XFX GeForce 7950 GX2 XXX Edition
As is usual with a new NVIDIA graphics product launch these days, XFX are first to sample us with a retail example. Arriving in time for inclusion in this preview piece, here's a look at the board itself and the presentation and bundle, before you see its performance relative to the reference board and competition.The XXX Edition moniker means it's factory overclocked, XFX choosing clocks of 570/775 (for both 2D and 3D modes, with not clocking back when idle, erk!) versus the reference 500/600 settings. That should give it a decent hike in performance which we'll see shortly.
Here's the board.
Bar some extra stickers, including a branded one on the fan, it's the reference hardware in outward appearance.
Presentation
Muttalicious. The core clock, 1GiB DRAM size total, model name and interconnect are all referenced on a box design we've seen time and time again. What's new and cool to see is a statement of RoHS compliance (one of the new directives designed to remove hazardous and hard to recycle materials from component production).
Bundle
You get a copy of Tomb Raider Legend, a software CD with drivers on it (that don't support the card, but no change there), well written manual and guides for connectivity, and the cabling bundle. Two DVI-to-VGA adaptors compliment a component output cable, S-Video cable and Y-adaptor that makes 6-pin PEG power from two 4-pin Molex connectors. It's effectively what XFX give you in any number of their high-end graphics SKUs, and nothing special.
