Galaxy GeForce 6800

First things first: the Galaxy 6800 is huge. It will take up your computer's AGP slot and the PCI slot next to it. This is to accommodate the large fan bolted to its side, which is there to cool the powerful graphics processor that the card houses.

This card features the latest 6800 technology from graphics chip manufacturer nVidia, which allows for more powerful graphics processing than ever before.

With new software written for this card and similar cards using the ATI chipset, we will see more realistic graphics in games, as well as faster processing of digital video (if you're editing home videos) and better response from image-editing programs. That said, this is primarily a gamer's graphics card.

It installs easily; the driver CD and accompanying manual are very clear and simple, and it puts its own control panel inside the Windows Display control panel allowing you to adjust the settings.

In testing it achieved extremely good scores, even without any tweaks. If you want to play the latest releases in something approaching the quality for which are designed, the 6800 is an excellent, if pricey, choice. Beware, though: your computer will need at least a 350W power supply to use the card.

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