Conclusions
Performance first, the 9800XT is simply the fastest graphics cards money can buy. Our tests don't show a massive range of new titles, but I can confidently say that the impressive performance shown in the tests we do run, accurately portray its comparative performance in almost everything else. Mighty quick.However, as is usual up at the top of the graphics card world, mighty quick means mighty expensive. It's £420(ish) at Overclock, one of the only places that seems to have plentiful stock arriving within the next week or so. Expect it to show up at your favourite alternate UK retailers like Komplett very soon.
With Leadtek's 5950 Ultra over £60 cheaper at another UK store, with a similar VIVO feature set to the ASUS, it's no longer NVIDIA who holds the most expensive graphics card title overall.
The ASUS feature set is excellent, stopping just short of full All-In-Wonder capability, but none the worse for it, should the extra AIW features not take your fancy.
It overclocks decently, SmartDoctor makes it quieter than almost any other card, it's presented well, exudes quality and carries ASUS' 3 year warranty. Factor Half Life 2 into the price too, if you're feeling that way inclined. Shipping date for that title stops it making any real difference though.
Should you want the fastest graphics card money can buy and you're deep of pockets, the ASUS is as good as any to relieve you of your cash.
The 9700 Pro remains the performance bargain of current times, despite being well over 12 months old and cheaper 9800's and 9800 Pro's offer very similar performance for a bit less money too.
Quite simply the best of a very expensive bunch, but for the lottery winners only just now. Yet another 8/10 (do I ever award anything else these days?!) due to price. Very nearly perfect and will be when it drops < £300.
Score
Pro's
PresentationStunning performance
Very quiet
Good software bundle
VIVO features and Rage Theater
Con's
2nd mortgage expensiveCould have overclocked better (sample specific however)
