SUMMARY: This is not an nVidia GeForce 6800 Ultra review. Instead we are taking a look at ABIT's newest AGP8x graphics cards based on ATI's Radeon 9600 XT and 9800 XT GPUs.
First up well take a look at the Radeon 9600 XT VIO with 256MB of onboard memory.
- The Package
Much of the time with performance numbers between graphics cards based on the same chipset being so similar (if not identical), the only way a company can get ahead of the competition is by spicing up the included package and box as much as possible. This is one of the key methods a company will use to differentiate itself from the next.
Being a VIVO (Video-in / Video-out) model, this card comes packed with more AV cables and features than your usual run of the mill graphics card. You get a VIVO adapter which hooks into the video adapter on the face plate of the card which allows you to output your display to a TV via the included S-Video or Composite cable. You are also supplied with a DVI to VGA adapter for use with using two VGA monitors.
Being a VIVO model as we mentioned, you have the ability to record live TV or video of your digital video camera through the included full OEM version of CyberLink PowerDirector 2.55 Pro software.
The included software side of things is a little disappointing. Besides PowerDirector, you only receive the full OEM version of PowerDVD 5. No games come bundled with this package which may well be a deterrent to some or a non-issue to others. The majority of ATI partners are no longer including a Half Life 2 voucher with any version of 9600 XT and ABIT is no different dont expect a voucher when you buy this card.
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