XFX GeForce 9600 GT (PCI-e 2.0, 512MB)

Intro: The XFX GeForce 9600 GT is a 512 MB, mainstream 3D card.Compared to other mainstream 3D display cards on the market, it is midpriced at around $190.

Noteworthy Features: Is built around a nVidia GeForce 9600 GT chipset, which is somewhat more advanced than some similarly priced display cards.By way of comparison, the average cost of a product with this advanced a chipset is $310.Also, this graphics card has a PCI express 2.0 x16 interface, which is somewhat faster than some similarly priced display cards.

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 has good features for the money.

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.