XFX GeForce 8800 GTS (PCI-e, 512MB, GDDR3)

Intro: This XFX GeForce 8800 GTS is a 512 MB, mainstream 3D card.Compared to other mainstream 3D display cards on the market, it is expensive at around $300.

Noteworthy Features: Has a PCI express 2.0 x16 interface, which is faster than some similarly priced display cards.Also, this graphics card is built around a nVidia GeForce 8800 GTS chipset.This is more advanced than the average graphics card on the market today, but is to be expected for a graphics card of this price.

Weaker Features: None noted, given available product data.

Suitability: Suited for all productivity tasks, as well as for the casual 3D gamer.This card supports DirectX 10 technology, used in Microsoft's Windows Vista OS, and is the new technology for the upcoming generation of high-performance games.

Value: In general, this graphics card's features are in line with its price.Also, mainstream 3D adapters having comparable features and memory have an average cost of around $190.

Suggestions: (1) Since this card is DVI-capable, you might want a DVI-enabled monitor or a flat-panel display to connect with it -- this will pass the digital video signal directly without converting it to analog, making for better performance.(2) CNET's graphics and sound content can help you decide if this card is the right purchase to make.

GPU Performance: This card is compatible with the new rendering features of DirectX 10, which is featured in the Windows Vista operating system.

Vista Capability: This is a modern graphics card capable of running all the new features in Windows Vista, including the upcoming DirectX 10.