The TFT Connection: Do NVIDIA and ATi Deliver?

MSI FX5950 Ultra-VTD256 (MS8946)

Graphics Processor: NVIDIA GeForce FX 5950 Ultra

Memory: 256 MB
Display Outputs: 1x VGA, 1x DVI-I (Single Link)
TMDS: Add-On: SIL 164 (Silicon Image)
Bus: AGP 8x

DVI Compliance Test

TX0 (Red): UXGA (1600x1200) 162 MHz

TX1 (Green): UXGA (1600x1200) 162 MHz

TX2 (Blue): UXGA (1600x1200) 162 MHz

MSI's FX 5950 Ultra-VTD256 does not use the on-chip TMDS transmitter. Instead, DVI output is handled by a SiL 164 by Silicon Image. The card passes the DVI compliance test at 162 MHz (UXGA). The eye diagram show a very good result at TX0 (red), but at TX1 and 2 (green and blue), the curve is very inhomogeneous in some cases, barely staying within the limits. Still, it just scrapes by, earning compliance. Problems may occur when using long DVI cables.

Result: DVI compliant at 162 MHz