While the 3D image quality on the Titan 3 was excellent, one of its features is improved RFI filtering for improved 2D image quality. Unsure of what modifications were done to improve 2D image quality, it's quite possible that capacitors on the RFI filtering circuit were removed as described on this page. Nevertheless, I did conduct my own informal testing.

I tested 2D image quality on a 19-inch Hitachi SuperScan CM752 monitor, which is no longer being manufactured, and is based on an Invar shadow mask. Testing consisted of evaluating image clarity when black text with various font sizes was displayed on a white background. Resolutions ranging from 640x480 to 1280x1024 using an 85Hz refresh rate and 1600x1200 using a 75Hz refresh rate were used. Large fonts were enabled at 1600x1200.

The end result of each test is the assignment of a clarity rating for each setting with a 10 being the best image quality. Here are the results.

Based on the three cards that were evaluated, which consisted of the Titan 3, a reference GeForce3, and Gainward's GeForce3, I could not determine a clear-cut winner. None of the three cards stood out which is favorable for the Titan 3 as Gainward's cards have gained a reputation for better than average 2D image quality.

However, the tests results indicate that as the resolution increases, a decrease in image clarity also occurs. From 640x480 to 1024x768 the Titan 3 offered 2D image quality on par with a Matrox G200 and HP 71 monitor I use at work. None of the cards showed signs of "image ghosting" or blurry text, but the reference GeForce3 clearly exhibited the "rolling lines" syndrom at a 75Hz refresh rate in 2D and 3D.

During the past two years using a variety of GeForce based graphics cards, my Windows resolution of choice has consistently been 1280x1024 using an 85Hz refresh rate. Even the image quality at this setting becomes variable as lighting conditions change due to the amount of indirect sunlight present in the computer room. Although the 2D image quality at 1600x1200 received a rating of 8.0, I would consider using it if my monitor's refresh rate supported 85Hz.

Measuring image quality is a matter of personal opinion and is heavily dependent on the capabilities of the monitor as well as any electromagnetic interference that may be present (speakers, modems, transformers, etc.). Unfortunately I wasn't able to test an aperture grille based monitor which is probably less forgiving than a shadow mask when it comes to image quality. However, I've received a favorable impression from a Titan 3 owner who is using a 21-inch Sony F500 monitor.

At this time the Titan 3 is the fastest "out-of-the-box" GeForce3 on the market. With other stock GeForce3's surpassing the default clock speeds of the Titan 3, this may be more marketing lingo than anything else. However, the higher clock speeds of the Titan 3 are guaranteed and as we've seen, the potential to reach close to "ultra" class performance is very good.

With a price tag of $349 for the OEM version of the Titan 3, this card is by no means cheap. On the other hand, any GeForce3 is expensive, but prices are beginning to drop down to $300. Is the Titan 3 worth the extra $50? I think so, but the more pressing question should be "is the GeForce3 worth $300?" I think that's a question for you to decide based on this and other GeForce3 reviews.

But I'll leave you with this analogy - if you like fast cars, you'll love the Titan 3.

"What's Under Your Hood?"

As a final note, I was told that OCZ Technologies is a separate company from the OverclockerZ Store, which has received some consumer criticism in the past. However, both companies are owned by AFASTCO. While the OverclockerZ Store is a reseller of the Titan 3 and some visitors to nV News have already purchased from them, a list of resellers can be found on this page. Some resellers may not have the Titan 3 listed yet, in which case a phone order can be used to make a purchase.

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