Closer Look:

Naturally, the 9800GTX is intended to replace the previous 8800GTX. This isn't such a bad thing either given the thermal issues plaguing the 8800GTX. We've seen quite a few single and SLI based systems all experiencing some sort of heat problem. The 8800GTX is, however, a very fast graphics card and has done quite well even if it seemed that the 8800's GPU seemed to be pushed a little too far.

Top

The card has a few note worthy features which includes full DirectX 10 and Model Shader 4.0 support. Model Shader 4.0 is made possible by DirectX 10 High Level Shader Language. The included CDs offer ASUS Smart Doctor and Gamer OSD which helps put the cards to serious work via the overclocking utilities. This could offer up some extra performance for those DX10 games like Crysis.

Features

Hardware Protector

Gamer OSD

Something I'm surprised to see that might interest our own VH staffer, Sludge, is this new Online Video Security program. It allows you to monitor any area you have camera's installed and does so with a few different settings. The system can be set up to monitor by regular recording or motion detection. The system can then record by video or take snap shots saving it to your hard disk. The software then can alert you either by email or phone call with a prerecorded message. It can also stream real-time video to your web browser if you are away on business.

The Card

Now for the tasty information. The ASUS EN9800GTX is built upon the ever so efficient G92 Graphics Processing Unit. It's the same GPU that was used at the core of the 8800 GTS 512MB edition which has given the GTX a beating in terms of performance and price. The 9800 GTX comes in two different flavors, vanilla which we have today and the TOP edition. Our card comes with vanilla frequencies cocked, locked, and ready to rock at 675 MHz Core/Engine Clock, 1.688 GHz Shader Clock, and 2.2 GHz Memory Clock.

Bottom

The ASUS EN9800GTX TOP is comparatively higher coming in at 755 MHz Core/Engine Clock, 1.84 GHz Shader Clock, and 2.35 GHz Memory Clock with the same 512MB DDR3 video memory. The biggest difference is naturally going to be the price between the cards and about a 10 to 12% performance improvement.

GTS (left) - GTX (right)

The EN9800GTX is a very long card. From what I've seen, the card is just a little longer than the 8800 Ultras. The card is a lengthy 10.5 inches from the dual PCI mounting bracket to the end of the card. Here you can see the size difference between the heavier 8800 GTS.

Dual PCI Vented Brackets

As you can see, the card's cooler duct covers the entire graphics card. There are two small air ports at the back of the card where a little extra cool air can be pulled in by the fan which eventually flows out the bracket side of the card. Fortunately, the air duct is made from fairly thin plastic and doesn't add much weight to the card at all.

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