EVGA 7900GTX 512MB SLI Video Card Review :: Bundle Drivers and Overclocking

• EVGA 7900GTX 512MB video card
• Case Stickers
• Driver CD
• HDTV Output
• 2 DVI to VGA adapters
• 6-pin Power cable
• S-Video cable
• EVGA sticker pack

EVGA usually adopts a minimalist attitude when it comes to their software bundle and the 7900GTX does not include a game in the box. On June 26th EVGA started a new promotion where they are offering Half Life 2 Episode 1 with all purchasers of their 7900GT, GTX and GX2 cards. HL2 Episode 1 is the continuation to the best-selling Half Life 2 game released late in 2004. It's a $19.95 added value to the bundle. Newegg is also running a promotion where you get Hitman Blood Money with the purchase of these cards, meaning you get two of the most recently released games with your new card.

Software bundle

The hardware bundle is sufficient to get you started with 2 DVI to VGA adapters allowing you to use any combination of 2 LCDs or 2 CRT monitors at a time. The HDTV Output allows you to play games on your HDTV, the S-Video cable allows you to play games on your television and the 6-pin power cable provides the extra external power that the video card requires above the 75W provided by the PCI Express x16 slot. Note, I would strongly recommend a good 550W or 600W PSU to run two cards in SLI mode.

NVIDIA recently released the Release 90 series Forceware drivers 91.31 along with their new 7950 GX2 cards. The 91.31 drivers include a new Control Panel, giving the user control over the various driver functions including SLI, 3D settings, overclocking (with Coolbits), monitor control and more. The new GUI is intuitive and easy to navigate. I would guess with the launch of Vista coming next year all graphics card companies will go to a similar Control Panel, as ATI has their Catalyst Control Panel as well.

EVGA is known for its top-notch support. Key to their support is their Lifetime Warranty on every retail motherboard and video card they sell. Recently, a number of NVIDIA 7900GTs have been sold and found to have problems. EVGA not only is replacing the cards, but cross-shipping them as well. The second facet of EVGA's support is their 24/7 Toll-Free Technical Support line. They are closed on major holidays, but otherwise if you have an issue with your new card, their personel will be available. Finally, they have a 90 day Step-Up program. Video card obsolescence is a problem every time a new card is released. With Step-Up you can buy a new card just paying the difference between the old card and new card. Other companies give you a credit of $50 at most on their trade-in programs.