Even if the current graphics card market is ruled by the PCI Express version, some partners such as MSI still haven't given up on the aging AGP slot. The latest addition to the MSI's AGP series is the Radeon HD 2600 PRO in both 256MB and 512MB versions, both of which are passively cooled. MSI was kind enough to send us the 256MB version. The only difference between this card and the 512MB version is memory size, the cooler and the clocks are identical. ATI's Radeon HD 2600 PRO, or less commonly known as the RV630, is made in the 65nm manufacturing process which is the main prerequisite for this card to be passively cooled, since it produces less heat. - FudZilla

MSI Raden HD 2600 PRO 256MB AGP Version Review

The core of the MSI Radeon HD 2600 PRO works at reference clock of 600MHz, and it is identical to the clock on the PCI Express version. The memory, on the other hand, is a different story. We would really like to see GDDR3 memory on this card, but MSI has decided to go for the DDR2 memory, probably to keep the price of this card as low as possible. The memory works at a lower clock of 800MHz effective, and the card has a 128-bit memory interface. As with he rest of the Radeon HD 2000 series, this card also supports DirectX 10, Shader Model 4.0 and comes with dual link DVI with HDCP support.

The only noticeable difference between the AGP and PCI Express versions is the lack of the CrossFire connector and the small Rialto bridge chip placed on the back of the card. The Rialto bridge is used to transfer PCI Express instructions to AGP, and without it, a PCI Express GPU wouldn't work on the AGP port. Yet another difference is the 4-pin floppy connector which can't be found on the PCI Express version. The reason for this is simple, the AGP port can't supply enough power to power this card. As we mentioned in the beginning, MSI has decided to go for a passive cooling solution for this graphics card.

The passive cooling solution uses dual heatpipes to transfer the heat away from the core to the heatsink located on the back of the card. When talking about passively cooled cards it's always worth mentioning that you should assure good airflow inside the chassis when using such cards, as passive cooling solutions are in most cases less efficient than their active counterparts. We were very skeptical concerning the performance of this cooling solution, but MSI has managed to pleasantly surprise us. The main credit goes to the large heatsink, as well as the fact that the RV630 PRO core doesn't heat up too much.

The card is capable of running most games at reasonable resolutions, its cooling is effective and the temperatures are surprisingly low. It's a silent AGP card with a reasonable price and price is often what really matters in the upgrade market. We could mention the flaws, like the DDR2 memory, only if we forget the price, which is currently about $100, which is the main fact when you compare it to the Radeon X1950 PRO graphics card. When compared to the Radeon X1950 we can talk about some performance issues, but these cards aren't in the same class or generation for that matter and therefore not really up to speed.

Simple math comes into play, the Radeon X1950 PRO will cost you $150, or $50 more, which is not a small price, especially if you are investing in the upgrade of an old system with AGP slot. For $50 less you'll get HD video capability and DirectX 10 support. Looking at the current situation on the AGP market, MSI's Radeon HD 2600 PRO card is a tempting offer, so we can easily recommend it. If you are considering on mild refresh of you AGP system, and don't want to invest your money on cards like the Radeon X1950 PRO, the passive MSI Radeon HD 2600 PRO AGP edition is definitely a great choice.