ASUS ENGTX295 [Review]

ASUS ENGTX295 [Review]

Jayesh Limaye, Feb 03, 2009 1456 hrs IST

Based on the fastest single graphics solution available today, this card is a trailblazer

Extremely fast, nice build and HSF, SLI, based on 55nm fabrication process, lower power consumption than competition, good software bundle.

Cannot be overclocked much, a bit expensive, power hungry in 3D, no integrated audio, no game bundle, no HDMI cable.

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It was only recently that we reviewed a GeForce GTX 295 card and we already have another one from ASUS - ENGTX295. No doubt that it will reassert its claim to the GPU throne, as this being an ASUS card has got some nifty innovations. Unfortunately, the ENGTX295 does not come with any game bundle, which is quite unlike ASUS.

With 1792MB of DDR3 memory, this dual GPU graphics card has the core and the memory running at stock speeds. We will be comparing it head-to-head with the Zotac GeForce GTX295 we have reviewed and also the Palit Revolution 700. The card has been tested and you can read all about it here.

For those who may be interested to know, ASUSTeK Computer Incorporated, better known as simply ASUS, is a Taiwan-based computer hardware company manufacturing a host of products such as motherboards, graphics cards, optical drives and also other products like PDAs and the more recent Eee brand of products. It started modestly in 1989 and is today one of the biggest computer electronics companies in the world. It is an official NVIDIA Authorized Board Partner and therefore delivers the latest NVIDIA products as soon as the parts are launched by NVIDIA.

The card comes in a green-colored box with a book-like design, which when opened, advertises about the software contents in the box. A demonic knight warrior riding a majestically rearing horse is featured on it along with information about the bundled software and game as well as the card specifications. We opened the box to see what's inside and found that there are two cardboard boxes that neatly pack the manual and discs in one, and the cables and connectors in the other. Under this, the graphics card inside an anti-static cover is neatly tucked and secured inside foam in such a way that it can survive a considerable rough time during transportation. Opening the boxes reveals the bundle about which we will tell you next.

Bundle

ASUS ENGTX295

DVI-I to D-Sub adapter

Internal S/PDIF cable

2xMolex to 1x6-pin PCIe adapter

2x6-pin PCIe to 1x8-pin PCIe adapter

SpeedSetup Guide

HDMI Adaptor/SPDIF cable connection instruction booklet

Promotional discount coupon

CD disk with drivers

Utility CD

Leather Multi-CD/DVD folder

The bundle is "just about" complete because ASUS have included everything, but since this card is meant for gaming and costs a fortune, a game bundle was mandatory. Many of you may wonder how an analog three-way RCA to HDTV cable or dongle has not been provided either, but that is not necessary in this case since this card relies on the HDMI output to connect to an HDTV.

We do have a complaint that ASUS hasn't provided an HDMI cable along with this card considering the premium price being paid. ASUS has also included the internal S/PDIF cable to facilitate HDMI audio, when you connect an HDTV to this card. ASUS has bundled two software: Gamer OSD, which allows real-time overclocking, benchmarking and video capturing, while SmartDoctor is another tool to monitor power as well as fan speeds in addition to overclocking shaders. There is also a leather multi-CD/DVD folder that can hold a dozen discs and this has a magnetic flap. This may be useful to carry game discs around.

ASUS has also included a discount coupon with a special promotional code, using which you can get 10% off on up to five games or CUDA applications at www.nZone.com/global. The maximum discount that can be availed using this offer is US$25 (approximately Rs.1,250).