Good 3D Performance at a Middling Price: GeForce 6600 Shootout

Components

On the software equipment side Gainward holds back a little. Apart from the DVD player software WinDVD 5 from Intervideo (the current version is 6, upgrade price $39.95), Gainward also includes the video processing software muvee autoProducer 3.0, but this is already out of date. The current version number is 4 (upgrade cost $19.95). What should also be mentioned is the CD driver, including EXPERTool. Gainward does not bundle any games with the card.

You need to install the Gainward utility EXPERTool to run the card at the advertised higher clockrates. If not, the card just runs at NVIDIA's reference speed.

Very useful: the fan speed can be set by hand for 2D and 3D.

Gainward also saved in terms of the connection cables. There is only a short breakout box for the card's video input and output. Apart from S-video and composite video in, there is also an S-video output as well as YPbPr connections for HDTV. A normal composite connection for TV out is missing.

Up to two CRT monitors can be operated as you wish on the two DVI outputs. Gainward supplies the corresponding adapters.