Bundle and presentation
Another huge box from ASUS. So as not to confuse the average buyer, PCI Express is emblazoned on the right-hand side. PCI Express is limited to a couple of Intel chipsets right now, but with the likes of Dell already migrating on to PCIe for its higher-specified desktops, this new conduit is here to stay.
Another large software bundle that highlights ASUS' buying power. ASUS is content to use a standardised bundle and change it a little for different cards. Deus Ex: Invisible War continue as a full gaming title, but this time Gunmetal and Battle Engine Aquila will be supplanted by Counterstrike: Condition Zero. Power Director 3 is a strange addition to the package. The card is bereft of a VIVO ASIC. Perhaps ASUS intended to include VIVO functionality on this model but pulled it at the last moment, before the package was altered.
ASUS adds in a 6-pin PCIe power adapter, a couple of DVI dongles, and an S-Video-to-composite adapter. That's par for the course, really. Again, the main manual is to be found on an accompanying CD and not in paper form. To ASUS' credit, the manual is a decent reference work.
ASUS seems to want to include a funky webcam in its top-level graphics packages. Given a choice, I'd rather see a £15 reduction in overall package price than have a 'free' webcam bundled in.
Normally I'd wax lyrical about the excellent SmartDoctor monitoring and tweaking utility. It's one of the features that sets ASUS' cards apart from the reference bunch. The ability to control fan speed and monitor voltages and core and memory temperatures is a definite bonus.
Something you don't see very often now. Installation of SmartDoctor v4.52 caused the dreaded Blue Screen Of Death. Initial thoughts were a one-off glitch. Attempting to install the software again caused another computer lock and BSOD. To state the obvious, there's serious compatibility issues with the software, driver and Windows XP. It's a real shame, too, as a working SmartDoctor 2 application is a selling point. I hope ASUS rectifies the problem as soon as possible.
