EVGA and XFX provided us with samples of their GeForce 9800 GX2-based offerings in support of today's launch. Note that NVIDIA recommends a minimum system power supply of 580W with a minimum 12V current rating of 40A for a single GeForce 9800 GX2 graphics card.
EVGA GEFORCE 9800 GX2
Pictured below is the retail packaging of the e-GeForce 9800 GX2. The red color is a nice touch and builds on the orange-colored packaging of their GeForce 9600 GT SSC, which is an impressive implementation of a mid-range GeForce 9 Series part.
EVGA GeForce 9800 GX2
EVGA includes the following accessories with their GeForce 9800 GX2 - two DVI-to-VGA adapters, one SPDIF connector, a user's guide, a case badge and sticker and a driver installation CD with trial software. EVGA offers a lifetime warranty upon registration and has toll free and online 24/7 technical support.
EVGA Accessories
EVGA also provides a unique Step-Up Program, which allows participating customers a one-time opportunity to trade in their existing EVGA graphics card and upgrade to a select greater performing graphics card.
The EVGA graphics card has been installed as shown in the photograph below. Both the 6-pin and 8-pin power connectors to the far left are properly secured as the slots are glowing green.
EVGA Graphics Card Installed
Turning our attention to the rear of the case reveals a couple of LED indicators positioned next to the HDMI connector. The top indicator is the primary display LED, which is blue and indicates the GPU associated with the primary display. The bottom LED indicates power status and will be green when both power connectors are correctly plugged in. If one or both power connectors are incorrect or not plugged correctly, the LED with be red.
Rear of Case
XFX GEFORCE 9800 GX2
The XFX GeForce 9800 GX2 retail packaging features some kind of high-tech device on the cover and is pictured below. Click the photograph below to see a larger size.
XFX GeForce 9800 GX2
XFX provides greater value in their accessories package, which consists of two DVI-to-VGA adapters, one SPDIF connector, a 6-pin PCI-Express power adapter, a quick install guide, a cooling guide, a driver installation CD with trial software and the retail version of Company of Heroes along with the DirectX 10 patch.
XFX Accessories
The following view of the graphics card shows the various connectors - SLI, SPDIF, and power.
XFX GeForce 9800 GX2
The GeForce 9800 GX2 also features an HDMI connector along with two dual-link DVI-I connectors. A system can boot with an HDMI connection.
XFX GeForce 9800 GX2
Below, the 6-pin PCI-Express power connector on the bottom left was intentionally left off the graphics card. The lower connector slot responds accordingly by glowing red. Also note that the power status LED on the graphics card, which is located at the rear of the case, is red.
