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Review: HIS X1650XT IceQ Turbo Dual DL-DVI 256MB

by Tarinder Sandhu on 21 November 2006, 08:11

Tags: HIS X1650XT, HiS Graphics

Quick Link: HEXUS.net/qahcs

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Bundle, accessories and warranty





The flashy box lists all the pertinent specs. IceQ reference-beating cooling, 20dB 'silent' operation (unlikely), HDCP support and Microsoft Vista compliance.





The software bundle is what HIS refers to as its Platinum Pack, comprising of a full version of Microsoft's Dungeon Siege and a plethora of software that's not changed for a while now. It's still reasonable, we suppose. Naturally, HIS bundles in a driver CD and user guide, as well.



Further, there's the ubiquitous DVI dongle, S-Video cable, S-Video-to-Composite adapter, HDTV-Out (component) cable, CrossFire bridge, and IceQ fan exhaust expansion bracket which'll take the place of the adjacent PCI plate in your chassis.

HIS didn't ship its iTurbo interface with this package. It's a useful tool that provide information on GPU temperature, allows for both GPU and memory clock adjustment, and, perhaps most important of all, the ability to regulate the fan speed. The lack of bundling is the reason why we've not quantified the effectiveness of the IceQ cooler at keeping RV560 nice and cool.

Warranty

The package is backed up by a 2-year warranty that begins from the date of manufacture and not, as it should be, on invoice date. The retailer from whom the card is purchased handles any problems arising in the first year and HIS covers the remaining year. During the second year, should a fault occur, the customer emails HIS who issues an RMA number within 48 hours. The card is then sent to a U.K. address and a replacement card, should it be required, is then shipped directly to the customer from HIS' H.Q. in Hong Kong. We envisage that a 5-working day turnaround is likely during the first year with double the time required during the second.

HIS tracks cards via the serial number and the warranty is based upon that, so the balance of the warranty is transferable should the card be sold on within the 2-year timeframe. We feel that the warranty is average for the industry.