MSI FX5950 Ultra-VTD25 Video Card Review

HotHardware takes a look at MSI’s current flagship video card, the FX5950 Ultra-VTD256:

As the name implies, this card is based on NVIDIA’s GeForce FX 5950 Ultra. As such, it offers all of the same core features of other 5950s, like 256MB of high-speed RAM, dual independent RAMDACs for multi-monitor support, and a .13 micron GPU that supports Microsoft’s DirectX 9.0 pixel and vertex shader 2.0 specifications. MSI spruces up the package even further with a very efficient custom cooling solution, Video-In and Video-Out (ViVo) functionality and a comprehensive software and accessory bundle. On paper, the MSI FX5950 Ultra-VTD256 is a winner, but that means nothing if the card can’t hold it’s own in the real world. What do you say we tear into the box, and she what this baby is made of…

..There are a lot of things we liked about the MSI FX5950 Ultra-VTD256. MSI included a very comprehensive bundle with this card, in fact it’s one of the most comprehensive bundles we’ve seen in a while. The FX5950 Ultra-VTD256 also sports ViVo functionality, something not commonly found in a high-end gaming card. The TOP Tech. (Thermal Obviation Protection) cooling solution installed on this FX5950 Ultra is extremely effective as well, which is a huge plus in our book. This card ran cooler than any other GeForce FX 59×0 we’ve worked with. Even with the complete bundle, extra features and great cooler, MSI has priced this card competitively with other 5950 Ultras. This card can be found at various on-line retailers for about $440 U.S. Unfortunately for MSI, Radeon 9800 XTs are available for about the same price, and in our opinion the 9800 XT is still the current 3D King. NVIDIA fans, however, will be hard pressed to find a better GeForce FX 5950 Ultra. The MSI FX5950 Ultra-VTD has earned itself an 8 on the HotHardware Heat Meter…

HotHardware
The MSI FX5950 Ultra-VTD256
NVIDIA’s Flagship GPU, MSI Style…