The graphics card market is crowded with numerous products from both ATI and NVIDIA. We have X800SE, X800 Pro, X800 XT, and X800 XT PE from ATI and 6800LE, 6800, 6800 GT, and 6800 Ultra (not assuming that there is a 6800 Ultra Extreme in the market) from NVIDIA for users to choose from. Both product lines range from eight pixel pipelines to 16 pixel pipelines with lower clock speeds to suit just about everyone in the market. It is not surprising to see frustrated consumers who don't know what to purchase for their gaming and application needs. It is truly a battle of the titans, as ATI and NVIDIA both compete to win more buyers.

To make matters worse, ATI coherently sides with Valve for Half-Life 2 while NVIDIA sides with ID for Doom III. While it is all a confusing maze, both GPU vendors have released excellent products in the market. Simply put, there is no sub-par performer for any budget segment. NVIDIA worked to improve their NV40 architecture and shone through with their GeForce 6 series while ATI continued to keep pace with NVIDIA with their R420 core (or X800 series).

It is a debated topic to tear through their architectural differences, but the bottom line, their performance differences, still win in the end. That being said, our focus for today's evaluation is on Albatron's Trinity line of 6800 series of cards. Albatron produces high-quality products and has spanned in various market segments. While majority of their consumership is still in Asia, their North American market is still going strong.

We have evaluated two 6800 Vanilla (or standard) cards previously and one thing is crystal clear; the performance difference between 6800 Vanillas, from one manufacturer to another, is neck-to-neck. This means that we have to base our conclusions more on package value, lower price point, and additional features instead of pure performance numbers. Manufacturers must now do something competitive to differentiate themselves from the rest.

Albatron's Trinity 6800 is one of the heaviest cards we have seen in a while, all thanks to its copper heatsink. Gigabyte's 6800 ties in with Albatron's card for the weight crown, but overall Albatron's card is impressive. Has Albatron done anything unique to spice up their package? Read on and find out

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