VisionTek VTKX1300256PCI Radeon X1300 256MB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Video Card - Retail

Reviewed By: on 2/10/2008

Tech Level: somewhat high - Ownership: less than 1 day

Pros: I do not actually own this card, but have learned a good amount on its capabilities so figured I would write a review. The only pros I can find for this card is that it is the second best PCI interface video card on the market, with the best being the HIS X1550 which is basically this with a core clock of 550MHz and effective memory clock of 800MHz. Another plus to this thing is it can fit in any machine, granted it was made in the past 10 years. Also very good for its low profile and it does handle quite well with video playback.

Cons: The memory interface is listed as 128-bit when it is in fact only 64-bit, as VisionTek's website informs people. The price is the worst part about this card. It is one hundred bucks and the cheapest PCI Express x16 card Newegg currently has to offer (ironically enough a Radeon X1300) is only twenty dollars, and will be about 75% faster than this PCI version. Assuming that someone buying this has a dell (since they just love to exclude AGP and PCIe slots in their older models like the dimension 3000) one could sell their old motherboard, ram and processor in a bundle for about fifty bucks and get new processor, ram, motherboard and that twenty dollar X1300 and pay as much as they would have for this thing. With that said, Avoid this if you can.

Other Thoughts: I love people that put their tech level at "high" and say things like this card is great, and should get another one to crossfire. Kudos fats 02. VisionTek also sells an X1550 version of this card, but I would steer clear. Their website has no mention of core clock or memory clock, and the pictures and other specifications are exactly the same, which leads me to suspect that the only thing different is the name. I have asked their technical support what the core clock and memory clock was for their X1550, and have yet to hear an answer. Best thing to go for is the HIS X1550. At least they are up on their specifications.

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works

Reviewed By: hebog on 1/29/2008

Tech Level: somewhat low - Ownership: 1 week to 1 month

This user purchased this item from Newegg

Pros: Immaculate packaging, shipped in ample foam padding in a large box.
Followed the short instructions included and had it installed and working in 15 minutes.
Much better than on-board video.

Cons: The installation disc includes a HUGE LOAD OF STUPID JUNK. Just select CUSTOM installation and UN-SELECT all the nonessential applications. (The necessary drivers are shaded and can't be un-selected.)

Other Thoughts: I got this card for online gaming. (Mainly EVE-online) This makes my wimpy little power supply work, but it brought my fps from 2-10 up to 20-30. I am sure I could get better performance if I knew how to adjust my system settings. If you are stuck with old PCI and need a functional video card, this one works.

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AWESOME UPGRADE FOR PCI

Reviewed By: mBucky on 1/26/2008

Tech Level: somewhat high - Ownership: 1 day to 1 week

This user purchased this item from Newegg

Pros: Stuck this card in a Dell Dimension E310 with 2GB Buffalo RAM and I can blast BF2 no prob on med/high settings 800x600 which isn't bad at all, more than good enough for him! Only got the memory to OC to 283.5 MHz with AtiTool. Clock went a lot higher but I left it at 533.5 MHz since there aren't a lot of fans in the case.

Cons: Can't get the memory up too high on this Dell box, but no biggy, the 14 MHz that I did doesn't really make a difference anyway when you get down to it, so it's not really a con, still 5 eggs baby.

Other Thoughts: Super easy install, does work with these Dell machines no prob. Smooth and playable in BF2. Haven't tried any other games.

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