Asus presents the "...new king of the fastest graphics cards in the world...". The ASUS EAX1950XTX/HTVDP/512M is equipped with exclusive ASUS innovations and the ATI RADEON® X1950XTX GPU. With the powerful ATI RADEON® X1950XTX GPU, the ASUS EAX1950XTX supports the finest in graphics technology, including Avivo Video and Display Engine, CrossFire™Ready multi-GPU technology, Ultra-Threaded and Shader Engine.

The ASUS EAX1950XTX graphics card is also HDCP ready to support future HDCP protected audio/video contents, provide worry-free upgrade to the coming high-definition contents and many other premium graphics features. Combined with unique ASUS innovations such as SPLENDID for intelligent video enhancement and interactive gaming features, the all-new ASUS card delivers the ultimate in computer visual enjoyment.

Key features

• HDCP Ready: Allow playback of HD DVD, Blu-Ray Disc and other protected content at full HD resolutions
• Built for Microsoft® Windows Vista
• The hottest 3D game: GHOST RECON & SNOWBLIND inside
• ASUS Splendid: Watching movies on PC is as good as on Top-of-the-line consumer television
• ASUS Video Security Online: Keep an eye on your home at all times no matter where you are
• ASUS Game LiveShow: Stream live gaming action onto the internet and share with other gaming enthusiast
• ASUS Game Replay: Recording gaming action and strategy into MPEG4 files to share with other gaming enthusiast
• ASUS Game FaceMessenger: Easy IM and live game conference in any PC games
• ASUS OnScreenDisplay: Adjust the fame settings and enhance gaming experience without leaving the game

For our review, Asus provided the retail version of EAX1950XTX. The card costs around ~480€ inside Europe and ~$466 at US , as found at several online stores.

The retail package is complete with printed manual, drivers and of course cables:

The retail package includes:

• The Asus EAX1950XTX card
• 2x DVI to VGA adapters
• 1x Component-out cable adapter
• 1x 9 Pin S-Video to composite VIVO adapter
• 1x S-Video cable
• 1x Composite cable
• 1x printed manual
• 1x CD-ROM with SNOWBLIND Retail Game
• 1x CD-ROM with GHOST RECON Advanced WarFighter Retail Game
• 1x CD-ROM with ASUS Utilities & Driver

Looking at the card, it is full size (around 23.5cm in length), mounted with a quite large, active cooling system. If you look carefully, you will see that the copper profile also covers the memory chips which improves overclocking capabilities:

The card has two (x2) DVI-D outputs and one TV-out output:

The card requires a PCI-E power supply in order to operate, which means you need at least a 600W PSU, especially if you decide to go CrossFire:

On the rear of the PCB we can see the cooling system mounting frame and the card's serial and part number: