ASUS (Deluxe Models)
ASUS has integrated all stereo vision components directly into their video card. The rather bulky glasses are plugged directly into the card, using a jack. The upside to the glasses' massive frame is that it is very effective at keeping out any stray ambient light. Also, the individual glasses are quite generously proportioned, measuring 45x25mm. Even users with eyeglasses should be able to wear the headset. The cable is on the short side, measuring only 200cm.
Unlike the competition, which uses NVIDIA's reference 3D driver, ASUS uses its own software. As this driver is well-tested and has had a long time to mature, the results are very good. The excellent on-screen display deserves special mention here as well.
MSI (GF3 Ti500 Pro-VTG)
MSI accommodates the circuitry for the stereo effect on a separate slot card, which is connected to the video card with a loop-through cable. It also requires an additional external power supply. Unfortunately, the power connector on the slot card turned out to be a bit too simple - first-time users who don't know that the "1" on the backplane designates the power input will feel a bit insecure when first connecting it. On a positive note, the card does allow you to plug in two sets of glasses at the same time. Despite being made of soft plastic, the glasses make a solid impression. The eyeglasses are the largest available, measuring a full 45x27mm. Nonetheless, this headset can't be recommended to people with glasses. The cable length is even shorter than that of ASUS' glasses at 190cm.
Like PNY, MSI uses NVIDIA's reference stereo driver. Aside from the driver, MSI also ships a software 3D video player, which can play the established .3da 3D video format. A sample video is included, as well. The configuration of the video player is quite cumbersome, and the overall result disappointing.