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MSI NBOX N5900 Ultra-VTD256 (MS-8929) (2003)
January 10, 2004 |
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A Good Card With An Even Better Bundle |
Rating:
90%
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| by: HeLioX ( August 28, 2003 ) |
| » Pros | | |
-Performance
The MSI NBox 5900 Ultra is one of the fastest video cards on the market today. It is definitely not a clear winner over the ATI's 9800 Pro, however both cards perform extremely well in benchmarks, each outperforming the other in varying categories. While each card may claim minor victories over each other in varying benchmarks, the game play implications are often negligible.
As far as other GeForce FX 5900 Ultra cards go, MSI's NBox N5900 Ultra offers the same high degree of performance with possible extended overclocking potential due to its unique cooling system.
-Design
MSI's NBox N5900 Ultra is a 2nd Generation GeForce FX 5900 Ultra, differing from earlier versions of the card by its non-reference design cooling system. Instead MSI has added its own cooling system that it calls TwinFlow. TwinFlow uses two different fans and heatsinks, one on each side of the card, to control temperature. The design of the cooling system is also significantly smaller than the reference design therefore only taking up the AGP slot and not the closest PCI slot as well. The MSI N5900 Ultra could therefore be used in small factor PC's such as the Shuttle series that offer limited space, especially for AGP devices.
Of course there is also the consideration of looks that are important to many people who have windowed cases. The MSI NBox N5900 Ultra is definitely unique looking and is more impressive looking than the standard reference 5900 in my opinion.
-The Bundle
One of the other biggest things about this card to set it apart from the competition is the high quality bundle of full version games from Electronics Arts. While many companies offer outdated games or demos in their bundles, MSI offers relatively new and extremely popular full version games, manuals included.
| » Cons | | |
- Price
Paying upwards of 500 dollars for a video card is a hard pill to swallow. However, with the MSI NBox N5900 Ultra at least you are getting a game bundle worth well over 100 dollars to go along. The MSI NBox N5900 Ultra is very expensive, but it is comparative to other 5900 Ultra cards and ATI's latest series. However, I did find it generally more expensive even on PriceWatch than other GeForce 5900 Ultra cards that can be found as low as $400 dollars (retail $499).
If you have a lot of money to spend and you were thinking about buying the bundled games independently the MSI NBox N5900 Ultra still isn’t that horrible of a deal. You are getting a video card that should provide you with at least 1-2 years of solid frame rates in upcoming games.
If you own all of the bundled games or are not interested in them however, I recommend going with one of the cheaper cards that lacks such an expensive games bundle.
| » Review | | |
If it is a question of whether to get an ATI 9800 Pro or a GeForce FX 5900 Ultra, you really cant make a wrong choice. Both cards offer their own strengths and weaknesses and when you are playing games, both will serve you extremely well. After all, who buys a card just to feel the exhilarating thrill of reading benchmark results on your own screen? Both cards are essentially the same price, with 256mb versions both available around $405 on PriceWatch.
Whether you go with ATI or Nvidia is really up to you, which company do you like better? Would you rather go with ATI because it is Canadian or Nvidia because it is American? Such things are really not that important when it comes to true performance, but when its such a close call these things can matter.
If it is a question of whether to get the MSI NBox N5900 Ultra or another GeForce FX 5900 Ultra, its really not that hard of a choice.
If you have the extra cash and would like to have the great games in the bundle and you think the Nvidia reference design is kind of bleak then the MSI NBox N5900 Ultra is the way to go.
If you already own the bundled games or aren’t interested in them or the fact that the reference design 5900 Ultras are a little blander looking, than save yourself the money and get an eVGA.
What it all comes down to is games, and the MSI NBox N5900 Ultra certainly won't disappoint you anytime in the immediate future. |
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