Features:

• 8 Pixels per clock
• CineFX 3.0
• PureVideo Technology
• UltraShadow II
• 64bit Texturefiltering
• 64bit Textureblending
• Intellisample 3.0
• ForceWare UDA
• nView Multi-Display
• DVC 3.0
• DirectX 9.0x Support
• Shader Model 3.0
• OpenGL 1.5 Support

You will get a SLI and PCI-Express ready GPU possessing 128MB of 1.6ns hi-performance DDR3 onboard memory. Equipped with VIVO and Dual DVI out for smooth video playback and Multi-Display functionality. The processing power and extra performance gains of the "Golden Sample" breed of GPU's will ensure mid level gaming is enjoyed at significantly higher image quality and performance over the NVIDIA reference design.

The GeForce 6600 GT delivers enthusiast-class features and performance to the midrange $199 price point with fast GDDR3 memory clocked at 1150MHz, and a screaming fast 540MHz core clock. GeForce 6600 GT is the only SLI-ready GPU in the mainstream segment, with full hardware support for NVIDIA’s new multi-GPU technology.

The Gainward PowerPack! Ultra/1960PCX XP "Golden Sample" GLH uses power directly from the PCI-Express bus, eliminating the need for an external power source. This will also eliminate the need for a 6-pin PCI-E power connector in both single and dual SLI mode. This will be a big plus to the mid-range enthusiast when thinking about power needs and power consumption.

On the back side of the PCB we see the Philips SAA7115HL NTSC/PAL/SECAM Video Decoder chip. The 14 x 14 x 1.4 mm LQFP100 package is responsible for the exceptional performance and implementation of NVIDIA's PureVideo experience. The SAA7115HL chip offloads video decoding from the GPU, offering stutter free video play back and enhanced user experience with features like accurate scaling and sub pixel calculations. PureVideo allows full screen play back in greater detail than ever before.

The GeForce 6600 GT is a very powerful GPU. As a result, some games run so fast on the GeForce 6600 GT, that the frame rate or score of the game/benchmark is actually limited by the CPU. Many games that were previously not considered CPU limited are now CPU limited when played on a GeForce 6600 GPU. To tell if your score is being CPU limited, vary the resolution settings of the benchmark run and see if the score does not change. This is especially true when playing games like Command & Conquer: Generals, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 and other relevant games including Warcraft3 and older titles.

NVIDIA recommends a minimum of 300 watts for a power supply for the GeForce 6600 GT graphics cards but I don't think any enthusiasts will have such a low end device as a 300w PSU to power this mid level monster. I think it's safe to assume that most enthusiasts run at least a 400w PSU and have a pretty good knowledge of the amp ratings and sufficient power needs for today's hardware, so we wont go into detail over what's a good PSU to use with this card. However this card does not need external power so the demands on the 12v rail is not an issue, just make sure the system is not over taxed with a light show that rivals New York's Time Square and you should be all set.

Size Comparison:

The Ultra/1960 PCX XP "Golden Sample" GLH is smaller in size than the mack daddy cousin the GeForce 6800 Ultra PCX. The 3/4 size PCB will adapt well in small and mid tower cases or space limited configurations. This is a single slot design and requires no external power as mentioned before. The shorter card and the absence of external power is not to be confused with low performance, this card will simply suck the monitor out of a NV35 FX5900 Ultra in terms of performance.

The Bundle:

Gainward updates its bundle to include the following accessories:

EXPERTools is Gainwards exclusive video card performance tuning utility, using EXPERTools will ensure you overclock your card within Gainward’s warranty specifications. The Enhanced Mode settings are covered by Gainward’s Factory Warranty when using EXPERTools.  

Gainward recommends this card's Enhanced Mode features be used in conjunction with EXPERTools. Performance tuning is the most commonly used method among the ultimate power gamers to extract the utmost performance out of a high quality 3D graphics cards.