Good stuff comes in pairs.  Or at least it did when Asus shot a double-barreled shotgun right at the heart of the mid-range videocard market.

Asus introduced the ATI-chipset based EAH2600XT and the Nvidia-chipset based EN8600GT videocards to an expectant public (namely your editor).  Both videocards offer options for easy overclocking, although their respective implementations is quite different, as evidenced by the features and the extras included in each package:

The EAH2600XT (henceforth referred to as "XT") boasts of "Splendid Video Enhancement Technology" aimed at improving the user's experience when using video applications. This piece of technology is composed of optimized code included in the Asus driver that improves video output with four modes appropriate for different video conditions. 

The XT should be well suited to this enhancement, as it runs ATI hardware, which is well known for its excellent image quality. The package also includes "Asus Gamer's OSD" - a program useful for in-game tweaking of clock speeds, with the attendant function of a real-time  display of frames per second (FPS) in the game currently being run.

The EN8600GT (henceforth referred to as the GT) on the other hand boasts of a handy device named the Asus OC gear - a "Real-time overclocking hardware device".  Whereas the XT relies on a software based overclocking utility, The GT utilizes both the software app and the OC gear that enables the user to overclock their videocards by physically manipulating a knob, which definitely will tickle any gear-head's fancy. The GT does not have any image enhancement optimizations thou.  

Rounding out the offerings from both video-chipset camps are the cables for video-out, a leatherette CD-case (how often do you see that?), documentation, and a DVI to VGA Adapter.  The XT also includes a DVI to HDMI connector, reinforcing its intended role as video maven, as well as a Crossfire link, which the GT lacks.

As always, Asus covers its bases by offering these fine videocards representing both major videocard camps, and does so while playing to each chipset's strengths. Not only gamers, but video enthusiasts watch out! Look out for a more in-depth review for both cards soon.

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For more information, contact Banbros at (632) 727-3009 or Innovista at (632) 723-4281 or visit www.asus.com.