Related Articles

While Gigabyte isn't the first company to release a video card with HDMI-HDCP compatibility, their 7600 GS is probably one of the more appealing cards of the select few with HDMI support. For those who seek high definition and moderate gaming on the side, this card will hit a sweet spot. Don't assume for a moment that this niche market isn't paying a premium: the price is steep for its relative graphical performance, but those who just want a HDMI connection (with resolutions capabilities upto 1080p) should look no further than this card.

Gigabyte's isn't touting the card to do anything specular graphically but instead be solid and stable. The main reasons why Gigabyte chose the 7600 GS series because it was referenced designed for passive cooling and fit the right pricing bracket. By adding an HDMI port, Gigabyte has created an attractive HTPC card and stands to make quite a bit of money off the premium people will pay for it over a standard 7600 GS. People with existing HTPC who find their systems excessively noisy, lacking HDMI-HDCP or are stuck with integrated graphics are the ideal candidates for this card. The 7600 GS can easily be swapped into a HTCP for a quick upgrade but with that said, the card will likely need a fan to blow air onto the heatsink to tame down some of the heat it produces. If you don't plan on pushing the graphics core to the limit, this is the card to get for HDMI for now.

The recent avalanche of announcement for new HDMI-HDCP compatible compoments, such as Abit's iL-90MV and ATI's Radeon X1950 with HDMI, has really placed the 7600 GS in a category by itself. The 7600 GS has staunchly placed itself in the middle of the pack with its price and performance since it won't bog down a system like integrated video card or be able to play the newest game with high framerates. Those who can't wait any longer to use their HDTVs and haven't played a game past, say Counter-Strike Source, should find a favorable pairing between the Gigabyte 7600 GS and their PCs. The Gigabyte GV-NX76G256HI-RH is slated for a mid november release and should see much fanfare. HDTV owners will be on the look out for this card.