Reviewed by Stuart "Veridian3" Davidson
Design/Editor: Allan "Zardon" Campbell

 

A month or so ago we reviewed the Gainward Geforce FX 5900 Ultra 1600 XP Golden Sample and due to various issues it received a less than average rating. Since then we have been in close contact with Gainward and have had the opportunity to test and review the newer revision of the same card.

Let’s recap on the card details:

Gainward FX Ultra 1600XP Specifications:

Processor	nVIDIA GeFORCE FX 5900 Ultra
Engine Clock	450 + MHz
Frame Buffer	256 MB
Memory Type	2.2 ns DDR.
Enhanced Performance	+ 15 %
Memory Width	256 bit
Bandwidth	28.8 GB/sec
RAMDAC	400 MHz
Maximum Resolution @ 85 Hz	2048 x 1536
AGP	8X

What’s In the Box?

Included with this card is:
C-Media CM8738 based 5.1 Sound Card +Digital out subcard.
Via VT6306 based 3 port Firewire card
Outer ear stereo headphones
DV-I to VGA converter
S-video/Composite Video Cables
Optical cable
Molex power splitter
Drivers discs
Win Cinema (6 channel version)
Manuals for FX, Audio and Firewire
A very thorough bundle is provided by Gainward, by buying the Ultra 1600 XP pack your mid range PC can be brought bang up to date with 5.1 sound and firewire capability. If you were looking to add the above extras to another brand of FX you wouldn’t save any money with the Gainward, but it’s a nice to have.
(Example http://www.komplett.co.uk :
Creative 5900 Ultra - £350 + SoundBlaster 5.1 Digital £30 + Firewire £20 + cables + headphones £20 = £420: Gainward =£420)

Next: The Card and Installation