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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.
DirectX 10
DirectX is an API (Application Programming Interface) that allows programmers to access system resources more easily, and with less overhead (overhead = additional processing power and memory needed). Every time a new version of DirectX comes out, there needs to be new hardware to take advantage of it. Now, Windows Vista has introduced a new version of DirectX, 10, that only exists on Vista. Therefore, the current generation of video cards is designed to take advantage of DirectX 10.
It should be noted that the Aero interface introduced with Vista is not dependent on DirectX 10 features. However, as DirectX 10 cards are all newer designs, any of them will certainly have the graphics horsepower needed to run Aero. Otherwise, DirectX 10 is generally of more interest to gamers.
See more DirectX 10 products
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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CNET product brief
Description: The VisionTek Radeon HD 3870 is a 512 MB, mainstream 3D card.Compared to other mainstream 3D display cards on the market, it is midpriced at around $190.
Pros: Has a PCI express 2.0 x16 interface.
Cons: None noted, given available product data.
Suitability: Suited for all productivity tasks, as well as for the casual 3D gamer.This card supports DirectX 10 technology, used in Microsoft's Windows Vista OS, and is the new technology for the upcoming generation of high-performance games.
Value: In general, this graphics card's features are in line with its price.Also, if you were to judge strictly by the card's chipset you could expect to pay about 40% less for a similarly capable card.Also, mainstream 3D adapters with comparable features and memory have an average cost of about $145.
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) For Editor's Reviews of the latest graphics cards, visit the graphics and sound section of CNET's website.
CNET's Product Briefs are generated by a software tool that combines product specifications with knowledge of our editorial experts. They do not reflect hands-on assessment or labs testing. For more information about how we create Product Briefs, contact us.
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