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!
The next generation of overclocking graphics: MSI N260GTX Lightning
April 20, 2009 by Cabro · Leave a Comment
Today, MSI releases its greatest custom designed GeForce GTX 260 graphics card after a great introduction at Cebit 2009: MSI N260GTX Lightning. MSI N260GTX Lightning has “Military Class” components, which redefine the standards of top quality graphics cards. With its 1792MB double-sized memory and Twin Frozr thermal design, MSI N260GTX Lightning becomes the most unique GeForce GTX260 on the market. Furthermore, this graphics card has important overclocking features like V-Check points to measure the voltage and MSI exclusive “AirForce Panel” only in “limited” black edition. All the user has to do is slightly touch the panel to enjoy high speed performance by overclocking!
SPARKLE Unleashed GeForce GTX 260 Graphics Card With Own Non-Reference PCB Design
March 27, 2009 by Cabro · Leave a Comment
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Taipei, Taiwan – March 27, 2009 – SPARKLE Computer Co., Ltd., the professional VGA card manufacturer and supplier, today announced the SPARKLE GeForce GTX 260 Graphics Card with SPARKLE own designed great non-reference PCB, which brings better performance and stability compared with NVIDIA reference design, and getting high-end gamers pulled deeper into the gaming experience and HD video than ever before.
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“Cool, stable, top quality”-The MSI 260GTX graphics series shakes the market
March 18, 2009 by Cabro · Leave a Comment
After MSI, a world leading brand manufacturer of graphics cards and motherboards, introduced their N260GTX graphics cards series it immediately received tremendous recognition from the market for its strong performance at an attractive price point.
Therefore MSI decided to launch the next generation of the successful N260GTX series with a dual-fan and a quintuple heatpipe design called Twin Frozr for best stability even under a most stressful workload. At the same time the N260GTX series comes now with 896 MB of 448 bit DDR3 memory and 100% solid state capacitors putting gamers in the best position to fully enjoy demanding DirectX10 games with their enthralling visual and sound effects.
Twin Frozr – Dual Fan and industry-leading quintuple heat-pipe design
MSI’s entirely new Twin Frozr on N260GTX series utilizes an intelligent PWM dual-fan design. The fan speed is automatically adjusted according to the core temperature of the GPU, guaranteeing ultra-low noise emissions under regular load while dynamically adjusting the fan speed during game play and 3D-operations and still remaining quiet. Moreover the dual-fan design naturally also provides twice as big a cooling efficiency. With two fans the user is always on the safe site, should for some reason one fan not operate correctly, the second fan still secures effective cooling, thereby making sure that your graphics card won’t be damaged.
In addition, the Twin Frozr on MSI N260GTX series uses an industry-leading quintuple heat-pipe design, compared to conventional twin- or quadruple-pipe designs this greatly improves heat dissipation efficiency. So in the first step the heat will be evenly distributed over the fins, while in the second step the dual-fan will blow it away. Rest assured, with these highly effective measures all your over-heating problems belong to the past.
100% Solid State Capacitors Design
For a product’s stability not only the effective heat dissipation is an important issue, but also the capacitors play a vital role as to whether your system runs reliably. Currently there are two different types of capacitors prevailing in the industry, electrolytic capacitors and solid state ones, with the solid state capacitors offering greater longevity. Beyond a prolonged longevity solid state capacitors can also better cope with high frequencies and withstand more heat while providing a more stable current at the same time. Even more importantly, as solid state capacitors do not have any liquid inside, there won’t be any danger from a potential leakage, which in turn also translates into increased overall stability. As you can easily see now, an all solid state capacitor design plays a quintessential part in guaranteeing best quality. In using a 100% solid state design your MSI N260GTX series offers greatly prolonged product life with maximum stability. 
“Cool, stable, top quality” the MSI N260GTX graphics series
With the MSI N260GTX series gamers now can choose between two solutions. For the most demanding power gamer only the dual-fan edition will do, but the occasional leisure gamer might already be satisfied with the single-fan edition. MSI’s entire N260GTX series supports the NVIDIA PhysX acceleration technology. Modern DirectX 10 games allow for a most realistic and incredibly immersive game play when utilizing the PhysX technology. Putting you right into the middle of the action.
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 |
Palit GeForce GTX 260 55nm Video Card Review
March 17, 2009 by Cabro · Leave a Comment
Today, we will be reviewing the Palit GeForce GTX 260 Sonic edition. Equipped with an aftermarket cooler and a modest overclock of 625MHz core, 1348MHz shader, and 1100MHz GDDR3, it looks to be a decent representative of future 55nm GeForce GTX 260s. Before we start our testing let’s take a peek at the bundle and the card itself.
Leadtek WinFast GTX 260 EXTREME+ in SLI Review
March 16, 2009 by Cabro · Leave a Comment
The GTX 260 has quickly become one of those confusing models. We had the card originally launch in June of 2008 and towards the end of last year word came of an updated model that would carry with it 216 shader processors over the original 192 we saw at launch.
Later on we heard more rumors that the card was going to move to 55nm technology; the only problem is that across this whole process the name of the card has never changed. This is no doubt a pain since NVIDIA has also renamed a number of other cards that haven’t had a single change.
Today we’re going to be looking at the Leadtek GTX 260 EXTREME+. While the card doesn’t carry the new 55nm core, it does carry the upgraded shader processors. Before we get stuck into the performance of the card, though, let’s take the time to have a quick look at the package along with a closer look at the card and the clocks it carries. Hopefully the card will warrant the Extreme name tag, so let’s not delay and get stuck into it.
Continue Reading…
Sphere: Related ContentGalaxy Non-reference GTX 260 VGA Card With 1792MB Memory
March 16, 2009 by Cabro · Leave a Comment
Galaxy unveils its non-reference GTX 260 graphics card equipped with 1792MB memory, which is designed for those demanding gaming players.
EVGA GTX 260 Core 216 55nm Superclocked Edition Video Card Review
January 5, 2009 by Cabro · Leave a Comment
By now we all know that Nvidia is trying to transition their graphics cards to the 55nm manufacturing process. The transition began with the 9800 GTX+ and has made its way into a few hand-picked 9800 GT models which have yet to find their way to retail. Many of us have been waiting for the shrunken-down cores to eventually trickle down into the newer cards; namely the GTX 200 series. Let’s be honest here for a second; the GTX 280 and 260 cards are power sucking monsters which are not only expensive for Nvidia to produce but also don’t fit very well with the environmentally friendly aspect of today’s marketplace. Efficiency both energy-wise and production-wise is the name of the game these days and with ATI already having 55nm parts on the shelves for the better part of a year now, it was high time Nvidia made the transition as well. The consumers and their bottom line demanded it.
Has anyone else noticed that we have been seeing a large number of GTX 200-series card on sale as of late? The reason for this is that Nvidia is trying to get rid of their 65nm cores and starting immediately, we should see 55nm GTX 260 cards make their way to retailers. Just remember, distinguishing a 55nm card from a 65nm one can be a daunting task since we have heard that some board partners will not be advertising the new core on their packaging or PR materials. Even the name hasn’t changed; this is still the GTX 260. The lack of a name change is due to a number of reasons but first and foremost among them is that the 55nm cores will not offer any performance increases over the older cores. Granted, all 55nm GTX 260 cards will feature 216 shaders but other than that, this is still the same card we have come to know and love.
While I can promise you that in the future we will see quite a few new products from Nvidia with 55nm cores, today we will be looking at a simple respin of the GTX 260. You may remember that a few months ago we took a look at the EVGA GTX 260 Core 216 Superclocked Edition card and found it to be excellent competition for the HD 4870 cards. Once again before Christmas, this same card performed extremely well in our Games of Christmas ’08 article. Why are we talking about the Core 216 Superclocked? Well, the first EVGA card out of the paddock with the 55nm core just happens to be the GTX 260 Core 216 Superclocked Edition sporting the exact same specs as the card we have been running for the past few months. While it may be a bit counter-intuitive to review a card which is nearly a mirror image of a previous one, this particular example should hopefully provide some pleasant surprises in terms of heat production and power consumption. To this end we will be seriously beefing up those two sections of the review while the comments to the general gaming benchmark results have been cut out.
As usual, EVGA offers their Lifetime Warranty and Trade Up program with the GTX 260 Core 216 Superclocked Edition but they also bundle in a full version of Far Cry 2 for a bit of added value. Pricing for this card hasn’t quite settled yet and as thus is actually slightly higher than other 216 shader GTX 260s. Is this added cost worth it? We are about to find out.
BFG GTX 260 OCX MAXCORE (216SP) 896MB Video Card Review
November 17, 2008 by Cabro · Leave a Comment
As time marches on, Nvidia has gone from an extremely confusing line-up just a few short months ago to one that is quite a bit more streamlined. Within this same timeframe there have been a number of new cards released from both Nvidia and ATI which have hit at different portions of the market. If you take a step back and look at what has happened since the release of ATI’s R770-based HD 4870 and HD 4850, Nvidia’s role has shifted from taking and keeping the performance lead to desperately trying to react against unforeseen competition. The problem for Nvidia was that both of ATI’s new cards hit straight into price / performance categories where Nvidia didn’t have much to answer with. To partially rectify this situation, Nvidia’s partners introduced the 9800 GTX+ to compete with the HD 4850 and after a short delay, showed us what their competitor to the HD 4870 looked like with the GTX 260 with 216 Stream Processors.
When we first reviewed the GTX 260 with 216 SPs, we mentioned that every company would be calling their card something different and it turns out that we were spot on with that assessment. All of Nvidia’s major partners have their hands in this new 216 SP cookie jar so it is only natural that BFG would release their own overclocked versions of this card. Much like their competitors, they have chosen a unique name with their new MAXCORE designation for the “unlocked” GTX 260 cards. They have also gone ahead and introduced quite a few different versions of the MAXCORE starting with the basic overclocked OC branded card, going up a notch with the OC2 and finally the highly overclocked OCX version. Even though there are three versions of this card, today we will be reviewing the highest-clocked one: the OCX.
Since this is the highest-clocked GTX 260 in the BFG lineup, it is not just meant to compete with the HD 4870 but to absolutely destroy it in as many applications as possible. As with all BFG cards, the GTX 260 OCX MAXCORE (boy, that’s a mouthful, isn’t it?) carries with it BFG’s Lifetime Warranty as well as numerous other perks that come with owning a BFG product. However, being the top dog also has its drawbacks and in this case price will become a stumbling point for a good many people. As it stands, $365 is the going rate for BFG’s wunderkind which puts it a good $70 over the price of a bone stock GTX 260 and $40 over a stock GTX 260 with 216 SPs. All in all, this isn’t that much to ask for considering the performance potential of the OCX.
While we have already reviewed a GTX 280 with 216 SPs, it will be interesting to see how the BFG card stacks up considering its price and the potential competition it has been put up against.
