ASUS EAX1800XL 256MB presentation and bundle
Arriving in a gargantuan box that makes motherboards look small, ASUS have always offered a decent bundle with its top-of-the-range graphics cards. That what comes with having huge buying power and the ability to negotiate healthy discounts on bundled software.
The first part of the bundle is CD heaven. There's no less than 11 CDs that include full version of the following games: Xpand Rally, Joint Operations: Typhoon Rising, Eidos' Project Snowblind, Chaos League, Second Sight, and Power Drome. Further CDs include an ASUS-branded version of CyberLink's PowerDVD v5.0, a comprehensive manual in electronic format, Medi@show SE 2.0, and further CyberLink goodies in the form of PowerDirector 3DE (for the card's VIVO), and, finally, the installation CD that supports all current ASUS ATI cards, together with DirectX 9.0c, ASUS' GameFace, Video Security, and Game Live programs. It's a shame that no overclocking tools are included, or, for that matter, ASUS' excellent SmartDoctor software.
To keep all the CDs in scratch-free condition, ASUS takes the unusual step of bundling in a leather CD case. Nice, eh? A multi-language fold-out sheet details basic installation, should you need it. The package also carries ASUS' Splendid, a video-analysis technology that that keeps colours look as life-like as possible.
The bundling continues with cables galore. S-Video-to-component cables, although still an analogue connection, allow you to connect the card up to external AV equipment. S-Video and RCA extension cables are a must, as are dual DVI dongles. Further, VIVO cables (S-Video-In/Out) and a PCIe-to-molex adapter round off the package.
Another bountiful ASUS bundle which is covered by a 3-year limited warranty. The basic are all here, but no card-specific features such as SmartDoctor fan-speed manipulation or overclocking tools.
