XFX GeForce 8800 GT Alpha Dog Edition - graphics adapter - GF 8800 GT - 256 MB

Intro: This XFX GeForce 8800 GT Alpha Dog Edition is a 256 MB, mainstream 3D card.Compared to other mainstream 3D display cards on the market, it is midpriced at around $205.

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 GT chipset, which is more advanced than some similarly priced display cards.In fact, the typical cost of a product with this advanced a chipset is $320.

Weaker Features: None noted, given available product data.

Suitability: A mainstream 3D graphics card, suited for the casual gamer, and those who do not need the latest 3D card on the market.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 as expected for this price.Also, if you were to judge strictly by the card's chipset you could expect to pay as much as 40% more for a similarly capable card.However, mainstream 3D VGA cards with similar features and memory have an average cost of about $130.

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) For Editor's Reviews of the latest graphics cards, visit the graphics and sound section of CNET's website.

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 video card capable of running all the new features in Windows Vista, including the upcoming DirectX 10.