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Nvidia 6600 GT AGP Roundup
[Abstract]
Capturing The Middle GroundIf women are attracted to bright shiny objects, then men must be attracted to bright shiny toys that growl in the dark. How else to explain their fascination with, am...
[Content] PCDigitalMobileGame
ASUS N6600GT/TOP/TD
The ASUS N6600GT/TOP/TD is nothing like the standard design, even if it may look like it on first appearances. While the copper heatsink adheres closely to the NVIDIA reference model, so much so that the contours of the heatsink follow the NVIDIA-dictated markings on its PCB, ASUS maintains its reputation for quality by using superior components like the Samsung 1.6ns DDR3 memory chips found in this card. As its box and name declares proudly, the 'TOP' in the N6600GT/TOP/TD stands for Top Overclocking Performance. Before we get to the overclocking, you should know that ASUS has actually overclocked the N6600GT/TOP/TD at the factory. Instead of the standard GeForce 6600 GT frequencies of 500/450MHz for its core and memory, the N6600GT/TOP/TD is clocked at 520/550MHz (1100MHz DDR). Obviously this gives the card a distinct advantage over its rivals and allows ASUS to position their product as a premium product. However, the maximum overclocking performance from the N6600GT/TOP/TD was not among the better ones that we saw in our comparison, somewhat diluting its 'TOP' claim. Despite the better grade Samsung memory chips it used, the overclocking for the memory was less than stellar, leading us to wonder if the standard cooler design ASUS used (where there was no active cooling for the memory), handicapped the overclocking. Of course, if we relied solely on out of the box performance, then the ASUS would be the fastest in our roundup. Another surprising fact for this product was the rather incomplete cable accessory pack, especially when considering this is the cream of the crop model from ASUS.
The ASUS box was one of the largest in our roundup though we would have preferred a more handy package. |
Our first look of the ASUS N6600GT. |
Close up view of the Samsung memory, rated at 1.6ns. The ASUS card is the only one that used these faster and more expensive chips. |
The bundle that ASUS included is quite good. Besides the standard ASUS utilities like GameFace Live, VideoSecurity Online and OnScreen Display, there are two games along with the token media content software. The following lists the contents of the package:
Xpand Rally
Joint Operations ?Typhoon Rising
CyberLink MediaShow 2.0SE
Driver CD
User Manual CD
DVI-to-VGA adaptor
S-Video to Composite cable
The cables included were typical for the GeForce 6600 GT range of cards, but we found it insufficient considering this card's positioning. |
Another view of the ASUS N6600GT. |
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