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The ASUS ENGTX260 Matrix


GameOPS got a little, or should I say, a big box from ASUS Philippines last week. They've sent us an ASUS ENGTX260 Matrix for some quick test. This is the first time I've ever held a graphics card this big, and it's actually heavier than 3 of my previous ATI All-in-Wonder cards combined. This thing IS heavy.

The ASUS ENGTX260 Matrix is powered by the NVidia GF GTX260 graphics chip and is part of the ASUS' Gamers Republic line. This card is designed to work on a PCI-E 2.0 16x port and requires at least 550 watts of power.


The card comes in an elegant and expensive looking box. The external part shows the features such as the GeForce GTX260 GPU, 896MB GDDR3 video memory, and several video connectivity options. The flip side showcases its Super Hybrid Cooling Engine, Auto Phase Switch, and iTracker.


One of the main features of the ENGTX260 is the Hybrid Cooler, a passive and active cooling that activates automatically depending on the usage.

With the Hybrid Cooler, the twin fans are deactivated if there is no load on the GPU, thus the card produces no noise. If the temperature rises to a certain level, one of the fans will activate and will turn off once the temperature returns back to low levels.

If the card detects heavy loads on the GPU, both fans will be activated to cool everything back. All of these functions are controlled automatically by the included iTracker software.


iTracker is the heart of the ENGTX260, it controls and monitors all the functions of the card automatically. Without iTracker, the ENGTX260 functions just like your ordinary card. Both fans will run continuously whether you're playing a game of typing your resume on Microsoft Word. Imagine the noise you'll if these two monster fans run continuously.

You can also manually control your card's voltage and clock speed with iTracker. There are several profiles included, or you can create your own. Want more speed? Then increase it to full all at your discretion.

Optimized Mode: 2D power savings and 3D performance boost
Gaming Mode: Extreme 3D performance for enthusiastic gamers
Default Mode: Back to original setting with one simple click
Power Saving Mode: Reducing unnecessary power consumption
User Defined Mode: Manually adjusting to meet individual need
a) Up to 3 settings can be created and saved
b) Fan Speed Auto Mode: the fan is automatically controlled according to advanced GPU loading detection providing users with more proactive cooling and power savings in the event of lower graphics utilization
c) Fan Speed Temperature Mode: Smartly cools down the GPU when its temperature is over the limit


Overall, the ASUS ENGTX260 is perfect for hardcore PC gamers. Better cooling than previous cards and an awesome iTracker software make this product a must have for any PC gamers out there. If you have the money to burn, then don't hesitate to get this card. You'll never regret it.

I would have love to try this card on Crysis, but unfortunately, we don't have a copy. Any donors? :)

GameOPS Rating: 9.7 of 10.0


ASUS ENGTX260 Matrix



Dual link DVI ports



Hybrid Cooling



Inside the box



ASUS ENGTX260 Matrix



ASUS ENGTX260 Matrix


SPECIFICATIONS:

Graphics Engine: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260
Bus Standard: PCI Express 2.0
Video Memory: DDR3 896MB
Engine Clock: 576 MHz
Shader Clock: 1.242 GHz
Memory Clock: 2.0 GHz ( 1.0 GHz DDR3 )
RAMDAC: 400MHz
Memory Interface: 448-bit
CRT Max Resolution: 2048 x 1536
DVI Max Resolution: 2560 x 1600
D-Sub Output: Yes x 1 (via DVI to D-Sub adaptor x 1 )
DVI Output: Yes x 2 (DVI-I)
HDMI Output: Yes x 1 (via DVI to HDMI adaptor x 1 )
HDTV Output (YPbPr): Yes
HDCP Support: Yes
TV Output: Yes (YPbPr to S-Video and Composite)
Adapter/Cable Bundled:
- 1 x DVI to D-Sub adaptor
- 1 x DVI to HDMI adaptor
- 1 x HDTV-out cable
- 1 x Power cable
- 1 x S/PDIF cable
Software Bundled: ASUS Utilities & Driver
ASUS Features: Matrix Series
Note: The card size is 4.376 inches x 10.5 inches.

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