Sapphire Ultimate X1950Pro 256MB Graphics Card

Introduction:

    Not very long ago I reviewed the Sapphire X1950XTX 512MB graphics card. Just a few weeks later, I received a new version of the 1950 series of cards to review. The model for review this time around is the Sapphire Ultimate X1950PRO 256MB Graphics card. So, what sets this apart from the X1950XTX? For starters, the GPU is new, built on the 80nm semiconductor versus the older 90nm. Next is the new internal CrossFire connector. Yes, one more way to connect two cards together... and hopefully the last and final way. Sapphire also teamed up with Zalman for the cooling of the GPU and with Zalman onboard, the cooling solution should be functional and quiet. YES!!!

   Another good thing is that this line of cards is being geared at the mid-level price range; just not too long ago, the X1600's were the mid-level cards. The technology is progressing fast and furiously, so let's get on with the review before this card becomes outdated.

About the Company:

    Pioneers in a new era of how data is displayed and games are played, Sapphire shepherds the performance oriented with ground-breaking solutions to an environment that remains in a constant state of flux and ultimate evolution. For over ten years Sapphire has held true to its unwavering commitment, the commitment to deliver the most feature rich and soundly engineered products. Because of Sapphire's firm position on achieving excellence with each product that leaves our ISO9001 and ISO14001 certified factories, you can rest assured that your customers will recognize YOUR commitment to selling only the highest of quality components.
 
    "Sapphire is ATI's largest and best performing partner World Wide" Dave Orton, CEO ATI

    Since ATI announced its manufacturing & distribution relationships with ODMs and AiBs in June of 2001, SAPPHIRE has been THE key ATI Graphics Boards Supplier worldwide and now stands poised and ready to capture the mainboard audience of those who seek a stable platform for their mission critical operations.

Specifications:

Packaging:

Retail front	Retail Rear	Internal support
Accessories box	Opened	Accessories

    What can I say, other than unique? The box is made up of clear plastic with small raised diagonal lines on it. It's the same type of material used for many types of plastic binders or file folders. The box is clear, so a visual 360º of the card can be done before it's ever removed from the packaging. The front of the box has one of the Sapphire characters on it, while the back and sides have information on the features of the Ultimate X1950PRO. On the bottom of the package is a black box with all the extras that come with the graphics card.