Diamond Viper ATI Radeon HD 3650 - graphics adapter - Radeon HD 3650 - 512 MB

Description: This Diamond Viper ATI Radeon HD 3650 is a 512 MB, mainstream 3D card. Compared to other mainstream 3D display cards on the market, it is relatively inexpensive at around $105.

Pros: Has a PCI express 2.0 x16 interface, which is considerably faster than some similarly priced display cards. Also, this graphics card is built around an ATI Radeon HD 3650 chipset, which is somewhat more advanced than some similarly priced display cards. In fact, the typical cost of a product with this advanced a chipset is $140.

Cons: None noted, given available product data.

Suitability: Suited for all productivity tasks, as well as for the casual 3D gamer.

Value: In view of its relatively inexpensive price, this graphics card has great features for the money. Also, if you were to judge strictly by the card's chipset you could expect to pay as much as 40% more for a similarly capable card.

Suggestions: (1) Since this card is DVI-capable, you might want a DVI-enabled monitor or a flat-panel display to connect with it -- this will pass the digital video signal directly without converting it to analog, making for better performance. (2) CNET's graphics and sound content can help you decide if this card is the right purchase to make.

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