ASUS ENGTX260 MATRIX Video Card Review
May 18, 2009 by Cabro · Leave a Comment
NVIDIA has launched many video chips over the years competing with companies like ATI, 3DFX, and many others who are no longer in the business. Today they are the last independent video card company with ATI competing for the video card dollar. NVIDIA last quarter lost over 200 million dollars before GAAP and both companies have been hurt by the economic recession.
ASUS is the number one manufacturer of video cards in the world with a full array of cards based upon both NVIDIA and ATI chipsets. ASUS video cards are like their motherboards, full of performance and features that users want. Today I’m reviewing the latest card to come out of their labs the ASUS ENGTX260MATRIX card. This is not the latest video chip from NVIDIA but is the latest card from ASUS.
ASUS ENGTX260 Matrix GeForce GTX 260 896MB Video Card Review
May 6, 2009 by Cabro · Leave a Comment
The current graphics card market is a little confusing and hard to keep up with what’s going on. Both ATI and nVidia are releasing modified versions of their successful GPUs from last year to fill in gaps between models and both have released beefed up versions of their top GPUs to create new top end models for their lineups. At the same time, some nVidia and ATI partners are adding new features to last year’s popular cards to generate new interest in them.
In light of the current global economic situation, I think that this is probably the best way for the two GPU manufacturers and their partners to go. In these uncertain times, releasing a new generation of VGA cards probably wouldn’t be in their best interest. I have no inside information whatsoever, I do watch what is going on in the financial world, and pay attention to the indicators such as unemployment statistics, and use a little common sense, I wouldn’t expect to see a new generation of GPUs from either company until maybe late this year, depending on what happens for the next couple of quarters.
Our friends at Asus have been at work improving some of last year’s popular cards with upgraded heatpipe coolers and intelligent hardware/software technology. Marketed under their Republic of Gamers line as the “Matrix” series, Asus calls them “The world’s most intelligent graphics cards.” With the ability of overclocking and overvolting GPU, memory, and shaders on the fly for 3D graphics, and underclocking for 2D mode, along with different cooling setups for each mode, they very well may be. Read on to find out about Asus’ Matrix version of the geForce GTX 260!
ASUS Launches World’s First Graphics Cards with Super ML Caps
April 30, 2009 by Cabro · Leave a Comment
ASUS Launches World’s First Graphics Cards with Super ML Caps
Enjoy Up to 3.3 Times Overclocking Margin and 15oC Cooler GPUs with Self-designed ENGTX285 and EAH4890 Series
Taipei, Taiwan, April 30, 2009 – ASUS, world-leading producer of top quality graphic solutions, has today introduced the world’s first graphics cards to utilize Multilayer Polymer Capacitors (Super ML Caps) with the self-designed ENGTX285 and EAH4890 Series. Both equipped with the Super ML Cap, the ASUS designed ENGTX285 Series allows users to enjoy up to 3.3 times GPU overclocking margins and up to 15°C cooler GPU temperatures when compared to reference designed boards; while the ASUS designed EAH4890 is equipped with the Super ML Cap, Voltage Tweak Technology and a specially designed fansink to offer up to 3 times GPU overclocking margins and 10°C cooler GPU temperatures. Additionally, with the inclusion of the EMI Shield, covered chokes, low RDS(on) MOSFETs, and solid capacitors, users can achieve extreme performances while enjoying total peace of mind.
Super ML Cap
Up to 3.3 Times Overclocking Margin and 15°C Lower GPU Temperatures with ASUS ENGTX285
The ASUS designed ENGTX285 and EAH4890 Series are the world’s first graphics cards to be equipped with the Super ML Cap. With the high capacitance inherent in Super ML Caps, guaranteed stable system operation even under a sudden increase in load current will deliver the most reliable power and the best overclocking margin ever. Additionally, the low Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR) of the Super ML Caps enable higher ripple current with better power efficiency to help lower the temperature of the GPU and memory modules by up to 15°C and 8°C respectively on ENGTX285*. The Super ML Cap also exhibits superior low-temperature impedance, allowing PCs to be switched on even at temperatures of under -15°C. Furthermore, the low height of Super ML Cap allows it to be placed closer to the GPU without interfering with the heatsink, allowing it to respond faster with a reduced lower voltage noise for even better stability (the GPU power noise can be reduced from 246mv to 210mv, an amazing 15% drop on ASUS designed ENGTX285**). With the Super ML Cap present on the ENGTX285 Series, the overclocking limits of the GPU/shader/memory clock can be dramatically boosted from 670/1550/2700MHz up to 720/1656/2920MHz—an astonishing 3.3 times in terms of GPU overclocking margin***.
Easy and Extreme Overclocking via Voltage Tweak with ASUS EAH4890
Besides the Super ML Cap mentioned above, the ASUS EAH4890 Series also comes with the exclusive Voltage Tweak technology and a specially designed fansink to provide users with the best possible tweaking options. With Voltage Tweak, users can boost GPU voltages from 1.312V up to 1.4V easily with just a few clicks in the SmartDoctor application, and along with the luxurious Super ML Cap, the overclocking limits of the GPU/memory clock can be dramatically boosted from 900/4000MHz up to 1000/4800MHz—an astonishing 3 times in terms of GPU overclocking margin***. Additionally, the specially designed fansink on the EAH4890 Series comes with six 230mm heatpipes to maximize heat dissipation efficiency, which combined with the low-ESR Super ML Cap (the GPU power noise is reduced from 143mv to 114mv, an amazing 20% drop on the ASUS designed EAH4890**) can generate 10°C cooler GPU temperatures when compared with the reference designed boards*.
Enjoy Up to 108% Default Performance
The ENGTX285 TOP’s default core, shader, and memory clock performances are boosted from 648MHz up to 670MHz, 1476MHz to 1550MHz, and 2484MHz to 2600MHz respectively, while the EAH4890 TOP’s default core and memory clock performances are elevated from 850MHz up to 900MHz and 3900MHz to 4000MHz. These extraordinary performance upgrades help raise the ENGTX285 TOP and EAH4890 TOP’s 3DMark Vantage Extreme Preset scores from 6003 to 6298 and 4612 to 4980—an astonishing 5% and 8% improvement in speed respectively when compared to any other reference designed board****. With such overwhelming performance boosts, get ready to feel the adrenaline rush of gaming like never before—only with the ASUS ENGTX285 TOP and EAH4890 TOP!
Ultimate Armaments: The Finest Component Selections
Keeping in line with ASUS’ Rock Solid promise for quality, the self-designed ENGTX285 and EAH4890 Series will come equipped with several solutions that will help deliver top quality visual performances. With the EMI shield, 66% EMI can be reduced for more stable signals; while Covered Chokes enhance up to 25% power efficiency and generate less heat in comparison to traditional Toroidal Coil Chokes. Additionally, the low RDS(on) MOSFET lowers temperatures by up to 15°C in comparison with the traditional thick versions. Last but not least, the use of solid capacitors lowers power loss for more stable operations and durability, even under long-term use. The lifespan of the solid capacitors can also reach 60,000 hours, with a guaranteed 5,000 hour operation time under extreme 108°C environments. Therefore, users will be able to enjoy extreme performance and have peace of mind—only with the ASUS self-designed ENGTX285 and EAH4890 Series.
Value-added Coupon Offer to All Gamers with ENGTX285 Series
Delivering added gaming value to all gamers, the ASUS ENGTX285 Series graphics cards will now come with a limited edition coupon*****. This coupon will allow users to obtain up to $25 in value or 10% off on up to 5 games or CUDA™ applications at the NZONE webpage. With over 200 game titles like Fallout 3, Far Cry 2 and Call of Duty: World at War, users will be spoiled for choice for the hottest and latest games. The latest CUDA applications like Badaboom are also offered on the site for users interested in unlocking the true power of their graphic card’s GPU cores to help accelerate the most demanding graphical tasks.
Note:
* Testing Platform
CPU: P4 3.0G
M/B: P5B Deluxe
RAM: 1.0 GB
O.S.: Windows XP
Test Program: 3D Mark ’03 (repeat GT4 / Mother Nature)
** Performance Configuration
PCI-Express 16X:
MB: P5N32-E SLI Plus
CPU: PD 2.8G 64Bit
Memory: Kingstorm DDR2 667 1G
Overclocking capabilities may vary when using different cards
*** For the ASUS designed ENGTX285, the default GPU/shader/memory clock is 648/1476/2484MHz
The GPU overclocking margin boost = (720MHz – 648MHz) / (670MHz – 648MHz) = 3.3 times
For the ASUS designed EAH4890, the default GPU/memory clock is 850/3900MHz
The GPU overclocking margin boost = (1000MHz – 850MHz) / (900MHz – 850MHz) = 3 times
**** Performance Configuration
PCI-Express 16X:
MB: Maximus Extreme Rev: 2.00 BIOS: 0802
CPU: Intel Core™2 Extreme 3.00GHz (QX9650)
Memory: 2048MB (DDR3 APACER 1333 1024M x 2)
HDD: WD SATAII 300 1600AAJS
DVD-ROM: LG DVD-GSA-H55N
Overclocking capabilities may vary when using different cards
The 3DMark Vantage score was obtained using Extreme Preset
*****Terms and conditions apply
Specifications
| Model | ENGTX285 TOP/HTDI/1GD3 | ENGTX285/HTDI/1GD3 |
| Graphics Engine | GeForce GTX285 | GeForce GTX285 |
| Bus Standard | PCI Express 2.0 | PCI Express 2.0 |
| Video Memory | 1GB DDR3 | 1GB DDR3 |
| Engine Clock | 670 MHz | 648 MHz |
| Shader Clock | 1550 MHz | 1476 MHz |
| Memory Clock | 2.6GHz (1.3GHz DDR3) | 2.484GHz (1.242GHz DDR3) |
| Memory Interface | 512-bit | 512-bit |
| DVI Max. Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 2560 x 1600 |
| D-Sub Output | Yes x 1 (via DVI to D-Sub adaptor x 1 ) | Yes x 1 (via DVI to D-Sub adaptor x 1 ) |
| DVI Output | Yes x 2 (DVI-I) | Yes x 2 (DVI-I) |
| HDTV Output(YPbPr) | Yes, via HDTV Out cable | Yes, via HDTV Out cable |
| HDCP compliant | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Output | Yes, via DVI to HDMI adaptor | Yes, via DVI to HDMI adaptor |
| Adaptor/Cable Bundled | 1 x DVI-to-D-Sub adapter 1 x HDTV-out cable 1 x Power Cable 1 x DVI-to-HDMI adaptor |
1 x DVI-to-D-Sub adapter 1 x HDTV-out cable 1 x Power Cable 1 x DVI-to-HDMI adaptor |
| Software Bundled | ASUS utilities and drivers | ASUS utilities and drivers |
| Note | The card size is 4.376 inches x 10.5 inches |
The card size is 4.376 inches x 10.5 inches |
| Model | EAH4890 TOP/HTDI/1GD5 | EAH4890/HTDI/1GD5 |
| Graphics Engine | ATI Radeon™ HD 4890 | ATI Radeon™ HD 4890 |
| Video Memory | 1GB GDDR5 | 1GB GDDR5 |
| Engine Clock | 900MHz | 850MHz |
| Memory Clock | 4000MHz (1000MHz GDDR5) | 3900MHz (975MHz GDDR5) |
| Memory Interface | 256 bit | 256 bit |
| DVI Max. Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 2560 x 1600 |
| Bus Standard | PCI Express® 2.0 | PCI Express® 2.0 |
| DVI Output | DVI-I (Dual Link) X2 | DVI-I (Dual Link) X2 |
| HDCP compliant | Yes | Yes |
| HDTV Output | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Output | Yes (via adapter) | Yes (via adapter) |
| D-Sub Output | Yes (via adapter) | Yes (via adapter) |
| Software Bundled | ASUS utilities and drivers | ASUS utilities and drivers |
• Specifications are subject to change without notice. Please visit www.asus.com for more details.
• PCB color and bundled software versions are subject to change without notice.
• Brand and product names mentioned are trademarks of their respective companies.
ASUS EAH4770 HTDI/512MD5/A Radeon HD 4770 Videocard Review
April 28, 2009 by Cabro · Leave a Comment
AMD is making a new addition to its midrange graphics card lineup today with the introduction of the Radeon
HD 4770 videocard, based on the companies first 40nm GPU, the RV740. The Radeon HD 4770 strikes a balance between performance and price, coming just under the lucrative $100 mark and slotting in nicely in terms of performance between existing Radeon 4670 and 4850 videocards.
ATI’s new RV740 GPU is derived from the venerable RV770 core, but clocked at 750MHz and equipped GDDR5 memory that runs at an even 800MHz, giving it a memory bandwidth of 51.2 GB/s. The memory bus on the Radeon HD 4770 is 128-bit wide, which should make for an interesting comparison between it and the popular Radeon HD 4850. PCSTATS will break down all the numbers in a moment, but first let’s introduce the videocard sitting on the PCSTATS’ test bench today, the ASUS EAH4770 HTDI/512MD5/A.
ASUS’ EAH4770 videocard is largely based off AMD’s reference design, although it does use a simpler two-slot wide aluminum heatsink in place of the standard ATI thermal solution. It’s not pretty but it is quiet, that’s what matters most. The EAH4770 is PCI Express 2.0 x16 compliant, comes with 512MB of GDDR5 memory and the usual list of supported features; ATI CrossfireX, HDCP, DX10.1, SM4.1, and Unified Video Decoder 2 for HD content decoding. ASUS’ EAH4770 HTDI/512MD5/A videocard retails for about $109USD / $130CDN / £60GBP at stores like Newegg and CanadaComputers.
Between NVIDIA’s re-pricing of the Geforce GTS 250 videocard and the recent launch of the Radeon HD 4890 pushing prices for older videocards even lower, the market for videocards in the $100-$150 price range is suddenly becoming very crowded. Adding another gladiator to the arena can only make things more interesting, so of course PCSTATS is eager to see how the ASUS EAH4770 videocard will compare to this year’s mid-range graphics cards and the titans of the previous generation.
It’s a videocard war zone out there, let’s see how much firepower AMD’s latest salvo has!
ASUS GeForce GTS 250 Dark Knight Graphics Card Review
April 22, 2009 by Cabro · Leave a Comment
The Dark Knight series of graphics cards have been out for a while now, but this is actually the first time we’ve had a look at any card that’s a part of the series. The particular model we’re looking at today is the GTS 250 which, while being nothing more than a rebranded 9800 GTX+, has gained popularity due to the aggressive pricing structure that NVIDIA has done on it.
While it might not be anything new technically, it hasn’t stopped companies from mixing it up with new coolers, overclocks and different bundles. There are two versions of the GTS 250 under the ASUS Dark Knight series; there’s the model we have today which carries with it the upgraded cooling system and stock clocks. And then there’s another model available which is also a part of the TOP series and offers an overclocked core and memory clock along with the same cooling design we see on the one we have here today.
While we’ll have a closer look at the cooler in just a moment, first we’ll take the time to have a look at the bundle that ASUS has put together and then we’ll check out the card, have a closer look at the specifications before we move on to benchmark it and then wrap it all up. So with that all said and done, let’s get stuck into the box and see what exactly ASUS are offering us here today with the ENGTS250 Dark Knight.
Asus EAH4870 Dark Night Review
April 20, 2009 by Cabro · Leave a Comment
There was once a time where kings ruled the land. Together a king and his knights would destroy their enemies and conquer new lands. Sadly, those days are gone, but one knight still lives on: The Dark Knight. No, I’m not talking about Batman. I’m talking about Asus’s Dark Knight video card series. If nVidia is one kingdom then ATI is another land all together. The two are in a desperate fight to take over the territory and maintain control. As soon as one is able to hold any ground, the other sends another strike.
We just recently looked at Asus’s ENGTS GTS 250, which was a member of this dark family. It featured a custom cooler with four heat pipes and didn’t perform half bad. However, the ENGTS 250 isn’t the only Dark Knight hanging around. ATI, with the help of Asus, has turned its 4870 into a medieval, armor clad god.
Today we will be looking at the EAH4870, which as stated above, is a member of Asus’s Dark Knight series. If a video card’s cooling solution is its armor, then the EAH4870 must have gone to the same blacksmith as then ENGTS 250. It uses the same four heat pipe cooling solution, which worked pretty well on the 250. It was both cool and quiet, the latter being something ATI’s 48XX series cards aren’t known for. Anyway, enough talk, let’s find out if this Knight can live up to its title.
ASUS RADEON HD 4850/4870 and GeForce GTX 285/295 Review
April 20, 2009 by Cabro · Leave a Comment
More and more plain reference copies are released into the market, and it’s a sad situation for reviewers, as there is no point in presenting just another copy for the Nth time.
Fortunately, company’s R&D department still exists in its full strength, so we have an opportunity to see original ASUS products from time to time.
Still, there are some exceptions: e.g. NVIDIA GTX 2xx products have been represented only by reference designs so far. But those are special because of the complex PCB design with 512-bit and 448-bit buses. Engineers haven’t probably come up with their own cheaper design yet. And if it’s not cheaper, there is no point in it.
Let’s examine new cards from ASUS based on top NVIDIA GPUs as well as Mid-End GPUs from AMD.
ASUS Extreme NGTX260 Matrix Review
April 20, 2009 by Cabro · Leave a Comment
Today we have another GeForce GTX 260 review for you, this time based on a more unique design featuring an upgraded cooling solution. However this product goes well beyond cooling enhancements with some rather impressive overclocking abilities that have been enabled by some features that we have not seen offered by a GeForce GTX 260 before…
ASUS ENGTS250 DK Geforce GTS 250 Videocard Review
April 16, 2009 by Cabro · Leave a Comment
Enter the Asus ENGTS250 DK (for Dark Knight) HTDI/512MD3/AR/A PCI Express 2.0 x16 videocard. ASUS’s ENGTS250 DK videocard should draw less power and produce less heat than the Geforece 9800GTX+, and in this case makes use of a very nice and pretty quiet heatsink. It uses four heatpipes and an open framework to cool without any of those distracting noises that reference nVidia VGA heatsinks can create. This adds up to potential for some serious overclocking, which PCSTATS will get to later on in this review.
ASUS High-End EAH4890 Cooler Pictures and Details Emerge
April 14, 2009 by Cabro · Leave a Comment
Towards the end of March, we caught a glimpse of a yet to be named high-end custom-designed Radeon HD 4890 accelerator from ASUS. The accelerator makes use of an exotic VRM design to facilitate high clock speeds and overclocking potential. Back then, we couldn’t get pictures of what cooled the beast. Thankfully, NordicHardware has a few pictures of the cooler, along with more details in place.
The cooler is a complex piece of engineering. It consists of a central copper GPU contact base from which six 230 mm long copper heatpipes distribute heat between the GPU and VRM areas, which have large heatsinks of their own. Two fans of dissimilar sizes are suspended on the shroud. The larger one, over the GPU, rotates clockwise, while the other counterclockwise. Looking at ASUS’ design methods with high-end cards, we can safely guess the fans are controlled by a complex controller that adjusts fan speeds on a per-fan basis, depending on the temperatures of the various zones of this card.
From what the source tells, this cooler should run the card at least 10 °C cooler than what the reference cooler manages. This may facilitate stock clock speeds in excess of 900 MHz for the core, and 1000 MHz for the memory. Some credit of the electrical stability of the core at those speeds goes to the use of the Fujitsu-made SuperML capacitor, that reduces voltage noise by as much as 20% (from 143mV to 114mV). Regarding the exact brand name of this card, we can confirm that the card will not carry the “MATRIX” branding. The other high-end term ASUS uses, “TOP”, has already been used for a factory-overclocked reference design accelerator, leaving the brand name yet to be disclosed.
Source: techpowerup | NodricHardware
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