Pros: open box, remove old card, insert new card... done. Runs like a top... vast, noticible difference from GEForce 6800 XT 256 MB

Cons: none so far.

Pros: Was an upgrade from an OLD 9500GT.. Was and still am impressed with this card. It's starting to show its age with some of the new software out there, but then again it's riding around in a 4 year old system. Still runs everything I throw at it (sometimes you just have to turn the settings down a little)

Cons: Forgot to register for the warranty, and wouldn't you know it, for the first time ever, I need warranty service. "Top" of the card points downward in my case so the fan is hanging there. After a year of not having to do anything with the card, including change the fan speeds, two things are now happening. First, at idle to medium speeds, the fan sounds like it's grinding against things. I've checked, it's not hitting anything at all. sounds like its internal, ya know, where I can't do anything about it. At max speed it generates enough downward pressure to hold itself up a little.. no grinding sound. Second, even with the fan at max, the card has started running pretty hot. The cooling vanes are clear of dust, I make sure they're blown out and there's no build-up... I understand that cards get hot under load, but 50c at idle with max fan speed seems high.. it used to run in the mid 30's at Idle with normal fan speed.

Overall Review: This was my first foray into AMD cards.. If the most I can expect is a year out of it, I'll switch to another card.