InsaneTek

Introduction

I am the type of enthusiast that is willing to fork over big bucks to possess the latest graphics technology in the market.  When the 6800 Ultra and X800XT PE were still mysteries to people, I already had them in my possession.  While I was mocking the people jealous of me for having both hard-to-find cards, deep inside I was crying because I had to live on crackers and water for two months.  The 6800 Ultra and X800XT PE paper releases left many dedicated enthusiasts feeling bitter, and for those that did have access to purchasing these rare cards, we had to endure increased prices over the standard MSRP.  The release of Nvidia's SLI did little to help the situation.  The initial launch of PCI-E 6800 cards caused high demand, only to find the supply side to be lacking.  However, Nvidia has responded to the complaints of angry enthusiasts and has successfully launched in reality their new 7800 GTX, based on the G70 core, on the same day it was announced.  Gigabyte is one of the first companies to respond with an available retail 7800 GTX. 

Gigabyte, known to most as a top tier motherboard manufacturer, also manufacturers Nvidia and ATI video cards.  Gigabyte is usually one of the first manufacturers to come out with new graphics cards and it is no surprise that they have responded with an incredible looking 7800 GTX package.  An attempt to dethrone ATI from all of their single card achievements, the 7800 GTX is a much revamped graphics card based on the 6800 architecture.  With the release ATI's next graphics card, the R520, Nvidia's release of the 7800 GTX this early is a bold move.  Nvidia still plans to release the faster G71 to respond to ATI's offering.  Let's see if Gigabyte's 7800 GTX package warrants the upgrade now before the faster cards come out near the end of 2005.