FIC Radeon 9800 Pro 256MB

Recently, at Bjorn3d we have had the opportunity to take a look at some of the latest cards based on ATI's Radeon technology. So far we have not been let down by their performance. The cards have shown that they are definite contenders in the highly competitive PC graphics market. Our latest look into the Radeon family is the FIC Radeon 9800 Pro 256MB. How does this card with its extra memory stack up with its 128MB brethren? Follow me as I take a look at this awesome card from FIC!

I think the main question that we want to be answer with this review will be, "Does the extra memory really increase performance?" I know we have all heard that there really isn't that many opportunities for a graphics card to utilize all 256MB of memory it has available. Hopefully, we can help shed some light on this subject with some straightforward numbers. Before we get to that though, lets take a look at the specs for this card from FIC.

Specifications

The packaging for the FIC card is fairly typical for a high end graphics card. Of course, it is also much too large for what is actually found in the box. I think that graphics companies need to follow suit with the video game companies and compress their packaging to reduce waste.

Card strong like bull!

Back of FIC box

Bundle contents somewhat lacking

Included video connections

Unfortunately, you will not find much more than the video card inside this large box. I would tell you about the included bundle, but it is non-existent. This is always disappointing to a consumer. After spending close to a full paycheck on a video card, you hope to have some included software to take it for a test drive. Even something that you could benchmark the card with would be a nice addition to this package. Of course it does come with a VGA to DVI connector, molex power extension, an S-Video and component cable, and drivers CD. This still does not make up for the lack of a software bundle.

When you look at the Radeon line of cards, there really isn't that much "flair" or "pizzazz" to them. The FIC card is no exception. The basic red board with a small and simple cooling solution is very subdued and plain. You could compare this card to a Geo Metro with a Corvette engine in it. Not flashy on the outside, but a speed demon lies within.

Nothing too flashy

Heatsinks anyone?

Red color, a classic for Radeons

Simple is sometimes a good thing

The extra 128MB of memory on this card stands out all over the card. For each memory chip, a small silver heatsink makes an appearance on the surface of the card. Sixteen little silver heatsinks, 16MB per heatsink, that's a cool 256MB of memory cooking up some graphics goodness. The weight of the card is considerable due to the additional heatsinks on the card. Overall, the weight of the card is still comparable to most high-end graphics cards because of its very simple and smaller cooling solution.

Of course a standard feature on many of the more powerful video cards on the market is the molex power connection on the end to feed this beast. Many of the card manufacturers today are recommending a very strong power supply to satisfy the hunger that these new cards have.

Bottom dominated by memory heatsinks

These cards should be green, because they really GO!

Power connection on end of FIC card

Feed Me!