GA GF-1280
Gigabyte's GeForce2 MX based videocard

We've had the opportunity to take a quick look at the latest model geForce2 videocard from Gigabyte. It's actually the low-priced GeForce2 MX videocard called GA-GF1280 with twin-view in this case S-VHS and composite output. Equipped with 32 MB SDRAM rated at 6ns.

As I mentioned in other reviews before, Gigabyte is one of my personal favorite manufacturers. They have a strong and solid research and development team and produce high quality and steady product at an affordable price. When we take a look at the package we notice that it's actually a very nice bundle. The GF-1280 comes with composite and a S-VHS cable, a detailed and clear manual, Driver CD, a full version of Need For Speed III and (very important) a full version of Cyberlink PowerDVD. 

Including DVD software with the package is something I've been striving for a lot for lately. You probably noticed me calling this issue in a lot of other reviews. Honestly, I do not understand why manufacturers like Creative Labs do not include DVD software with a videocard that is equipped with a HDTV processor. We should be able to watch Full-screen HD television and DVD with this videocard. Excellent call, two thumb up for Gigabyte for even including it with the somewhat budget model videocard, the GeForce2 MX. It is really stunning to see how NVIDIA is saturating the market at present with a videocard for basically any budget. When we go to the stores we can find the cheap TNT videocard, the faster TNT2, budget gamers go for a GeForce256 or GeForce 256 with DDR memory. 

Other people go with GeForce2 GTS/PRO, the 'I want it all' buyers go for an Ultra based card and the real gamers on a budget of course choose the terrific GeForce2 MX. The GF-1280 is far from the NVIDIA reference design of the GeForce2 MX. Capacitors, board layout and component usage differs a lot. Although it might sound odd this can be a good factor in terms of performance, it also can be the opposite though .. But hey, at the end of this review you'll know it all ...