Features:
- Based on NVIDIA's GeForce 256 chip
- Delivers up to 3.84 gigatexels and up to 480 million pixels per second
- 32 MB of high-performance Double Data Rate (DDR) memory
- Extremely high refresh rates
- Compatible with PC systems using AGP 2.0 bus slot
Description:
Gamers have been waiting a long time for a 3-D video card that can run the latest games at a resolution of 1,024 x 768 in 32-bit color yet still deliver a high number of frames per second. With the introduction of cards like the Blaster Annihilator Pro, the wait is over. The heart of the card is nVidia's GeForce 256 processor, a 256-bit device with more power than most gamers need and more features than most games support. Until the next generation of cards appears, this is the hottest piece of gaming hardware you can add to your rig. The Annihilator Pro has one more trick up its sleeve that distinguishes it from first-generation GeForce 256-based cards: its 32 MB of Double Data Rate (DDR) memory. DDR memory runs at 300 MHz, increasing memory bandwidth to 4.8 GB per second. In layman's terms, that means you can run games with more graphics options turned on, at higher resolutions, and in 32-bit color without impacting the game's performance, compared to a GeForce 256 with Single Data Rate (SDR) memory or an older card like the TNT2. We were impressed with the thick stack of CD-ROMs that came with the card. Creative provides a full version of the racing game Need for Speed: High Stakes; a limited version of Evolva: Scout; a drivers CD; the WinDVD software DVD decoder; and a few CDs containing demos that show off the card's abilities. One of these is Dagoth Moor Zoological Gardens, a technology demo famous for bringing video cards to their knees. The Annihilator Pro handled it with aplomb, even on a 350 MHz Pentium II test machine. The Annihilator Pro replaced a TNT2 video card in our test machine, and the improvement in performance was immediately evident. Without changing anything else--like the processor speed or the amount of system RAM--our games were running faster than ever. Quake 3: Arena showed off the card's outstanding OpenGL performance, running smoothly with all the details turned on. We had some initial problems with the 32-bit color Direct3D version of Unreal Tournament (because of the game, not the card) that, once fixed, let us run the game at higher resolutions, with all the bells and whistles enabled, than was possible with the TNT2 card. In fact, every game we tried designed to work with a 3-D accelerator under Direct3D or OpenGL simply flew. Newer games should be even better, as they can take full advantage of the Annihilator Pro's advanced hardware features like its Transform and Lighting engine. Even DVD playback through the card was smooth and clear, though we recommend purchasing a dedicated hardware DVD decoder board if you're really into watching DVDs on you PC, as software DVD decoding tends to really tax your CPU. It's not really surprising we achieved such universally satisfying results with the card, considering its specifications. The GeForce chip supports 32-bit color at resolutions up to 1,920 x 1,440. The refresh rate at that setting can go up to a flicker-free 85 Hz, thanks to the card's 350 MHz RAMDAC. Those of you with a newer 4X AGP port can finally buy a video card that takes full advantage of it, although the card also works well when connected to an older 2X AGP interface (beware: the card won't work with an AGP 1X port). At last we have a video card that runs today's games in full 32-bit color at high resolutions and offers the power to extract maximum performance from upcoming titles. --T. Byrl Baker Pros:
- Ultrafast 3-D performance
- 32 MB of DDR memory
- Advanced hardware features
- Ready for next-generation games
- AGP 4x support
Cons:
- Much more expensive than similar model with SDR memory
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