PNY RVCGGT2201XXB GeForce GT 220 1GB 128-bit DDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card

Pros: Does well enough on an XBMC-oriented machine using both Linux Mint 11 and 12. Mint 12 was easier to set up, Mint 11 involved changing some conf files to get the card to register properly with the hardware IDs being wrong. Even with an old single-core 2.4GHz AMD CPU, this card does most of the legwork when playing 1080p MKV content and the CPU doesn't spend much time out of Cool'n'Quiet mode during that time. Runs fairly cool and the fan doesn't seem particularly loud.

Cons: Nothing, really. I would've preferred a DDR3 version but can't be picky with the price. To counter a previous comment, this is in fact a "low profile ready" card. The low profile brackets are not included with this card but bracket kits can usually be purchased here on newegg.

Other Thoughts: AMD socket 939 4000+ @ 2.4GHz, ECS RS480-M motherboard, 1GB A-DATA DDR400 SDRAM, 1TB Hitachi 7K1000.

Pros: Price
128-bit memory interface
Price

Cons: not DX11
DDR2 - 128-bit interface helps make up for this, though
short warranty period - but I've had it for 5 months and no problems so far.

Other Thoughts: Bought this last September for a budget gaming build for a friend and was pleasantly surprised. Paired it with a Phenom II 945 and was able to get 40-50FPS in WoW on high settings. You can't find a comparable graphics card in this price range. I'm really happy with PNY I have owned 4 of their graphics cards and I've never had a bad experience.

Pros: None

Cons: It didn't even power on.

Other Thoughts: Ok, So I personally am SICK and TIRED of things just outright not working when you purchase something labeled as open box or recertified. There has to be some kind of quality control department this stuff has to go through right? Well I suggest that specific department be observed just a little more thoroughly. I don't know how much stuff I've received from newegg that has just been DOA. Im both disappointed in PNY as i've purchased their products before without issues, and newegg for repetitive issues with DOA hardware. Sure, I can RMA it, But the hassle of doing that so many times gets annoying as heck.

Pros: Not DOA.

Cons: Not low profile, as picture suggests. It is a FULL-SIZED card, buyer beware.

Other Thoughts: None.

Manufacturer Response:

PNY would like to apologize for the inconvenience our Graphics Card has caused you. Please be aware that PNY offers a Warranty on all of our Graphics Card products. Please contact our tech support at 1-888-316-1193 or visit http://www3.pny.com/support/newegg_emailSupport.aspx for assistance and replacement of your Graphics product.

Regards,
PNY Technologies, Inc.