Chip frequency of this standard XFX model is 648 MHz, although there are already overclocked models of XXX and Black series that will have slightly higher prices. Shader domain is settled on 1476 MHz, which is almost 200 MHz faster than GTX 280 models. 1 GB of GDDR3 memory runs at 2484 MHz. The card package is very nice and luxurious with an inner box, where the card is additionally protected, what is pretty much standard lately. On the contrary to Gainward, XFX offered rich package, including user manual, drivers, software for overclocking, adapters, cables, ’’Do not disturb I’m gaming’’ sign, which should be hung on door and full version of Ubisoft's first person shooter Far Cry 2.

Maximum power, that XFX GeForce 285 can absorb, is 183 W, what is significantly less than GeForce GTX 280 (235 W, and in the case of ASUS EN280GTX TOP model - 250 W). The card can ’’BORROW’’ 75 W through mother-board (PCI Express x 16 slot), and twice of additional 75 W over two PCI Express x 16 connectors. That makes total of 225 W, what is more than enough for GeForce GTX 285, but not for GTX 280, which requires 10 W more, at least, even if it isn’t additionally overclocked. The card is externally identical with its predecessor, and that means pretty massive dual-slot cooler, which is covering the card completely. The back side was fully covered with a metal panel on GTX 280, what was seen for the first time at GeForce 9800 GX2 accelerator. GeForce GTX 285 doesn't have this ’’FEATURE’’, which, in our oppinion, did not increase cooling, so its removal is a good thing. The card has two Dual link DVI-I ports, S-Video connector. HDMI adapter comes with the card, which can transmit audio signal if you connect it through a SPDIF connector to video accelerator.

Working clock of GPU is 648 MHz, and 240 shader processors are running at 1476 MHz. GDDR3 chips of 0.77ns enable that 1024 MB VRAM be settled on 2 484 MHz, and that makes room for additional overclocking (memory should be able to work at 2600 MHz). Memory bandwidth is 512-bit. The card has two MIO connectors for SLI systems and that makes it possible for the card to be connected in SLI and Tripple SLI systems. Recommended power supply is 1250 W. GPU and memory are cooled by specially designed cooler which is a bit more massive solution than on GeForce 8800 GTX cards, and has also been used on GTX 280 models before that.

For the price between 340 $ and 380 $, XFX GeForce GTX 285 is an excellent graphics accelerator and for the most gamers that should be enough. It is faster than GTX 280, it heats less and the price is lower.

Rivals for the GeForce GTX 285 models are Radeon HD4850X2 cards, but if the users prefer NVIDIA brand, and more likely, Single GPU solution, GTX 285 can be a winner. Finally GeForce GTX 285 is the fastest Single GPU graphics card, and XFX model can be recommended ’cause of its attractive price and rich package (play Far Cry 2).

XGCDB Team