MSI FX5950 Ultra-VTD256 Red PCB Videocard Review

The MSI FX5950 Ultra-VTD256 with its red PCB and large copper plated cast aluminum heatsinks weighs in around 500g, making it one pretty heavy videocard. Luckily for us, MSI make sure that the FX5950 Ultra-VTD256 will not get damaged during shipping by surrounding it with a nice cushion of antistatic foam. The accessory package that comes with the FX5950 Ultra-VTD256 is rather large, and includes an S-Video-to-S-Video cable, VIVO break out box, and DVI-to-analog converter. The software package the company bundles in is pretty good, with full versions of Morrowind, Ghost Recon, Duke Nukem MP and a seven game demo CD. Other software goodies include WinDVD, WinDVD Creator, Virtual Drive Pro and RestoreIT! Pro.

. . . Performance of the MSI FX5950 Ultra-VTD256 is good at stock speeds where it constantly battles it out with ATi’s Radeon 9800XT for the overall performance lead. Seems like there’s a bit of headroom as well, in our particular case we could push the card up to 550/1020 MHz (overclocked). At those speeds nothing comes even close. With a retail price of $628 CDN ($470 US) the MSI FX5950 Ultra-VTD256 is certainly pricey, but then again top of the line gear is never cheap. If you want the best you’d better be prepared to pay for it, before you can play with it!

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MSI FX5950 Ultra-VTD256 "Red PCB" Videocard Review