Overclocking a graphisc card could be very easy task, depending the existing cooling system and overall core/memory frequencies. The Asus EN9600GT Top is already pre-overclocked from factory compared with a generic Nvidia 9600GT model. We were curious to find out the limits of the card, using a trial-error testing procedure. We used the latest RivaTuner software and we rised up core/memory/shader frequencies until we got an error free 3- round crysis benchmark.

We managed to get some exra performance boost from the Asus 9600GT Top. Of course, the Glaciator fansink helped us on this task. We should note here that even at full load, the Asus Glaciator fansink is pretty silent, at least compared with Nvidia's generic cooling solution.

- Conclusion

Asus has a long tradition at producing overclockable products based at Nvidia designs with higher core/memory/shader frequencies. The Asus EN9600GT Top has around 10% higher clocks than generic Nvidia 9600GT cards. Moreover it comes with Asus' own PCB design and cooling solution called "Glaciator fansink". Hopefully this combination would help the card get the first place in all benchmarks, which pretty much we can say its an accurate statement. Compared with other 9600GT cards, we have to say that the Asus EN9600GT Top was the fastest one we have tested - with the exception the Crysis game benchmark. Crysis seems to get extra boost from the additional 512MB ram that Gainward 9600GT 1024GS model has on board. The included support for HDMI interface is welcomed, although it requires you to additionally connect the included SPDIF cable to the motherboard.

Overall, the Asus EN9600GT Top is a decent solution for users who are thinking of buying an Nvidia 9600GT based card. Compared with other 9600GT cards, we are talking about a highly pre-overclocked model with extra cooling fan that will cost you around ~170 Euro. Nvidia's generic 9600GT cards are sold for ~140 Euro. So if can't do without overclocking and a 9600GT solution is included in your purchase plans, Asus' proposal may be a attractive and will offer you some extra fun trying to explore the card's additional overclocking margins.