Asus ENGTS 250 Review
April 13, 2009 by Cabro · Leave a Comment
The video card is a very interesting component. Many people, when purchasing, will go in thinking that they’ll upgrade within a year. However, most do not. A year can easily go by without experiencing any problems or performance drops. When these naughty things happen you will probably decide to keep your video card longer and spend the money on something else. Let’s face it. If you’re still using a 7600GT and consider yourself a hardcore gamer/enthusiast, it’s time for an upgrade. If you’re just using your computer for basic photo editing, word processing, and Web browsing, then even a 7600GT will be overkill.
I’m assuming most of you are not just using your computer for the basics. But, how exactly do you decide upon which video card to upgrade? Bigger numbers do not always equal better, and this is true if you’re comparing cards from ATI and NVIDIA, or if you’re just looking at two cards from NVIDIA. A 7XXX series NVIDIA card is not better than a 4XXX series card from ATI. A 9800GT is not better than an 8800GTX. The way NVIDIA renames cards does not help this confusion at all. On the contrary – it is like feeding a two year old buckets of sugar, giving him a can of spray paint, and then letting him loose in an art museum. The result is that we get a 9800GTX, which is really just an 8800GTX covered in blue paint, vomit and marketing dollars. Luckily NVIDIA is finally putting an end to this mess. That is correct, NVIDIA has developed a new way of naming their cards. There will be two series: the GTS and GTX. The latter being for enthusiasts. In this new naming scheme, the bigger numbers will actually be the better cards. But, what is a new name scheme without re-branding a few older friends?
Introducing the ASUS ENGTS 250, also known as the 9800GTX +. Spec wise, ASUS’s ENGTS 250 is the exact same as the 9800GTX +. In fact without actually testing the card, the only noticeable difference is the price tag. For about $20 less you can get what seems to be the exact same card, but with an older name. Hopefully your $20 will get you a performance increase as well as a revised G92 card. The only way to find this out is to test the card. Let’s stop the talk and find out just how ASUS’s GTS 250 performs. Will this card destroy it’s competitors, or are you just paying for a name?
Asus’s Revolutionary Formula Series Cooler Detailed
April 13, 2009 by Cabro · Leave a Comment
Asus showcased their Formula Series graphics cards and coolers at CeBIT 2009, and now more details about the Formula cooler are unveiled.
Asus EAH 4890 1GB DDR5 PCIe Graphics card Review
April 4, 2009 by Cabro · Leave a Comment
OK, I’ll answer the big question everyone wants to know first. Have ATI incorporated the expected 40nm drop for their latest GPU? Answer: NO, it’s still based on the 55nm of previous cards. Should I end the review there though? Well no I shouldn’t because the card is clocked to the high heavens which should produce some interesting results and more importantly, I wouldn’t get paid!
The variant we have on test today is the Asus EAH4890 (RV790) and being based on the reference design it will give us some clue as to what kind of performance leaps ATI have made. While Nvidia have been playing catchup (and indeed caught up) in the dual card stakes, ATI have been busying themselves to make a push for top spot in the single GPU arena. The GTX280 has been on top for some time now and despite a refresh with the GTX285, the price of such a card has meant it has not been as popular as Nvidia would have liked. So then ATI may have found a niche, a chink in the armour as it were as the 4870 was ‘almost’ as good as the 280, maybe the 4890 can surpass the 280, or indeed make a challenge against the big boys, the 4870×2 and GTX295.
So then, what’s changed with the 4890 and what are the crucial differences between this card and it’s forbear, the 4870? Well despite our initial assumption that the card is simply a re-hash/overclocked 4870, I was happy to learn the card has actually been designed from the ground up with revised power circuitry allowing consumers to further bump up the clock speed from an already blistering 850MHz on the core and 3900MHz (effective) on the memory clock speed. Oh, and the memory is also GDDR5!
Asus HD4890 Voltage Tweak Edition Review
April 2, 2009 by Cabro · Leave a Comment
Asus has always been one of the driving forces in computing with their wide range of products. They’ve consistently pushed the boundaries of technological achievement and been the standard other vendors shoot for. The introduction of the Asus 4890 Voltage Tweak GPU is no exception to this rule. Using the Asus Smart Doctor software and just a click and drag of the mouse you can increase the core voltage of this already fast GPU. Usually voltage tweaks are relegated to pencil mods, or resorting to soldering or software tricks to increase the core voltage, just a hair, to give an enthusiast the advantage they need to pull off that sweet score they want.
The Asus 4890 Voltage Tweak allows you to increase the core voltage without having to resort to such primitive methods. Take a GPU that is already capable of a 950 Mhz speed (overclocked) without tweaking the voltage and add a little voltage to it and you could be looking at 1 GHz core speed bragging rights. That little advantage that enthusiasts look for without all the convolutions to get it. Asus is truly pushing the envelope with the 4890 Voltage Tweak, and once again embracing the true enthusiast in all of us.
ASUS ROG ENGTX260 MATRIX Features Upgraded Hybrid Cooler+
March 18, 2009 by Cabro · Leave a Comment
World’s Most Intelligent Graphics Card Series Now Equipped with
Upgraded Hybrid Cooler+
ASUS ROG ENGTX260 MATRIX Features Automatic and Independent Speed Control for Dual Fansink to Deliver Extreme, Intuitive CoolingASUS, the world’s leading producer of top-quality graphics solutions, today launched the ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) ENGTX260 MATRIX/HTDI/896MD3 graphics card. This innovative piece of hardware comes equipped with the upgraded dual fansink Hybrid Cooler+ for automatic and independent fan speed control. Dubbed as the world’s most intelligent cards, the MATRIX Series are also equipped with ROG-exclusive technologies and features that unleash the full power of graphics cards, allowing gamers to enjoy unrivaled in-game visuals. The graphics cards are able to achieve this through several unique features, including:
- Twin fan control application that provides independent adjustments to the Hybrid Cooler+ fans
- Integrated hardware and software for total graphics card control
- Customizable functions that provide a new level of control to gamers
- Accurate adjustments of GPU and memory voltages
- Total monitoring of GPU/memory/Power IC/ambient temperatures
- Total monitoring of GPU/memory/board power consumption
- Automatic fan speed control in relation to the world’s only advanced GPU loading detection
- Energy efficiency that surpasses generic boards
A Perfect Response to Gaming Needs
Comprising of sleek lines, a futuristic-looking Hybrid Cooler+ and a black circuit board, the ASUS ROG ENGTX260 MATRIX is instantly recognizable as a piece of top-notch gaming gear. The ROG logo, which is prominently emblazoned on the cooler, symbolizes the ROG’s promise to deliver extreme gaming performance. The ROG ENGTX260 MATRIX is also equipped with the ASUS Super Hybrid Engine (SHE), Hybrid Cooler+ technology and iTracker, which delivers 21% performance boosts in 3D mode while guaranteeing 48% less power consumption; or much quieter cooling in 2D mode in order to fulfill gamers’ varied needs.
Up to 21% Faster in 3D Mode
The ROG ENGTX260 MATRIX’s GPU and memory voltages are increased from 1.15V to 1.18V, and 1.92V to 1.93V respectively when it runs in 3D mode. This enhances the GPU, shader, and memory clock performances with boosts from 576MHz to 700MHz, 1242MHz to 1500MHz, and 2000MHz to 2300MHz respectively. Such unparalleled performance upgrades enable the ROG ENGTX260 MATRIX to increase its 3DMark Vantage Extreme Mode score from 4656 to 5623—an unbelievable 21% speed improvement when compared to any other reference designed board*. With such unprecedented performance, gamers can now truly feel the adrenaline rush of true-to-life graphical quality—only with the ASUS ROG ENGTX260 MATRIX.
Automatic Proactive Cooling with Hybrid Cooler+
Labeled as the most intelligent and innovative GPU thermal solution available today, the Hybrid Cooler+ drew its inspiration from Hybrid cars. With a revolutionary combination of the fan and heatsink on one card, the Hybrid Cooler+ delivers its targeted level of performance in the most energy-efficient manner possible. When required, the two fans and heatsink will work together for optimum cooling, with both fan speeds automatically and independently controlled via the world’s only advanced GPU loading detection. This provides users with proactive cooling and greater energy efficiency when encountering lower graphics utilization—much like Hybrid cars. Besides this unprecedented cooling capacity, the noise level of Hybrid Cooler+ is 20% lower than generically designed fansinks that produce 45dB—catering to users who require maximum cooling without excessive fan rotation noise.
Auto Hardware Detection and Adjustments with Super Hybrid Engine
ASUS’ exclusive SHE technology showcases its intelligence via a two-fold process. SHE first gathers detailed information in regards to the GPU loading, temperature, memory and power IC; then it calculates an optimized solution for the best performance. All of this happens in real-time, without requiring any modifications or inputs from the user—making it easy to achieve multi-level GPU and memory voltage adjustments for the ultimate in graphical performance or maximum energy savings.
One-click Control over Graphics Card Performances with iTracker
The iTracker feature is a component of ASUS’ exclusive SHE technology, and offers four default profiles (Optimized Mode, Gaming Mode, Power Saving Mode, and Default mode) for gamers who desire one-click control over their graphics card’s performance. This handy application also displays real-time graphics card information that includes: the GPU/shader/memory clock, GPU/memory voltage, GPU loading, GPU/memory/power IC/ambient temperature, and fan speed—serving as a one-stop, complete system information portal. In addition, the fifth profile (User Defined Mode) enables real-time adjustments to the GPU/shader/memory clock, GPU/memory voltage, and fan speeds to suit different individual requirements.
Up to 48% Power Saved and Quiet Cooling in 2D Mode
When running in 2D mode and during periods of lower power consumption, the ROG ENGTX260 MATRIX automatically reduces GPU and memory voltages from 1.15V down to 1.05V and from 1.92V to 1.90V respectively for great energy savings. Additionally, the Auto Phase Switch technology optimizes the power supplied by the power phase for maximum power efficiency. By combining the exceptional voltage reduction with Auto Phase Switch technology, the ROG ENGTX260 MATRIX’s power consumption is lowered from 56.07W to 28.92W—an astonishing 48% in power savings when compared to any other reference designed board*. Furthermore, the Hybrid Cooler+ helps reduce fan rotation speeds in 2D mode, allowing users to enjoy much quieter cooling for more comfortable computing environments.
Notes:
* Test configuration:
Motherboard: ASUS P5W64 WS PRO Rev: 1.01G
BIOS: 1201 (for the testing of EAH4870 MATRIX)
Motherboard: P5E WS PRO Rev: 1.01G
BIOS: 0701 (for the testing of EAH4850 MATRIX)
CPU: Intel® Core™ 2 Extreme CPU X9650 @ 3.00GHz
RAM: 2048MB (DDR2 APACER PC2-5300 CL5 1024M * 2)
Test Program: 3DMark Vantage Extreme Mode & 2D idle mode
Overclocking capabilities may vary between cards
Specifications
| Model | ENGTX260 MATRIX/HTDI/896MD3 |
Graphics Engine |
GeForce GTX260 |
| Video Memory | 896M DDR3 |
| Engine Clock | 576MHz |
| Shader Clock | 1242MHz |
| Memory Clock | 1.998GHz (999MHz DDR3) |
| Memory Interface | 448bit |
| DVI Max. Resolution | 2560 x 1600 |
| Bus Standard | PCI Express 2.0 |
| DVI Output | DVI-I x 2 |
| HDCP compliant | YES |
| HDMI Output | YES, via DVI to HDMI adaptor |
| D-Sub Output | YES, via DVI to D-Sub adaptor |
| HDTV Output | YES, via HDTV Out cable |
| TV Output | YES, via S-Video to Composite |
| Adaptor/Cable Bundled | DVI-to-D-Sub adapter HDTV-out cable Power Cable DVI-to-HDMI adaptor |
| Software Bundled | ASUS utilities and drivers |
| Notes | Special bundled: CD leather wallet The card size is 4.376 inches x 10.5 inches |
Asus EN9400GT Silent Edition Review
March 16, 2009 by Cabro · Leave a Comment
Modern integrated graphics platforms have evolved to the point where they possess all of the features of their low-end discrete counterparts with poorer 3D performance being their only failing. However, any informed user seeking good 3D performance for gaming would not consider either option, so that advantage of the budget discrete video card is all but negligible. Budget graphics cards still have some value however, for example, as a cheap upgrade for older systems incapable of decoding HD video or to support additional displays in a multi-monitor environment. There are also enthusiasts with no interest in gaming, who build PCs using ATX motherboards without integrated video. Even if they don’t play games, they still need graphics.
For such scenarios, even a bottom of the rung GPU would be acceptable. One candidate is the Asus EN9400GT Silent, a passively cooled card based on nVidia’s GeForce 9400 processor. If GeForce 9 was an office hierarchy, the 9400 would be its star mail-boy. To differentiate itself, it really only has to be silent (taken care of already) and power efficient.
GeForce 9800 GT Video Card Roundup (EVGA, Gigabyte, ASUS & Palit)
September 2, 2008 by Cabro · Leave a Comment
Usually, when a new graphics card is released it is impossible to ignore all the reviews and flurry of forum posts that are kicked up in its wake. There are however those odd times when a card sneaks itself into the market without nary whimper from the usual sources and the things literally start showing up at retailers without rhyme or reason. This generation of Nvidia cards has seen several almost-silent releases with the 8800GS and 9600GSO which had reviews here and there but not much was made of their appearance. Today we will be looking at another card which has popped up in at retailers without the usually marching bands and fireworks: the 9800 GT.
Knowing many of you who read these reviews, we think it is safe to say that the release of the 9800 GT has gone largely unnoticed by the majority of tech-savvy consumers. It will without a doubt add even more confusion to the already-crowded Nvidia lineup but it also represents (in some cases) a minor evolution of the now-legendary 8800 GT. Truth be told, many of the G92 cores on the 9800 GT cards on the market have initially been 65nm but supposedly as time passes, there will be some 55nm products released as well. The interesting thing about these cards is that while their reference design is identical to that of the 8800GT 512MB, many of Nvidia’s board partners have decided to go with a non-reference approach straight off the line. This will differentiate them from the 8800 GT cards they are replacing while giving some value-added features along the way. However, as you will see along the way in this review, the 9800GT product range has already become the Wild West with some board partners using “unlocked” cores while others are using standard cores. If you are scratching you head now, wait till you read a bit further.
The raison-d’être of the 9800 GT is a bit of a mystery considering it is being offered in two distinct flavors of core architecture: 55nm and 65nm. With the recent deep price cuts to the 8800 GT cards, it is safe to say that the 9800 GT has come into being to try to liquidate yet more 65nm GPU cores so Nvidia can fully move their lineup to the more efficient and higher profit margin 55nm manufacturing process. Unfortunately, as mentioned there is an overlap with the 9800 GT cards since some hold the older 65nm core while others may use 55nm core, but how will consumers know which one they are getting? The long and short of it is that in many cases they won’t. After talking to a number of manufacturers, some don’t even plan on labeling the 55nm cards as such but hopefully that will change.
Since there have not been many reviews of this card which will eventually replace the 8800GT, we have decided to take a fundamentally different approach this time around and get enough samples to do a full-fledged roundup. A number of companies were more than happy to step up to the plate so today we will present you with cards from Gigabyte, ASUS, Palit and EVGA. While all of these board partners have fundamentally different policies and warranties, they usually all release a reference version and eventually move on to either overclocked or non-reference designs. What makes this roundup a bit different is that NOT ONE of these cards is the same; some have custom PCBs, others are overclocked and one has the underpinnings of an 8800GTS 512MB. So, I guess you could say that this will be one interesting review.
While we could talk and talk about what is new about these cards, let’s save that for another section and get on with this.
NVIDIA GeForce 9600 GT Round-up: PNY, MSI, ASUS
June 13, 2008 by Cabro · Leave a Comment
NVIDIA’s GeForce 9 Series was first introduced in February of this year by way of the 9600 GT launch. Admittedly, we thought it was interesting to see a new GeForce series launch, not with the flagship card, but rather with a new midrange offering. It makes perfect sense, though, considering that more people can afford midrange cards than can afford high-end, flagship cards. Since this launch, NVIDIA has added to the GeForce 9 Series by introducing the dual-GPU GeForce 9800 GX2 and the GeForce 9800 GTX. So far, the GeForce 9 Series seems to be another successful line from the NVIDIA camp.
In this article, we are going to expand our coverage of the GeForce 9600 GT by doing another round-up of three retail cards: the PNY Verto 9600 GT, the MSI N9600GT OC, and the ASUS EN9600GT SILENT. As you might expect, all three of these cards sport 512MB of GDDR3 and a 256-bit memory interface. What you may not expect is how different these three cards actually are. Two feature custom coolers, one of which is passive, making it silent. Because of these custom coolers, these two cards are dual-slot solutions while the third uses the single-slot reference cooler. Only one of them ships with a factory overclock while the other two utilize NVIDIA’s reference clocks. We are eager to see how these three cards compare when it comes to performance, noise and heat. Let’s jump right in and take a look at the specifications of all three side-by-side.
ASUS EN9600GT Matrix – Hybrid Cooling
June 2, 2008 by Cabro · Leave a Comment
ASUS will have a number of new products to unveil during the upcoming Computex 2008 event and we’ve now received some information about a couple of these. One of the more interesting additions will be ASUS EN9600GT Matrix, a graphics card based on NVIDIA’s latest mid-range chip. Maybe not the most exciting for the fastidious gamers or enthusiasts, but NVIDIA’s graphics circuit does sport some 3D calculation power. Those who value a quiet computer will want to look closer at this card though.
GeForce 9600GT brings NVIDIA’s latest technologies for hardware acceleration of HD video formats, which by itself makes it a suitable card for HTPC/Media Center PC. ASUS has taken things one step further though by equipping it with a specially designed cooler, which it compares to a hybrid car.
The cooler consists of a large aluminum heatsink with heatpipes, which will be enough to keep the card cool when watching movies or doing less stressful tasks, but in case you do want to game a bit, there’s also a fan that will kick in when the temperatures rise. Besides all of this, ASUS has spent some time designing the cooler, giving it a sleek and clean look.
Further strengthening its position as a good HTPC candidate, ASUS has equipped ASUS EN9600GT Matrix with both an HDMI jack and optical sound output. More information about the card will be unveiled during Computex, but below is a high-res pictures for you to enjoy until further.
ASUS 8600 GT TOP Review
May 12, 2008 by Cabro · Leave a Comment
I was a bit surprised that Asus asked us to review their flagship budget–it’s weird just writing that–8600 GT TOP. It’s new SKU for a card closing in on its end of life; the model being about a year old now. Just the same, with a hundred-dollar price tag, it’s definitely got an audience, no matter what cards there are competing against it, or what cards have been released since.
And it’s a pretty highly-regarded card; go on any hardware forum and there’s a dozen NVIDIA people extolling the virtues of the 8600 GTs when it comes to budget gaming. Now, I’m not saying that they’re all wrong, but it is worth finding out if new drivers and some moderate factory overclocking can put value on an otherwise dated video card.
There’s another facet to this: an Asus 8600 GT TOP costs $50 more than other factory-overclocked video cards. So what does this model bring to the table? A bundle? Silence? Power efficiency? …Decent framerates?
