XFX 8400GS Dual-Screen Graphics Card

INTRODUCTION

It may come as a surprise to some, but graphics cards aren’t always just about getting the best frames per second. Home theater, fileserver, and other specialized PCs may never see a game but in most cases they still need a video card to operate. And of course that is leaving out the surprisingly large number of PC users that simply do not play videogames (I’ve been told such people do exist).

All kidding aside, motherboards with integrated graphics may be perfect for a fileserver, but amongst HTPC setups discrete graphics cards still reign. Whether they have a need to hook up dual monitors and TVs, or simply wish to have hardware acceleration in order to play high definition movies smoothly, integrated graphics is going to be found lacking. As the typical HTPC setup or non-gamer isn’t going to want to spend more than they have to for a videocard that meets their needs, cards such as the 8400 and 8500 series exist that bridge the wide chasm left between integrated graphics and mid-range gaming oriented graphics cards.

For this review we are taking a look at the XFX 8400GS ”Dual-Screen Multipurpose Graphics Card” (PV-T86S-WML4). As the name may suggest this card is geared specifically for the dual-monitor crowd, and has been specifically designed for both dual-monitor use which we will cover in more detail later in the review. Additionally this 8400GS has been designed to fit in standard or low-profile computers and already includes the SFF PCI bracket in the package.

About XFX

XFX, otherwise known as PINE Technologies, is a brand of graphics cards that have been around since 1989, and have since then made a name for themselves with their Double-Lifetime enthusiast-grade warranty on their NVIDIA graphics adapters and matching excellent end-user support.

XFX dares to go where the competition would like to, but can't. That's because, at XFX, we don't just create great digital video components--we build all-out, mind-blowing, performance crushing, competition-obliterating video cards and motherboards. Oh, and not only are they amazing, you don't have to live on dry noodles and peanut butter to afford them. 

 

XFX is a division of PINE Technologies, a leading manufacturer of state-of-the-art processing components. To learn more about PINE, click here.