Benchmark Analysis

The ASUS EN7600GT Silent 256MB exhibited benchmark performance levels that put the card right at the top end of the performance mainstream market. On average, it is able to outperform the still-powerful GeForce 6800 Ultra and even outpace or equal the Radeon X1800 XL in some games. Higher-end cards like the GeForce 7800 GT and 7900 GT remain out of reach, but the ASUS EN7600GT Silent card can come alarmingly close on occasion. Overall, this is a serious gaming performer that can give higher-end video cards a good race, but with a form factor and price that is more in line with mainstream buyers. It can also handle both old and new games with ease, and is as equally adept running UT 2003 as the latest SM 3.0 torture test.

Value

The GeForce 7600 GT offers an excellent combination of price and performance, making it one of the top values in the entire video card market. Fanless card designs like the ASUS EN7600GT Silent 256MB tend to cost a bit more than a standard reference card, and while most name brand GeForce 7600 GT cards (including one from ASUS) sell in the $180-$195 range, the ASUS EN7600GT Silent is priced at just over $200. This is certainly not a huge premium, especially if a silent-running card is a required element of your next PC, not to mention the ASUS name and 3-year warranty. It also compares well to the price-performance ratios offered by mainstream cards like the Radeon X1600 XT 256MB ($130-$150), GeForce 6800 GS 256MB ($170-$190), and Radeon X1800 GTO ($200-$230) cards.

* Please note that online prices reflect Retail models when possible, only OEM where noted. Prices are taken at the time of review, and are not intended to reflect long-term trends.

Conclusion

The GeForce 7600 GT offers an exceptional value for mainstream buyers, and there is a wealth of choice out there in the retail market. What ASUS brings to the table with the EN7600GT Silent 256MB is to combine that exceptional price-performance ratio with a silent cooling system that is as functional as it is flexible. The single-slot design is a welcome break from more robust heat-pipe coolers, and the ability to shift it an upward position ensures added flexibility during installation. ASUS has even made sure buyers will not pay too much more to go silent, and we look forward to continued evolution in this area.

Pros:

• Exceptional Performance for its Class
• Fanless Cooling System
• Single-Slot Design with no External Power Connector

Cons:

• Slight Price Premium

Ratings: