Game tests:

      Synthetic benchmarks may be nice for comparing hardware but lets see how the X700 performs when it counts, in two of the latest games.

     Using UMark to test UT 2004 on the AS-Convoy level, the X700 clocks a solid 61 FPS average.  The BFG 6600 GT OC clocked in with an average of 69 FPS.

     Half-Life 2 is both fast and demanding.  Our X700 steps up and drops a respectable 90.59 FPS showing how a 256MB card can make the difference in today's newer games.  The BFG clocked a distant 51.10.

Conclusion:

     With today top cards pushing the budget closer and closer to the four digit mark, the Connect 3D X700 256MB Pro proves that performance video doesn't have to break the bank.  With an average street price of about $150 Connect 3D posted numbers competitive to our $250 BFG 6600 card.  Not to bad for a mid range card!  Despite our failed attempts to overclock the card significantly, the Connect 3D X700 still posts very solid numbers in every test.  Overall the X700 is an excellent choice for a first PCI-E card that will confidently run today's top games without requiring a credit check at the door!