XFX GeForce 9800 GX2

Intro: The XFX GeForce 9800 GX2 is a 1 GB, mainstream 3D card.Compared to other mainstream 3D display cards on the market, it is expensive at around $565.

Noteworthy Features: Is built around a nVidia GeForce 9800 GX2 chipset, which is more advanced than some similarly priced display cards.Also, this graphics card has 1 GB RAM, which is more than some similarly priced display cards.This 2 chipset on which this card is built is one of the most advanced graphics accelerators on the market today.The performance of this card is outstanding; it will let you play games and render 3D images at fast rates, and at a very high resolution.

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: Overall, this graphics card's features are in line with its price.Also, if you were to judge strictly by the card's chipset you could expect to pay as much as 50% less for a similarly capable card.Also, mainstream 3D cards with comparable features and memory have an average cost of around $370.

Suggestions: (1) This card has DVI-out to connect to similarly enabled flat panel or plasma monitors and produce a clearer picture than does analog-to-digital conversion.(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 video card capable of running all the new features in Windows Vista, including the upcoming DirectX 10.