Introduction

Normally when ATI or NVIDIA launches a new product, they’re quick to spread word of its impending arrival. A slurry of PDFs and technology briefs are sent out, briefings with the media are conducted, and finally, on launch day, you update your website with the related press release(s) and product information. Perhaps you’ll even throw a launch party.

GeForce FX 5600U (bottom), GeForce FX 5700U middle GeForce FX 5900 XT top

GeForce FX 5900 XT inside

The 5900 XT compared to ATI's RADEON 9800

A little over a month ago however, NVIDIA defied this traditional formula with the stealth launch of its GeForce FX 5900 XT graphics core. “GeForce FX 5900 XT” you say? I’ve never heard of that! That’s because NVIDIA never officially announced its arrival, but if you’ve been following Price Watch recently, you’ve probably noticed the recent addition of several $200 GeForce FX 5900 128MB listings. These are all video cards powered by GeForce FX 5900 XT graphics technology.

It turns out that NVIDIA has been quietly shipping these products right under ATI’s nose. Now NVIDIA and its board partners have decided to up the ante one more time, just in time for the holiday shopping season. Not only are these cards officially priced at $200, board manufacturers BFG, eVGA, MSI, PNY, Gainward, Leadtek, XFX, and Gigabyte will all be offering these cards with a free copy of Activision’s latest shooter, Call of Duty, a $50 value, right inside the box. How’s that for a holiday surprise!

Closer look at the 5900XT and 5700U

eVGA 5600U board featured video input, but 5900SE doesn't

Another shot of the mainstream GeForce FX cards

As a result of the introduction of the GeForce FX 5900 XT, NVIDIA is essentially bringing the technology found in its flagship product down to the $200 price point -- it’s the GeForce4 Ti 4200 all over again! Since the Ti 4200 was replaced by the GeForce FX 5600 Ultra earlier this year, NVIDIA followers have been looking for a card that recaptures its spirit. The revised GeForce FX 5600 Ultra never really took off due to delays and high pricing.

Elegant board design

With the GeForce FX 5900 XT however, NVIDIA is hoping to make the GeForce4 Ti 4200 a distant memory. While at the same time, its name sounds awfully similar to ATI’s latest products. And to add insult to injury, the “SE” designation eVGA uses for its GeForce FX 5900 XT card is just too purposeful to be dismissed as a mere coincidence. With all the letters in the alphabet, surely someone could have come up with a different combination. Considering that this card is the long awaited GeForce FX 5900 Value, certainly the “5900V” designation would have sufficed. Oh well, let’s take a look at what NVIDIA has on tap for the GeForce FX 5900 XT.