Joined on 01/12/06
latest architecture, smooth performance
Pros: It has the latest architecture, DDR 3 memory, almost twice the memory bandwidth as the X1600 Pro version and is the next best thing to the X1800 series if you can't afford more than a midrange price. I've been playing King Kong on the highest settings and have seen amazing detail with no glitches and no issues with frame rate. The real selling point for this card is that it has the latest architecture and will be able to perform well in my PC for a long time.
Cons: Driver from Sapphire was old. No manual even on CD.
Overall Review: I used to read the graphics card reviews on Anandtech like it was the bible. But saw that they lumped in the XT version with the Pro version and concluded it wasn't a good choice. The XT version has almost twice the memory bandwidth as the Pro and more pipelines for just a few bucks more when you consider the cost of an earlier than necessary upgrade next time. The XT version is a solid option.
Surprised
Pros: Surpasses my original expectations in some games. On par with performance in others. Low power requirements, runs on 300 W PSU. Quiet. No issues.
Cons: Not an enthusiast card. Great for older system with modest hardware.
Overall Review: Better than my previous X1600 XT. My surprise came when i purchased Oblivion. I thought Oblivion was the game that broke the backs of video cards. I know people who have difficulty running the game with all but low/mid settings. I am still increasing my settings outdoors without experiencing stuttering at 1024 x 768 resolution with HDR on. I keep setting the distance further and everything higher and am continuously surprised that i have no stuttering! That;s with the rest of the recomended specs being met. 3000+ Athlon 1 gig DDR Ram This card. Pretty good indication that this card will meet all my gaming needs considering my system is missing other hardware needed to run the newer DX 10 releases. But for a test of DX 9 games, Oblivion certainly is a good one. I'm pretty sure when i run into areas with lots of charectors and activity I'll need to turn things down. But for exploring the beautiful landscapes and indoor settings, it has proven to be capable with very high settings.
It's OEM
Pros: Great basic burner. I wrote a review earlier and still have the same good feelings. I've owned it close to a month now and have burned a few CDs, listened to music CDs, watched DVDs and played high end games using it. No skips or errors.
Cons: No cons. Does what it should.
Overall Review: I bought the burner the first week it was on Newegg and it came with software. It was included in the photos and description. It looks like the software was deleted from the offer. It is after alkl an OEM offer. I was pretty surprised it was ever offered.
Good basic burner
Pros: Works as it should. Reads and writes quickly and quietly. No issues with being loud, maybe I'm not as particular as some others. Worked immediately with Nero software I already had on PC. It was a nice bonus having the Nero come with it though for those who don't have it. Especially for an OEM version. Very cheap for what seems to be a nice, basic burner that does all I need.
Cons: It's a bit inexpensive as far as tray sturdiness. Not flimsy to a fault. Just not a robust, heavy duty model. But it is what it is intended to be. Which is a solid, inexpensive burner that works very well.
Overall Review: Works better than the original that came with my PC. Faster disk recognition. Quiter too. Doesn't say Samsung and is recognized as TSSP or something like that. Maybe another way to say Samsung?? To reviewer questioning packaging ???: This is an OEM version, not retail. OEM comes in plain wrap, not full retail packaging. That's why this one having software was so nice.
Great mid range
Pros: Very reliable, stable performance for over 7 months now. I'm able to play most current, demanding games at full detail with 1024 X 768 resolution without any stutter. This card has latest architecture before the rollout of Direct X 10. I'm running it using only a 300 watt PS. Easy installation. GDDR3 memory. Best choice from ATI for solid mid range performance which doesn't require a high end PC or power supply. Good for the person who likes to play the latest games on a budget and has a PCI-E slot in a moderate PC.
Cons: The 7600 GT is much faster, but I needed to go with ATI due to my ATI 200 Express MB. Didn't want to risk it. I spent quite a bit more 7 months ago. It's a steal right now.
Overall Review: Performs better than a 7600 GS by a good margin, but quite a bit lower than a 7600 GT. Ends up right in between.
Solid for midrange user
Pros: Quality of rendering is excellent in HL2 and other recent games. Not the slightest stuttering with everything on the highest settings including reflection. Installation was simple and it complimented my ATI X200 Express MB well with excellent compatibility.
Cons: 128 memory interface. But that is why this card is much less than others with the latest architecture to date. ATI Catalist does not work well with my PC. If I even access it without changing anything, it reverts back to recognizing the IGP and wont utilize the card again until I remove the driver folders and reinstall from folders stored on a disc. Not sure why and ATI offered no insight. Terrible cust support. But since, the card has been great and is underrated by most reviewers.
Overall Review: If you can't afford an X1800 or above, it's the best ATI option. My motherboard had ATI written all over it and I was concerned about using anything but an ATI card as it stressed was important. I read enough about incompatibility from other reviewers. Most PC reviewers sell this card short. They lump it in with the X1600 Pro and simply say it is inferior. This card performs between a 6600GT and a 7600GT. Closer to the 7600, While also having the latest architecture which makes it a better choice than some of the faster ATI cards with a 256 interface. It's all a matter of choosing what's important and this one meets the needs of a person who wants to play the latest titles, have later architecture and not spend a ridiculous amount on hardware that becomes dated by the time it's installed. .