The MSI NX6800-TD128E is actually quite an impressive card. In SLI, these cards
maintained impressive average framerates across all benches @ 1600x1200
4xAA/8xAF. For Half-Life 2 the average was 38 frames per second and 44 frames
per second when overclocked. For Doom 3 those averages were 36 and 45 frames per
second respectively.
The
exceptional solid copper heat sink that covers the GPU and memory make for an
excellent overclocker. The fact that it can exceed the 350MHz default core clock
of a 6800GT by 90MHz (440MHz) is impressive. And the memory performs admirably
by coming close to reaching its 900MHz theoretical limit. Remember, all of this
overclocking success was done on the default cooling as well. No Arctic Silver 5 was applied.
The standard thermal tape pads is all that was between the memory and
the heat sink.
Component TV Out Breakout Box
I didn't really focus much on temperatures as these PCI-Express
cards generally run at great temperatures anyway. I did make note that a
single card idled in Windows at 39°C GPU and 31°C card ambient. Under load, the
single card reached 55°C/38°C.
For SLI, the first card was 45°C/33°C and the second
was 40°C/30°C at idle. Under load, the SLI first card was 60°C/40°C and
the second was 55°C/36°C.
These cards really do shine in an SLI setup at their price point and will
definitely give a 6800 Ultra PCI-E a run for its money. So, for some of you that
don't have $600 lying around for a 7800GTX, two MSI NX6800-TD128E cards might be
a viable alternative and one that won't disappoint for all but the more high-end
enthusiasts.
PROS
Excellent overclocking ability
Huge solid copper heat sink covering GPU and memory
No external power requirements
Single slot design
Decent bundle
Great price-to-performance ratio
Excellent build quality
CONS
Not packed in anti-static bag
Thermal pad tape for memory contact
We have three award levels from good to best:
base hit,
home run, and
grand slam. So, what did the MSI NX6800-TD128E get? The inaugural nV News
Grand Slam Hardware award of course!
