Gigabyte GeForce2 MX400

As the tests reveal the GeForce 2 MX400 does not actually reveal a drastic increase in performance in comparison to the GeForce2 MX. As we go into higher resolutions the GF2MX400 edges out to a certain extent due to its higher core speed. Right now it’s not too clear as to why nVidia introduced the GF2MX400. Fact is it’s no different to the GF2MX other than to its Core speed. Therefore this new introduction will only bring about more confusion among budget users when they are hunting for a new GF2MX. On the plus side however the introduction of these cards will reduce the price of older GF2MX cards, so if you’re lucky you might actually get one that overclocks as well as a GF2MX400 for a much lesser price. The GF2MX400 would be a hit today if nVidia decided to increase on the memory bandwidth of this new introduction. Simply increasing the core speed of the GF2MX400 will not yield much higher results than the older GF2MX boards since they are too limited when it comes to memory bandwidth to benefit from a increase in core clock speed.

As for the Gigabyte GA-GF 1280, well overall it is certainly a good performer. The only fact that concerned me was Gigabyte’s decision to use lower rated memory on their new GF2MX400s. The early releases were installed with 5ns memory while the boards they send out now are installed with 6ns memory. Even a 1ns increase can do wonders to the overall performance of a card. As mentioned before the GA-GF 1280 we received was the very basic GF2MX400. They do offer two other versions with TV-out’s and composite outputs, which are offered at a slightly higher price. If you plan on making use of the GF2MX’s Twin-View feature then you have to obtain one with the additional options. The twin-view feature is no match for the Maxtrox G450’s dual monitor setup; nevertheless it’s a decent feature.

All in all the GA-GF 1280 is one of the best performing GF2MX based card we have ever come across. They are at an all time low price and the software bundle is also quite decent for the price you pay. Great value for money I would say. In the overclocking aspect of the card we managed to reach 240/200, which is quite respectable indeed. However the card only comes with a stock heat sink, so you’ll be better off by getting a cooling fan and some RAM sinks as well. The card tested here was only fitted with a cooling fan it was rock stable at the above setting. You might even be able to reach higher settings with better active cooling on your board. Right now the boards are sold around $75, so this sure is the best bang for the buck any average user would look for.