Leadtek WinFast GeForce 256 SDR

The fact that the Leadtek WinFast GeForce 256 SDR is based upon the NVIDIA reference design makes the Leadtek WinFast GeForce 256 SDR almost indistinguishable from the competition when taken out of the box. It is not until the card and software package are examined that we see the true quality of the card.

The card itself fits right in with other reference design boards. The fan, video output, and board design leave the WinFast GeForce 256 SDR smack in the middle of the pack. There are two on board items that set this card apart. The first is the included video-out features, powered by the Brooktree 869 chip. While this is not an unusual feature to find on newer GeForce cards, we have seen cards come into the lab without video-out. The second feature that sets the WinFast GeForce 256 SDR apart is the use of 5 Ns SDRAM. The high speed rating on the RAM allows for high overclocking potential. Due to the fact that the GeForce processor itself is very RAM dependent (which is the reason that DDR boards perform much faster), overclocking the memory speed of the card will result in a noticeable speed increase. The 2D output of the card is crisp, even at resolutions as high as 1600x1200. While these options all scream "buy me", the poor chip cooling leaves any overclocker wary. While it is easy enough to remove the standard fan and place heatsink compound on it, some competing cards come with this feature out of the box.

Recently, the software bundle has become a powerful selling point for a company. Here, Leadtek seems to deny the GeForce processor of its heritage: games. The included software package comes with graphics software such as Asymetrix's Web 3D and 3D F/X, but it leaves out any games. We have stated in the past that the included games are often useless, but the choice to put 3D software in the package seems odd, especially with some companies offering little additional software at a reduced price. Also included in the package is WinDVD, a software based DVD decoder. This is very important, as it is the only way to use the S-Video out feature of the card with your computer's DVD drive. Chances are, however, that your DVD drive came bundled with similar decoding software or even faster hardware decoding features.

In comparison to other SDR GeForce cards, the choice to buy the Leadtek WinFast 256 SDR card is a difficult one. Selling at a price of about $230, the WinFast lies around the price of the other SDR GeForce cards reviewed. A solid performing card when at stock speed, the Leadtek WinFast 256 GeForce SDR is great for those without high overclocking goals. The 5 Ns SDRAM on the board defiantly give the card an edge, as high memory clock speeds do result in an increase in performance. Considering the fact that many boards with 5.5 Ns SDRAM on the card cost about the same amount of money, it makes sense to go with the WinFast 256 GeForce SDR for a middle range card. The reason for this is simple. It is easy enough to add thermal grease to the card or replace the stock fan even though it should be done at time of manufacture. It would be more of a challenge, however, to replace another cards 5.5 Ns SDRAM for 5 Ns SDRAM chips.