MSI RX800 XT & RX800 XT Platinum Edition Review

Are MSI still all about the bundle? Time to find out then, as I take a look at two of the fastest graphics cards to grace the planet at the time of writing; X800 XT on PCI Express and X800 XT Platinum Edition on AGP. MSI calls them both RX800, differentiating between the two with nothing more than a ‘PCI Express’ or ‘Platinum Edition’ box marking. Let’s look closer, PCI Express version first.

…Overall, it’s hard not to recommend MSI’s boards in the face of those X800 XTs from other vendors. X800 XT and XT PE’s raw power makes it arguably the fastest basic SKU from either of the top two GPU IHVs right now, with MSI’s bundle and online pricing making it the most attractive that I’ve personally seen to date.

The only issue lies with availability. The AGP version of X800 XT, be that XT or XT PE, seems to be in major constraint, worldwide stocks at all the popular online vendors sitting at zero. The PCI Express board is a lot easier to obtain and a mighty partner for upcoming nForce4 and K8T890 mainboards on Athlon 64, and current shipping mainboards for Intel’s Pentium 4.

MSI’s variants of ATI’s current flagship 3D processor come highly recommended, if those GPUs are what you have your heart and wallet set on.

Score 9 / 10

Pros
Excellent performance
Good presentation
Excellent games bundle
The cooler is quiet
VIVO capability
Cons
Hard to find the AGP version at all, worldwide
No dual-DVI on ATI’s flagship SKUs

MSI’s RX800 XTs @ Hexus