Gainward CardExpert GeForce 256 DDR

This board costs less than most first-generation GeForce DDR boards, but it is quite fast.

WHAT'S HOT:

The CardExpert GeForce 256 DDR offered nearly as much zip at our 800-by-600-pixel test resolution as the newer GeForce2 GTS cards did, and for a significantly lower price--despite its older NVidia GeForce 256 engine. Granted, its Quake III numbers--84 frames per second in 16-bit color and 71 fps in 32-bit color--were a bit lower. But the CardExpert's Unreal Tournament and Viper Racing scores were quite competitive. The CardExpert GeForce 256 DDR also ships with a couple of extras: full versions of the games Drakan and Rollcage.

WHAT'S NOT: While this board's graphics looked accurate in both Quake III and Unreal Tournament, we saw some dithering of transparencies and dull textures in Viper Racing and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2000.

WHAT ELSE: In addition to the two full games, the CardExpert ships with a software DVD player and a games demo pack. A DVI port provides compatibility with most digital monitors, and an S-Video-out port lets you play games on a TV. The company offers a three-year warranty on the board and toll-free tech support for 9 hours each weekday.

BEST USE: If you'd rather not bust open your piggy bank to purchase a top-speed, top-of-the-line card, the CardExpert GeForce 256 DDR is an adequate alternative. Just keep in mind that, within a month or so, you'll be two generations removed from the cutting edge. And for $81 less, the Gainward CardExpert GeForce2 MX offers a much more affordable alternative.

SUMMARY

Gainward CardExpert GeForce 256 DDR

4X AGP, 32MB of DDR SGRAM, NVidia GeForce 256 chip, 350-MHz RAMDAC, DVI port, TV-out connector; bundled 3D games, software DVD player.

$210
800/539-2273
www.gainward.com

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