MSI RX800PRO-TD256: Little Value Add, Lots of Software

Conclusion

With the Rx800PRO-TD256, MSI has added a solid but unspectacular card to its product portfolio. Like many other Radeon X800 Pro cards based on Ati's reference layout, which includes stock cooling and performance, the card does not offer much value add beyond Ati's design. However, in addition to its good 3-D performance, the card also offers a very extensive gaming bundle. Home cinema enthusiasts will also appreciate the inclusion of a YPrPb component output/cable, allowing the connection of an HDTV display.

But games aside, the other software bundled with the card, while appearing very extensive at first glance, mostly consists of limited editions and outdated versions.

Pros

• High 3D performance and DirectX 9.0b support
• Texture filtering optimizations can deactivated (in part)
• TV-Out
• HDTV connectivity thanks to YPrPb cable
• Very good gaming bundle

Cons

• High price
• Outdated software bundle
• No video inputs

Feature Table