Benchmark Analysis

The overall gaming performance of the ASUS EAX1950PRO 256MB was right on target with our expectations. We have already benchmarked several Radeon X1000-based cards, and the same basic principles apply to all; average relative performance with older games, highly competitive with most newer ones, and able to move up a class with certain high-end SM3.0 products. This is exactly the type of behavior the ASUS EAX1950PRO 256MB exhibited. It was able to match or outperform a GeForce 7900 GS 256MB in most of the game tests, while in a few, the ASUS card outpaced the GeForce 7900 GT 256MB and even challenged the GeForce 7950 GT 512MB. Overall, the ASUS EAX1950PRO 256MB is a very impressive performer for its class, and provides a powerful ATI-based alternative to the GeForce 7900 GS.

We had planned to provide overclocking results for the ASUS EAX1950PRO 256MB card, but unfortunately, we did not find any way of enabling ATI OverDrive in either the ASUS or ATI driver sets. Some Radeon X1950 Pro-based cards do support overclocking through ATI's drivers, while others do not. This seems to be a BIOS limitation, and while there are methods of forcing a higher clock speed, these go beyond what we include in a general product review.

Value

The retail price of a Radeon X1950 Pro 256MB card is currently in the $175-$185 range, which places it near the top of the mainstream class. The ASUS EAX1950PRO 256MB is priced slightly higher, at approximately $185-$190, but the extra $5-$10 is not that big a deal in exchange for the ASUS name, quality, and 3-year warranty. Other competitive mainstream cards include the Radeon X1650 XT 256MB ($135-$150), GeForce 7600 GT 256MB ($135-$155), Radeon X1900 GT ($170-$180), GeForce 7900 GS 256MB ($175-$185), and GeForce 7900 GT 256MB ($205-$220) cards. ASUS also offers a CrossFire edition of the EAX1950PRO 256MB (including dual connectors), which sells for approximately $10-$15 more than the standard edition.

* 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 Radeon X1950 Pro graphics core is a very impressive mainstream contender, and does what previous ATI releases count not: provide competitive features and performance to the corresponding NVIDIA card. In this case, it's up against the GeForce 7900 GS 256MB, and here the ASUS EAX1950PRO 256MB proves to be at least its equal, and offers superior performance with some newer SM3.0 games. ASUS has done a very nice job with their EAX1950PRO 256MB, and other than a few rough edges, this is potentially the best price-performance ATI video card in the entire mainstream market.

Pros:

• Above-class SM3.0 Performance
• More Powerful RV570 Core
• Supports Native CrossFire

Cons:

• Does Not Support OverDrive

Ratings: