The TFT Connection: Do NVIDIA and ATi Deliver?

MSI FX-5700 Ultra-TD128 (MS8938)

Graphics Processor: NVIDIA GeForce FX 5700 Ultra

Memory: 128 MB
Display Outputs: 1x VGA, 1x DVI-I (Single Link)
TMDS: Integrated into Graphics Processor (NVIDIA)
Bus: AGP 8x

DVI Compliance Test

TX0 (Red): UXGA (1600x1200) 141 MHz

TX1 (Green): UXGA (1600x1200) 141 MHz

TX2 (Blue): UXGA (1600x1200) 141 MHz

The MSI FX 5700 Ultra-TD128 only reaches DVI compliance at a frequency of 141 MHz. UXGA (1600x1200) resolution can only be achieved by using a signal with reduced blanking. Modern monitors that support reduced blanking should be able to work at UXGA. However, older UXGA monitors (ca. 2 years and over) may revert to SXGA with this card, forcing them to interpolate the image. The eye diagrams show that the data is still barely within the defined limits. Nonetheless, the curves are already quite inhomogeneous, which can lead to problems when using longer DVI cables. The 141 MHz Data rate also limits possible higher resolutions (>UXGA achieved with reduced blanking)

Result: DVI compliant at 141 MHz