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CNET editors' rating:
3.5 stars
Very good
Detailed editors' rating - Average user rating: 2.0 stars out of 30 reviews
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Product summary
Specifications: Graphics Processor / Vendor: ATI Radeon 9600 XT; Max Resolution (external): 2048 x 1536 / 60 Hz; Video Memory Installed: 128 MB / 128 MB (max); See full specs
CNET editors' review
- Reviewed on: 04/23/2004
- Released on: 03/01/2004
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CNET editors' buying advice
We have not reviewed this product but here is CNET's buying advice on Graphics Cards. This content was chosen based on the features included with this model of graphics card.
Media Center Graphics Card
One of the popular attempted 'convergence devices' of recent years is the media center PC. This can range from a computer with a normal monitor that can receive TV signals, to a central media server that can send movies to the main TV itself. A media center graphics card needs to be capable of outputting signals in a form with which TVs are likely to be compatible.
TV Tuners for Computers
While the ability to watch TV on a computer has existed for a while, Windows Media Center has brought more attention to the idea. However, this is not a normal ability and requires special equipment. This can either be a graphics card that includes a TV tuner, a separate TV tuner card, or a separate external device (usually USB).
The next concern is an analog vs. a digital TV signal. You will either need to know which is available in your area, or get some form of hybrid or combo card that can do both. An analog TV tuner that can do its own decoding (in hardware) is considered higher quality than ones that off-load it to the main processor.
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VGA Explanation
VGA cables (and CRT monitors) use an analog signal. Both video cards and modern LCD monitors internally use digital signals. This means that when using a VGA cable with an LCD monitor, the signal is being converted from digital to analog and back again. Currently, converters are good enough that it isn't a real issue, but technically the signal is being degraded every time it is converted. So if you are using an LCD monitor that supports DVI, it is best to get a graphics card that does the same and to use a DVI cable.
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User reviews
- Average user rating: 2.0 stars out of 30 reviews
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4 out of 4 people found this review helpful
"GREAT HARDWARE - WORST SOFTWARE - TECHNICAL HELP? FORGET IT"
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2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
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2 out of 3 people found this review helpful
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