eVGA e-GeForce 8600 GT (PCI-e, 256MB)

Intro: This eVGA E-GeForce 8600 GT is a 256 MB, mainstream 3D card.Compared to other mainstream 3D display cards on the market, it is relatively inexpensive at around $95.

Noteworthy Features: Is built around a nVidia GeForce 8600 GT chipset, which is more advanced than some similarly priced display cards.By way of comparison, the typical cost of a product with this advanced a chipset is $120.Also, this graphics card has a 1.4 GHz memory clock speed, which is faster than some similarly priced display cards.In fact, the average cost of a product with this fast a memory clock speed is $150.

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 view of its relatively inexpensive price, this graphics card has great features for the money.Also, if you were to judge mainly by the card's GPU you could expect to pay as much as 30% more for a similarly capable card.Also, mainstream 3D adapters having comparable 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) 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.