Conclusion

Though the X800 GTO is not destined to be a super popular video card, its really too bad. HIS' IceQ Turbo configuration of the GTO, featuring the R480 core and a 256-bit memory bus, was able to deliver category leading performance, great overclocking, and near silent operation. It is really tough to beat. Unfortunately much of its spotlight has been stolen by all the talk about CrossFire missing in action and the release of the R520 and other X1K video cards.

It is hard to find problems with this HIS X800 GTO but there are some which should be mentioned. The first is availability- even when looking through HIS' "Where to Buy" section none could be found. There were a number of X800 GT Turbos, and I found one Sapphire X800 GTO, but no X800 GTO IceQ Turbos were available. The other issue with this card is that though it is the clear choice over cards over the current cards it may not fare so well against the X1600 which was slated to be released on October 5th. This new card features similiar specifications but with a few upgrades from the X800 line, including two more vertex engines.

Double Plus Good (+)
- Very good performance
- Great value
- Impressive overclocking
- Stays quiet and cool

Double Minus Bad (-)
- Takes up an extra slot
- Hard to find
- Can it beat the new comers?