Gainward CARDEXpert TNT2

Performance

The performance of the Gainward CARDEXpert TNT2 is virtually identical to that of other TNT2 cards out there at the same clock speed. Rather than publishing the same benchmarks over and over again, we encourage you to check out AnandTech's Dynamite TNT2 Ultra Review, our original NVIDIA RIVA TNT2 Review, and the latest July 1999 TNT2 Roundup. Just remember that the Gainward CARDEXpert TNT2 is clocked at a default of 125/143 with overclockability up to 150/160.

Final Words

As usual, Gainward has come up with a fairly standard TNT2 with a couple of additional changes to set them apart from everyone else. First, it's actually possible to get this card with the DFP connector and controller onboard. Their Expert Tool is a simple little utility that come in quite handy - especially for you NT users out there. But most importantly, by shrinking the size of the PCB and not including a game bundle, the CARDEXpert TNT2 is one of the least expensive on the market today - provided of course that you can find it.

The only real issue is the clocking of the memory and the card's availability. Unfortunately, Gainward decided to clock the memory strictly by the books, the memory manufacturer's books. So at 143 MHz, the CARDEXpert TNT2 has the lowest default memory clock of any TNT2 we've looked at so far. Fortunately, it's no trouble to overclock the memory right back where it should be. As for availability, Gainward cards are often purchased and labeled as "generic" cards and you definitely won't find them at the local Best Buy. Fortunately, the CARDEXpert name is becoming more and more prominent in the marketplace, so hopefully this won't be a problem for too long.

If you do run across a CARDEXpert TNT2 at a good price, don't hesitate to buy it - it's a solid TNT2.