MSI RX800: Radeon X800 XT (PCI Express)
MSI RX800: Up Close & Personal
At first glance the MSI's RX800 may look somewhat unique, but it is actually based on ATi's reference design. The only thing that differentiates the MSI RX800 from a "Built by ATi" PCI Express Radeon X800 XT is the custom decal affixed to the fan shroud...
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The RX800 is built upon MSI's signature red PCB, with its 16-pipeline Radeon X800 XT GPU and 256MB of Samsung GDDR3 memory both clocked at 500MHz. Note that this card is not a "Platinum Edition", and as such its core and memory are clocked a bit lower than a PE's 520MHz/1.12Ghz. The large copper cooler is mounted to the GPU with two screws that extend through the card and connect to a metal retention clip on the backside. The cooling fan throttles based on the GPU's core temperature like most other current high-end video cards, but even at full load we found the fan to be quiet and unobtrusive.
On the front of the card a single DB15 and a single DVI connector are present, along with a round DIN jack that compliments the card's ViVo capabilities (powered by ATi's Rage Theater chip). The RX800's connector configuration gives users the ability to connect the card to just about any LCD, monitor, or television (cables and adapters are included with the card). It can power dual-independent displays concurrently thanks to the inherent capabilities incorporated into the X800 XT GPU. On the rear of the card, the 6-pin PCI Express power connector is visible. User's are required to supply supplemental power to the RX800 through this connector. Should your PSU not have the proper plug, however, MSI includes an adapter that can convert two 4-pin standard Molex connecters into the proper 6-pin connector.
