X-bit labs

MSI NX6800GT-T2D256E Graphics Card Review (page 24)

Category: Video

by Alexey Stepin

[ 07/22/2005 | 12:33 PM ]

Conclusion

The MSI NX6800GT-T2D256E graphics card would be a perfect device if it were not for some small but still unpleasant defects that all pertain to MSI’s exclusive cooling system called CopperUltra. Yes, the system boasts the highest cooling efficiency achieved at a relatively low level of noise, but the fan of our sample would produce a quiet but irritating rattling sound at the minimum speed. It is however possible that this is just a defect of our particular sample of the card, so we don’t take it too seriously.

The main problem with the CopperUltra to us is in the unreliable fastening. More exactly, in the fragile screws that can be beheaded just too easily. It is not much of a trouble if you don’t remove the cooler, but the die of the HSI chip lacks any thermal interface and if you want to amend this deficiency, you may break some of the screws that fasten the cooler. On the other hand, the CopperUltra system is very compact and you do not lose the expansion slot that’s located right under the graphics card’s one which you do with low-noise GeForce 6800 GT models from other manufacturers.

Another indisputable advantage of the MSI NX6800GT-T2D256E is its rich accessories, especially the software pack. Only graphics cards from ASUS can probably boast accessories like these, but even ASUS doesn’t put so much software into the package. You won’t also have to lose two Molex connectors (the NX6800GT has two appropriate splitters), but the cable for connecting the card to a TV-set is to be purchased separately.

As for the performance of the card, there is not much to talk about: it’s just another GeForce 6800 GT. The graphics card feels at ease in modern games, sometimes being inferior to the RADEON X800 XL in FSAA + anisotropic filtering modes, but it supports such features as Shader Model 3.0 and floating-point color which the RADEON lacks. This fact makes the MSI NV6800GT a preferable choice for people who are interested in upcoming games. Don’t forget the support of the multi-GPU SLI technology, too. Having a SLI-compatible mainboard and a sufficient amount of money, you can buy a second NX6800GT to get a ragingly fast and – what’s very important – rather quiet gaming computer.

Highs:

• Compact and efficient cooling system
• Quiet operation
• Controllable cooler
• High performance in current games
• Good overclockability
• Shader Model 3.0
• Floating-point color representation
• Rich accessories

Lows:

• The cooler fastening might have been more robust
• An additional irritating sound appears at the min speed of the fan
• No thermal paste on the HSI chip