very good performance from a 128-bit card. A good upgrade for any user with older AGP motherboards.

XFX GeForce 8600GT 256 Mb DDR3 PVT84JUDD3

2007-10-18T17:05:00.000-07:00

VIEW THIS PRODUCT IN AMAZON FOR BEST PRICE!
Model
Brand XFX
Model PVT84JUDD3
Interface
Interface PCI Express x16
Chipset
Chipset Manufacturer NVIDIA
GPU GeForce 8600GT
Core clock 620MHz
Memory
Memory Clock 1600MHz
Memory Size 256MB
Memory Interface 128-bit
Memory Type GDDR3
3D API
DirectX DirectX 10
OpenGL OpenGL 2.0
Ports
DVI 2
TV-Out HDTV Out
VIVO No
General
Tuner None
RAMDAC 400 MHz
Max Resolution 2560 x 1600
RoHS Compliant Yes
SLI Supported Yes
Cooler With Fan
Dual-Link DVI Supported Yes
Features
Features Full Microsoft DirectX 10 Support
NVIDIA Lumenex Engine
Packaging
Package Contents PVT84JUDD3
Driver Disk
User Manual
S-Video Cable
DVI to VGA/D-sub Adapter

Review
The reason I make this review is for those of us who would like DirectX 10 capable graphic while short in budget or refuse to pay for an 8800 series card at its current high prices. I understand that these two card are in different classes and that, is the point. If you are considering making this change from a nVidia 7950 to an 8600 GT simply to have DirectX 10 you may want to reconsider. You WILL sacrifice in overall performance. Also keep in mind that your processor and RAM will drastically effect any video card. Most DirectX 10 games coming out in near future will rely more on dual core processor and 2 Gb of RAM for use in high graphics settings. In my opinion, wait until you can afford what you really want/need. But if you come from ultra low end graphic cards and need significant improvement in graphic performance, 8600 GT is the one of the best solution out there.

This card was incredibly easy to install. I downloaded latest drivers from the XFX website (the disc was an older version of drivers), then uninstall old graphic card drivers in add/remove hardware, shut down, pull the old card, add new card, startup, point manually to new drivers. Total Time=15-20 minutess! This card is VERY quiet... even though I came from a passive (no fan) video setup GF7300, the fan on this is SUPER quiet... I can barely hear it. I even had to verify visually if the fan is really even moving, it really quiet! I try Battlefield 2142 with most settings on High which yield 60-70 fps at 1024x768 and at 40-50 FPS at 1280x1024 (using +szx 1280 +szy 1024).

Diamond 9250 256 Mb S9250PCI256SB

2007-10-18T06:36:00.000-07:00

Model
Brand DIAMOND
Model S9250PCI256SB
Interface
Interface PCI
Chipset
Chipset Manufacturer ATI
GPU Radeon 9250
PixelPipelines 4
Memory
Memory Size 256MB
Memory Interface 128-bit
Memory Type DDR
3D API
DirectX DirectX 8
OpenGL OpenGL
Ports
D-SUB 1
DVI 1
TV-Out S-Video Out
VIVO No
General
Tuner None
Max Resolution 2048 x 1536
RoHS Compliant Yes
Cooler With Fan
Operating Systems Supported Windows 2000/XP
Packaging
Package Contents S9250PCI256SB
2 x Driver Disk
S-Video Cable

Review
I bought this for a relative who desperately needed an upgrade from his GeForce MX400 256MB PCI. His motherboard lacked any AGP or PCIe slots, so finding a good PCI card that was also relatively inexpensive was wonderful. He's had it for nearly four months at the time of this review, and it outperforms ATI Radeon 9200 512MB AGP card by a high margin. I would definitely drop the cash to buy another one for any ultra-cheap PC rig.

EVGA 8800GTS 320 Mb 320-P2-N811-AR

2007-10-18T06:23:00.000-07:00

VIEW THIS PRODUCT IN AMAZON FOR BEST PRICE!
Model
Brand EVGA
Model 320-P2-N811-AR
Interface
Interface PCI Express x16
Chipset
Chipset Manufacturer NVIDIA
GPU GeForce 8800GTS
Core clock 500MHz
Stream Processors 96
Memory
Memory Clock 1600 MHz (effective)
Memory Size 320MB
Memory Interface 320-bit
Memory Type GDDR3
3D API
DirectX DirectX 10
OpenGL OpenGL 2.0
Ports
DVI 2
TV-Out HDTV / S-Video Out
VIVO No
General
Tuner None
RAMDAC 400 MHz
Max Resolution 2560 x 1600
SLI Supported Yes
Cooler With Fan
System Requirements Minimum of a 400 Watt power supply.
(Minimum recommended power supply with +12 Volt current rating of 26 Amps.)
Dual-Link DVI Supported Yes
HDCP Ready Yes
Features
Features NVIDIA unified architecture with GigaThread technology
NVIDIA Quantum Effects physics processing technology
Full Microsoft DirectX 10 Shader Model 4.0 support
NVIDIA PureVideo technology
NVIDIA nView multi-display technology
Packaging
Package Contents 320-P2-N811-AR
Driver Disk
User Manual
HDTV Cable
S-Video Cable
Power Cable
2 x DVI to VGA/D-sub Adapter

Review
Outstanding video card!! It plays pretty much all games at max settings with an average FPS that would make your friends jealous. The 320mb onboard memory has not been an issue for me. The biggest factor in video cards is the chipset. The G80 chip is the same in the 8800 GTX cards (although there are a few features left out on the GTS cards). These GTS cards (when overclocked) have been known to post better numbers than stock GTX cards.

MSI NX8600GT-T2D256E OC

2007-10-17T20:22:00.000-07:00

Model
Brand MSI
Model NX8600GT-T2D256E OC
Interface
Interface PCI Express x16
Chipset
Chipset Manufacturer NVIDIA
GPU GeForce 8600GT
Core clock 580MHz
Memory
Memory Clock 1600MHz
Memory Size 256MB
Memory Interface 128-bit
Memory Type GDDR3
3D API
DirectX DirectX 10
OpenGL OpenGL 2.0
Ports
DVI 2
TV-Out HDTV / S-Video Out
VIVO No
General
Tuner None
RAMDAC 400 MHz
Max Resolution 2560 x 1600
SLI Supported Yes
Cooler With Fan
Dual-Link DVI Supported Yes
Features
Features NVIDIA CineFX 5.0 Shading Architecture
NVIDIA Intellisample 4.0 Technology
NVIDIA UltraShadow II Technology
NVIDIA PureVideo Technology
Packaging
Package Contents NX8600GT-T2D256E OC
HDTV Cable
S-Video Cable
2 x DVI to VGA/D-sub Adapter

Review
I achieved 63 fps average in Half-Life 2: Lost Coast @1440x900, max details with 8xAF and 4xAA and vertical sync ON! At the same time 44 fps reached with 7600GT and 49 fps with 7900GS at the same settings..and water and HDR lighting look much better than nVidia 7000 series. 128-bit memory makes no difference as it outperforms the 7900GS which had 256-bit DDR3

ASUS EN8600GT/HTDP/256M GeForce 8600GT

2007-10-17T20:05:00.000-07:00

Model
Brand ASUS
Model EN8600GT/HTDP/256M
Interface
Interface PCI Express x16
Chipset
Chipset Manufacturer NVIDIA
GPU GeForce 8600GT
Core clock 540MHz
Stream Processors 32
Memory
Memory Clock 1400MHz
Memory Size 256MB
Memory Interface 128-bit
Memory Type GDDR3
3D API
DirectX DirectX 10
OpenGL OpenGL 2.0
Ports
DVI 2
TV-Out HDTV Out
VIVO No
General
Tuner None
RAMDAC 400 MHz
Max Resolution 2048 x 1536
SLI Supported Yes
Cooler With Fan
Windows Vista Certified for
Features
HDCP Ready Yes
Features Superior Cooling Efficiency - 14°c cooler than reference design boards!
HDCP Compliant
NVIDIA Quantum Technology - Advanced Shader Processors architected for physics computation
Packaging
Package Contents EN8600GT/HTDP/256M
Driver Disk
User Manual
HDTV Cable
DVI to VGA/D-sub Adapter
CD Wallet

Review
8600 GT cards is proven to provide nice price/performance ratio. SLI capable and provide adequate gameplay for latest games for a mere $120. The fan looks solidly built yet will not consume many space inside the case.

HIS Hightech H260PRQT512DDN-R Radeon HD 2600PRO

2007-10-17T19:50:00.000-07:00

Brand HIS Hightech
Model H260PRQT512DDN-R
Interface PCI Express x16
Chipset Manufacturer ATI GPU Radeon HD 2600PRO
Core clock 650MHz (Turbo)
Stream Processors 120 stream processing units
Memory Memory Clock 1050MHz (Turbo)
Memory Size 512MB
Memory Interface 128-bit
Memory Type GDDR2
DirectX 10
OpenGL 2.0
Ports DVI 2
TV-Out HDTV Out VIVO No
RAMDAC 400 MHz
Max Resolution 2560 x 1600

Review
With 120 stream processers, 512mb GDDR3 memory, IceQ the best air cooler in available, pre-overclocked, DirectX 10 performance greater than the 8600 series, This card is good at 1024x768 resolution. Playable with max detail when playing Company of Heroes with DirectX 10.

About This Blog

2007-10-17T18:08:00.000-07:00

This blog provides you with reviews and specification data on graphic cards which will help in your buying decision.
Many reviews from this blog are made by other users, which best represent my view on a particular graphic card product.