Albatron GeForce FX5700U3 GDDR3 Videocard Review
The
GeForceFX 5700 Ultra is already a pretty decent mainstream videocard, but that
hasn't stopped nVIDIA from trying to sweeten the deal
by including GDDR3 to the mix. GDDR3 (Graphics Double Data Rate3) is a new
type of DDR memory, one which has been specifically developed for use with
graphics card. As PCstats tests out the Albatron GeForceFX 5700 Ultra GDD3 videocard, we'll take a closer
look at GDDR3, and what it means to gamers and overclockers.
True to
form, Albatron's FX5700U3 is based on the GeForceFX 5700 Ultra chipset, and comes packing 128MB of GDDR3
memory. Wearing its signature bright blue colour, the card supports the typical assortment of connectors
including a TV-Output, DVI digital port and analog port as well.
Oddly enough, there was no DVI-to-analog
converter included in package however (this is usually standard equipment). The
FX5700U3's software package includes WinDVD/WinCreator, Duke Nukem MP and a
five game demo CD.
Surprise
surprise, the cooler here is exactly like the Albatron GeForceFX 5700 Ultra PCstats tested
in January... The FX5700U3 comes with higher density DRAM on the card,
which is why there are no memory modules on the back. Since the silk
screen is still there though, I suppose that leaves the option for a GDDR3
256MB GeForce FX5700U3 model....
If you plan to get a GeForceFX 5700 Ultra based
videocard please note that it requires extra power via a molex power connector (located on the
top right hand corner).
WiseFan II Cooling System
The
idea behind the "WiseFan II" system is that two fans are always running, with one as a
backup. If one fan fails, the third kicks in as a backup. With the second
generation we find on the Albatron FX5700U3, the system now adapts to temperatures
by starting the third fan up if GPU temperatures rise above 56 degrees Celsius. They
also added two blue LED's that light up when the card is running. ;-)
The large
aluminum heatsink
not only cools the NV36 core, but four adjacent Samsung GDDR3 BGA DRAM
modules. GDDR3 runs cooler than DDR2, which is why the FX5700U3 can get away
with using a thick thermal pad between the heatsink and memory.
It
should be noted that even with all three fans spinning, the Albatron GeForceFX
FX5700U3 remained very quiet. Albatron quote a noise level of just 25dB, which is
less than an 80mm Sunon 40 cfm case fan as one example.
RSS Newsletter
