Final thoughts and rating
The Inno3D GeForce GTX 295 Platinum 1,792MB graphics card is the first that we've seen use a single PCB for housing two G200b GPUs; previous single-slot cards have used two PCBs. The manufacturing change results in a lighter card that still tips the scales at close to 1kg, and we can intimate that it's slightly cheaper to produce for NVIDIA's partners.Construction aside, there's very little that's new here. GeForce GTX 295 remains the fastest graphics card currently available, and it should be so until both NVIDIA and ATI release their next-generation architectures in autumn 2009.
Costing £356, including VAT, at the time of writing, the Inno3D single-PCB card is one of the cheaper models around, although the asking price for twin-PCB models has fallen to below £400 for a wide range of partners.
Fast as it may be, blazing through benchmarks at 2,560x1,600, the card's value is always in doubt, because two GeForce GTX 260s - offering broadly similar performance in SLI - can be purchased for £250. Further, a Radeon HD 4870 X2 2,048MB, whilst not as fast, is a relative snip at £240.
If NVIDIA/Inno3D really, really want to shift some of these high-power cards we suggest an etail price of £299 all in - or less.
Bottom line: the single-PCB Inno3D GeForce GTX 295 Platinum's cosmetic differences and relatively attractive price are enough to entice buyers who would have the GTX 295 on their shortlist. For everyone else, we'd suggest waiting for prices to drop just before the next-generation parts hit the shelves, or to purchase a twin-card combination from lower down in the range.
HEXUS Rating
We consider any product score above '50%' as a safe buy. The higher the score, the higher the recommendation from HEXUS to buy. Simple, straightforward buying advice.
The rating is given in relation to the category the component competes in, therefore the card is evaluated with respect to our 'high-end components' criteria.
Inno3D GeForce GTX 295 Platinum 1,792MB
HEXUS Rating
Good overclocking potential and blazing-fast performance.HEXUS Where2Buy
The Inno3D GeForce GTX 295 Platinum can be purchased for £356.77, including VAT and delivery.
HEXUS Right2Reply
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