XFX 7800GT SLI Video Card Review :: The Card Layout

When it comes to VGA cards there is not much usually to say about their layout as nothing but power and now and SLI bridge connector get attached to them. On a motherboard the ergonomics of the layout can determine whether or not a board is user friendly for installation, but a VGA card just inserts into its slot for the most part. The cooling component used to keep the card within temperature ranges it can handle, was designed with aesthetics taken in mind as well as heat dissipation qualities. When implemented into their card, as shown by the cool fins and sweeping heatsink, it takes on chrome futuristic looks that appeal to the naked eye. I really did like the way card looked in my system.

Side card shot

Back Side of Card

Fan

Rear of Card

SLI bridge

PCI Express

BIOS version

IO

A Matched Pair

The SLI Bridge is slightly hampered by the metal frame of the cards fan design and that is the only thing about the card that is a negative in any way design wise. It will not matter much in most cases, but some SLI Bridges may encounter problems connecting if not sized under the available space of the connector. The card only takes up only a single slot unlike some of its former oversized siblings, which makes it more feasible to configure an SLI system with adequate space between the two cards for cooling. The 5900 Ultra series for instance was so huge that it took the complete space of two slots, and two cards that size would be flush up against each other with no room for the two cards heat to dissipate and would cause overheating issues, such as screen artifacts or being kicked out of your game. XFX did a good job of bringing this card to market and its overall design is one of merit.

Discuss This Article