Enhanced Performance

Since we only gotten a system that came equipped with the Quad SLI technology and ready for use, we didn't really have that much opportunity to tweak a lot nor to fully experience the gaming performance of the NVIDIA GeForce 7950 GX2. However, we managed to carry out some minor overclocking attempt with the GeForce 7950 GX2 which has quite some hidden potential. As most of you will know XFX has already a pre-overclocked GX2 card on the market that runs standard at 570/1500MHz. So we figured we should at least get a similar overclocking result. Well we even gotten a bit more than that. With our quick overclocking test we could reach 580/1550MHz in Quad SLI.

Benchmark Results - 2560x1600 (0x/8x)- 2GB RAM
GeForce 7950 GX2 1GB	3DMark06 Score
580/1550MHz (Ref - Single)	3831
580/1550MHz (Ref - Quad SLI)	5502

Due to the time limit we could do more, but at least this shows that the GeForce 7950 GX2 has some hidden potential by means of overclocking. What is remarkable is that the NVIDIA GeForce 7950 GX2, comes with two BIOS's, meaning one BIOS per PCB controlling the GPU and memory. Now that might sound still logic, but both BIOS's aren't the same. These bard a different version number and some different settings. The main thing is that you can control via the BIOS the fan speed, so by that you can set the inner PCB with a higher fan speed to have a better cooling. This worked for us quite efficiently.

Final Thoughts

With the introduction of the GeForce 7950 GX2 card by NVIDIA, you can experience the SLI technology and performance with a single graphics card. Whereas some months ago you only had the GeForce 7900 GX2 which could only be bought with a new computer and immediately in Quad SLI configuration, NVIDIA has not made the technology available for all of us. By releasing the GeForce 7950 GX2 each of us gets the chance to taste the SLI performance in all our gaming adventures. On top, the ultimate goal would be to put two GX2 cards together in Quad SLI. For this we will have to wait until NVIDIA officially adds the support on their ForceWare drivers.

We have been quite impressed by NVIDIA and their GeForce 7950 GX2. There is some kind of friction in our minds on where you can really call this a single card solution; because frankly it is a pair of PCB's put together using a single slot. But that is a discussion that shouldn't be raised as simply said; it only uses a single expansion slot. With the GeForce 7950 GX2, powered by dual-GPU's and the powerful SLI technology each and every one of us can now enjoy the SLI experience without having to go for an SLI ready mainboard. Although a BIOS upgrade might be needed for supporting the GX2, you are no longer bind to go for a SLI enabled mainboard.

The next best thing about the GeForce 7950 GX2 is the ability to go for a Quad SLI configuration. If you are a die-hard gamer and performance freak then this is exactly what you have been looking for. The only thing to keep in mind is that you need to go for an expensive LCD screen that support the Extreme HD (XHD) technology, such as the Apple 30" Cinema display. Cause frankly, you can only enjoy the pleasure of Quad SLI when you can play your favorite games at these Extreme HD resolutions. If that is not your goal, than Quad SLI is not your thing. But a single GX2 will do just fine to meet all your expectations. To end, the GeForce 7950 GX2 is yet another top quality product from NVIDIA.

Pros

• Excellent Performance
• Gorgeous Design and Functionality
• Decent Cooling Solution
• Single Card SLI Technology
• SLI Ready, Quad SLI Expandable
• Outstanding Overclocking Ability
• Innovative Concept

Cons

• Quite Expensive
• Pending Quad SLI Support

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