XFX 9800GTX 512MB

INTRODUCTION

Most of us that have been around computers for any period of time have seen history repeat itself. This is especially true when the initial sequence of events was successful. Think back two years to when NVIDIA released the 7950GX2, the first consumer level graphics solution with dual processors on two pieces of PCB sandwiched together to make a dual slot card. Just about the time the dust was beginning to settle after this product's release the rumors began to surface about a single processor graphics solution that was even faster. On November 8, 2006 the 8800GTX vaulted into the consumer market and has staunchly remained the graphics performance champion for over a year, which in today's market is like an eon.

Fast forward to March 18, 2008 and the release of the NVIDIA 9800GX2 and a new "King of the Hill" was crowned. Within days after this graphics card's appearance, rumors began to abound about a new GTX hitting the streets, this time it was the 9800GTX. The 9800GTX was slated to take away the crown of the 9800GX2 but instead be the card that would fill the void in between the 9800GX2 and the G92 based 8800GTS 512MB. While not a spot-on case of historical repetition, certainly an ingenuous marketing technique by NVIDIA.

Today, April 1, 2008 less than two weeks since the 9800GX2 became reality, the 9800GTX is born. We at Bjorn3D are honored to have the opportunity to review XFX's version of the 9800GTX. The biggest question we asked ourselves before beginning this review was, is there a large enough void between the aforementioned cards to warrant the introduction of an entirely new card? Stick around we'll have the answer to this and hopefully many other of your questions in short order.

XFX: The Company

Founded in 1989, PINE Technology designs, develops, manufactures and distributes high-quality digital audio and video devices as well as computer peripherals. PINE also distributes branded computer and communications products. The company's movement into areas such as global B2B eCommerce and software development have helped keep it ahead of the competition. Today, PINE enjoys strategic alliances with companies such as Dell, NEC, Microsoft, Panasonic, Phillips, Ricoh, Samsung, Ingram Micro, Intel, Quantum, Connertech, Pioneer and Fujitsu.

Headquartered in Hong Kong, PINE Technology has more than 1,000 employees worldwide, with 16 offices around the globe, four research and development centers strategically located in the Asia Pacific region, and two factories in China.

Production output at PINE's factories exceeds an impressive 500,000 units of PC components and I.A. appliances per month. However, our line flexibility enables us to switch lines within a scant four hours to expand capacity to a staggering one million board-level products per month.

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.