The GeForce 9800 GTX+ version is just one of those cards that doesn't seem to be creating any real waves for NVIDIA, this seems to be a bit of a trend lately though. And the GeForce 9800 GT which was nothing more than a rebadged GeForce 8800 GT with a new price tag didn't really excite all that many people and the new GeForce GTX 260 that's being shown around seems to not only bore end users, but doesn't seem to be creating any real sparks with NVIDIA's partners either. Like most companies though, Gainward has released a GeForce 9800 GTX+, but unlike most other companies, they've taken the time to do something with it without being a Golden Sample edition. - TweakTown

Gainward GeForce 9800 GTX+ 512MB Version Review

The package is very similar to the Radeon HD 4850 we looked at as far as the overall layout goes. Across the top of the box we have the Gainward name along with the G logo. In the middle of the card we have an angel like character along with some NVIDIA logos and mention that the card comes with a free copy of 3DMark Vantage. The bottom of the card gives us the model, which in this case is the GeForce 9800 GTX+. We also have some of the main features like 512MB of GDDR3 memory, 3-way SLI support, DirectX 10, dual DVI and more. Turning the box over, we have details regarding some of the technologies.

With the package and its content done, it's time to check out the card itself. Pulling it out of the box, it looks like a new cooler. However, if you look at it a bit more carefully you'll notice it's the same cooler as the Radeon HD 4850 one with a slightly different cover on it. We can see in the middle of the card over the core we have a fan and under that we have some aluminum fins and a copper base. Looking at the top we can also see two copper pipes coming out which help get the hot air away from the core. We can also see that Gainward has put a bit of color onto the cover along with adding their logo to it.

Taking a peek around the card, we find our normal line-up of connectors. Towards the back of the card sitting at the top we have two 6-pin PCI Express power connectors and to the right of that we have the connector for the audio cable. Located down the front we have two SLI connectors that give us the chance to run up to three of these cards together. While the card isn't part of the Golden Sample series, they have still managed to give the core a slight bump, moving it to 745MHz while the 512MB of GDDR3 memory carries a clock of 2200MHz effective. Which is a nice setting but nothing more.

We're not really looking at anything too out of the ordinary here, the slight overclock that Gainward has given the card not only manages to just outperform the stock clocked model in almost every test, but also the heavily overclocked GeForce 9800 GTX from BFG. For the money, the GeForce 9800 GTX+ isn't a bad buy, but it seems to be a card that not too many companies are embracing. In all fairness it really is nothing more than an overclocked GeForce 9800 GTX, and if you already offer them why should you be bothering too much with the GeForce 9800 GTX+ edition as it is more of the same technology.

The good news is that unlike the Radeon HD 4850 we looked at from Gainward the other day, this card does have a bit more of a package going on thanks to the inclusion of not only the HDMI adapter and loop back cable but also a key for 3DMark Vantage so that you can display the power of your system loudly and proudly. If you find yourself looking for a GeForce 9800 GTX+, the slight overclock gives us a little boost in performance while the bundle is also pretty decent. Gainward have also done a good job with the aftermarket cooler, not only does it run cooler than the reference based cards, but it also runs quieter.

The Gainward GeForce 9800 GTX+ is a good card, that's just about it though. And the problem isn't with them, Gainward have almost done everything they can with the card to make it good. It has a good bundle, good cooling, nice looks and a decent price tag. But ultimately it's NVIDIA's core behind the cooler that truly makes the card and that is what's boring. So with that said, we have to say good job to Gainward for doing what they've done with the card. But as usual, the huge number of models NVIDIA have decided to give us these days is so confusing and underwhelming that it does let the model on a whole down.