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Dual PCI Slot & Dual DVI w/S-Video

Peaking through the two rear vents, you can see that the card is built with solid state capacitors which has fast become the standard. These are fed power via the two PCI Express power connector ports facing up from the back of the card. At first, I was concerned this would be kind of an odd choice of placement, but I quickly realized that it'll be much easier to plug in the power connectors.

Cooler Differences

Different Power Connectors

There isn't any difference between the GTX and GX2 card lengths, only the cooler's shape and the graphics to accommodate the second GPU. While there may be some unused real estate underneath the GTX cooler, it's probably more feasible to go with the same sized PCB rather than several different sizes like the 8800 series.

9800 GTX and GTX TOP 9800GX2 and GX2 TOP

Graphics Engine 9800GTX 9800GTX TOP 9800GX2 9800GX2 TOP Bus Standard PCI Express 2.0 PCI Express 2.0 PCI Express 2.0 PCI Express 2.0 Video Memory DDR3 512MB DDR3 512MB DDR3 1GB DDR3 1GB Engine Clock 675 MHz 755 MHz 600 MHz 670 MHz Shader Clock 1.688 GHz 1.84 GHz  2 GHz 1.675 GHz Memory Clock 2.2 GHz (1.1 Ghz DDR3) 2.35 GHz (1.175 GHz DDR3) 2 GHz (1GHz DDR3) 2.13 GHz (1.065 GHz DDR3) RAMDAC 400 MHz 400 MHz 400 MHz 400 MHz Memory Interface 256-bit 256-bit 512-bit 512-bit CRT Max Resolution 2048 x 1536 2048 x 1536 2048 x 1536 2048 x 1536 DVI Max Resolution 3840 x 2400 3840 x 2400 2560 x 1600 3840 x 2400 D-Sub Output Yes x 1 (via DVI to D-Sub adaptor x 1) Yes x 1 (via DVI to D-Sub adaptor x 1 ) Yes x 1 (via DVI to D-Sub adaptor x 1 ) Yes x 1 (via DVI to D-Sub adaptor x 1 ) DVI Output Yes x 2 (DVI-I Yes x 2 (DVI-I) Yes x 2 (DVI-I) Yes x 2 (DVI-I) HDTV Output (YPbPr) Yes Yes Yes Yes HDCP Support Yes Yes Yes Yes TV Output Yes (YPbPr to S-Video and Composite) Yes (YPbPr to S-Video and Composite) Yes (YPbPr to S-Video and Composite) Yes (YPbPr to S-Video and Composite) Adapter/Cable Bundled 1 x DVI to D-Sub adaptor 1 x HDTV-out cable 1 x Power cable 1 x DVI to D-Sub adaptor 1 x HDTV-out cable 1 x Power cable   1 x DVI to D-Sub adaptor 1 x Power cable 1 x S/PDIF cable 1 x DVI to D-Sub adaptor 1 x Power cable 1 x S/PDIF cable Software Bundled ASUS Utilities & Driver ASUS Utilities & Driver   ASUS Utilities & Driver Hottest 3D Game: Company of Heroes – Opposing Fronts ASUS Utilities & Driver Hottest 3D Game: Company of Heroes – Opposing Fronts Note Special bundled: CD Leather Wallet Special bundled: CD Leather Wallet Special bundled: CD Leather Wallet Special bundled: CD Leather Wallet

If the 9800GTX cards aren't enough, you can always opt for ASUS' EN9800X2 series in either a stock or TOP edition as well. Be prepared to spend a considerably higher premium for the dual GPU X2 version which will absolutely grant you a whole lot more performance. Heck, while you're at it, buy two!

When shopping for the TOP edition graphic cards, you'll have to look for the words TOP after the model number on the box. If you don't see it, then it's not a TOP edition card with the faster Core, Shader, and Memory frequencies. This is especially important if you're ordering the card from a not so main stream site. When in doubt, check Newegg out.

High Definition support has pretty much become a standard as of late. All the newest NVidia GPUs will continue to offer the most up to date HD compatibility which means you can expect some exquisite HD DVD quality playback at high resolutions. It almost seems pointless to describe the quality since it really comes down to one's own personal preference, but these HD graphics cards do quite well.

Testing:
 

Plugging In the Dual PCI-Express Power

Installing the ASUS EN9800GTX graphics card required a massive military deployment along with the CIA as well as a considerable contingent from NATO. Obviously, I jest. There's no real complication to installing any graphics card other than the question of power. Can your power supply provide a sufficient amount of wattage to the graphics card?

Ready To Go

The EN9800GTX requires a minimum 400 Watt power supply with at least 26 amps on the 12 volt rail. The power supply should also have at least two 6pin PCI Express power connectors, or the appropriate adapters. That means that 400W PSU needs to be of a good quality make. You don't find too many 400W models offering this kind of amperage. And since this is the minimum requirement, you might actually consider something around the 500W to 700W spec with dual or quad 12 volt rails. At least you'll know you have plenty of power for another 9800 GTX.

GPUZ Report

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