Today we are reporting on our first graphics card that uses NVIDIA's GeForce GTX 260 graphics processing unit. Actually, this particular model happens to be a minor update to the original GeForce GTX 260, as it features additional core and texture processing units. This update will provide increased performance across a variety of applications. The product in question is EVGA's GeForce GTX 260 Core 216 SuperClocked model, which has clock speeds that exceed reference specifications from NVIDIA. Although architectural updates from the original GeForce GTX 260 were minor, NVIDIA felt a press release to announce the GPU was not warranted and quietly released it to market. - nV News

EVGA GeForce GTX 260 Core 216 SuperClock Review

Other than the increased core and texture filtering units, the EVGA GeForce GTX 260 Core 216 SuperClocked edition is essentially a souped-up GeForce GTX 260. However, the combined upgrades will allow its performance to come closer to graphics cards that use NVIDIA's flagship GeForce GTX 280 GPU. Recall that retail prices of graphics cards based on the GeForce GTX 200 series fell quickly after launch as the result of an updated Radeon lineup from AMD. Early adopters of NVIDIA's latest GPU were even offered rebates from the add-in partners as compensation for the price reduction so shortly after the release.

Features like technical support, support forums and a limited lifetime warranty are on display. The EVGA step-up program is a strong addition to the feature set. The software on their install CD contained EVGA's Precision overclocking utility, which boasts an eye-catching user interface. The improved look from the reference drivers allows control of the core, memory, shader and fan speeds in real-time. The ability to control the fan speed is a must have feature. This allows the user to fine tune fan speed, which is important in controlling the overall fan noise generated by a system, and generated heat levels.

The EVGA e-GeForce GTX 260 Core 216 SuperClocked ran flawlessly during the six weeks that we used it in my system. The GPU runs cool and fan noise can be varied as necessary. With EVGA's strong support features, the GeForce GTX 260 Core 216 SuperClocked is highly recommended. We planned to test the performance of the Core 216 SuperClocked againt one of our all-time favorite graphics cards, the EVGA GeForce 8800 GTX ACS³ edition. However, for those of you still holding on to the GeForce 8800 GTX, the GeForce GTX 260 Core 216 SuperClocked makes for a compelling upgrade.