Digital Trends

MSI GeForce FX5700-VT2DR256

May 20th, 2004 | by Ian Bell

Gaming Performance

We went into the benchmarking processes knowing that the VT2DR256 is a mid-level consumer graphics card. Gaming performance was about average for this price range. The ATI 9600XT video card was able to keep a competitive edge over the VT2DR256 despite costing around $20 less.

The VT2DR256 performs just fine on the older games, but you simply will not be able to play the latest games with the resolutions or anti-aliasing turned up; the VT2DR256 will fail miserably. But when it comes to games released either earlier this year or last year, the VT2DR256 should perform just fine. Please click on the performance tab and link located above and below this review.

Conclusion

There are a couple reasons why the VT2DR256 stands out among other Geforce FX 5700 cards. The dual DVI capability is an awesome feature to have, and the included software is probably one of the best packages we have seen come with a card in this price range. If you are looking for the best gaming card in this price range, we recommend that you check out ATI's Radeon 9600XT. You can find the 9600XT for about $30 dollars cheaper than the MSI VT2DR256 and its gaming performance is much better.

The VT2DR256 is not a true multimedia focused card even though it gives the impression that it is. People looking to add TV functionality to their computer will want to look at ATI's All-in-Wonder 9600XT card. Disappointments aside, the  VT2DR256 is an above average graphics card and we have to give props to MSI for creating a very tempting overall package, we just wish they put the remote control to good use.