MSI NX6600GT-TD128E
Contrary to the AGP model tested above, the NX6600GT-TD128E doesn’t have VIVO capability. All the same it shares an MSI cooling system, similar to Leadtek’s, but more evolved. In fact, this time the radiator covers the Samsung 2.0ns memory chips.
The card has a VGA D-Sub, DVI and TV outlet. MSI also provides all the necessary adaptors; a VGA/DVI, one for analogical video signals in S-Video/Composite/YUC as well as an S-Video cable. Software is generous with XIII and Uru: Ages beyond Myst for games and the following utilities: Restore It 3 Professional, Photoshop Album SE, 3D Album SE, WinDVD Creator, Cyberlink PowerCinema 3, Cyberlink MakeDVD, Cyberlink PowerProducer 2 Gold – DVD and Cyberlink Power2Go 4 – DVD
Unlike the AGP model, the PCI Express version has a significantly reduced noise level compared to that of the standard NVIDIA system’s. It’s at the level of Leadtek cards at 47 dBA. In addition to being less noisy, it only registered 64°C in practice, the lowest of this card survey.
For overclocking we went from 500/500 to 560/620, which is more than acceptable. This gave a score of 5659 points with 3DMark03 in 1024*768 AA 4x, versus the normal 4884 points.
VerdictThis card is on the same level as the PCI Express Leadtek. In other words, it’s one of the best.
Point of View GeForce 6600 GT PCI-E
To finish this survey we come to the Point of View in PCI Express. Like it’s AGP version, POV decided to entirely use the standard NVIDIA design, cooling system included. Thus, this card has 128 Mo of GDDR3, a GeForce 6600 GT, and a VGA, DVI and TV outlet.
Again like the AGP, POV sets itself apart with the package. In terms of hardware, there is a VGA/DVI adaptor, as well as an S-Video/Composite/YUV adapter for the TV output. For software, this is where POV pulls its trump card, with InterVideo WinDVD for DVDs and also 3 recent games of quality : Far Cry, Pacific Fighters and Prince Of Persia : Warrior Within.
In use, the Point of View proves to be quite noisy at 53 dBA. The temperature in practice was measured at 66°C, which is very good. Performance was average at 4877 with 3DMark03 in 1024*768 AA 4x. For overclocking, our card attained 545/620 MHz and a final score of 5576.
VerdictLike its AGP version, Point Of View doesn’t set itself apart except with its attractive software package.
