When an performance video card series comes out, the performance is great for the masses and is something that will not be upgraded before the computer is obsolete. On the other hand, the reference releases only serve as an appetizer for the main course of custom cooled and built boards that always follow such reference card's launch. Sometimes these graphics cards show up right away and other times they come out a short while after the technology and yields are good enough to get cores that will run at higher levels. Since we have seen TOP models from ASUS include higher clock speeds and better cooling as well as just higher clock speeds, and more variations are popping up. - Overclocker Club

ASUS GeForce GTX 285 Matrix Graphics Review

Going back to the Extreme GTX 260 Matrix, you had a board delivered with stock clocks and enhanced cooling that overclocked like mad. The GeForce GTX 285 Matrix is their next card to get the Matrix moniker and is part of the Republic of Gamers series of products designed specifically for the needs of the gaming community. So the Matrix comes with a clock speed bump of 663MHz, a 15MHz bump over the reference while maintaining the default 2484MHz on the memory and 1476MHz for the shaders. The card has rugged post apocalyptic looks that would mesh well with any of the myriad of industrial cases out on the market.

Going based on the performance of its little brother, we have a heightened set of expectations. The packaging of the GeForce GTX 285 Matrix features a futuristic figure staring off into the stars. The ROG logo is displayed prominently on the top left corner. Their rear panel lists the features, innovations and suggested system requirements for using this video card. The GeForce GTX 285 Matrix looks similar to the reference cards at the first casual glance but then the differences quickly become obvious. Their heatsink housing is ribbed and contains the ROG logo to let you know this is one of ASUS' cards aimed squarely at the gaming crowd.

With these GeForce GTX 285 series getting a little long in the tooth and the next generation of video boards right around the corner, you have to wonder why you would make another high end model? Build it and they will come. Limited edition cards with higher performance and more robust looks and cooling sell even with the higher price tag. Does everyone who makes that purchase use it to its fullest extent? Not always, but the performance is there if you just need it. Kind of like spending more on the flavor of the month super car and only driving it only at the speed limit. But are you really, we somehow doubt that very much.

What helps separate this card from the others is that it comes with more robust cooling by way of the larger heatpipes used in the cooling solution. Another item that creates a point of difference is the usefulness of the iTracker software utility. So not only can you tailor the performance fully to your needs with a total of eight different profiles, but you can also adjust the memory and have the ability to flash the BIOS with the best profile for your needs. Wait a minute, isn't that a little on the risky side? Well, sure it is, though ASUS has made sure that you won't brick your Matrix by incorporating a way back from the edge.

When it came to overclocking, these Matrix was able to gain 75MHz on the core which is a nice bump. Not earth shattering but these speed increases offered an increase in performance while still retaining stable. If you are a gamer, this card is one you can be sure will deliver on the promise of performance for a price that is competitive with that offered by other brands. Add in the looks and bling factor, and you have a winner on both the performance and looks front.