The Final Word

This content was originally featured on Amdmb.com and has been converted to PC Perspective’s website. Some color changes and flaws may appear.

So why would you consider buying this particular card? The biggest reason to get the MSI FX5600-VTDR128 is that you get a card with mid-range performance with DirectX 9 support. The MSI FX5600 is a decent performer and did fairly well in our tests – it handles remarkably at resolutions 1024×768 to 1280×1024. As you can see from the benchmarking results, the performance is on par with other mid-range solutions, but does little to exceed that. For the present, it is adept at playing current games, but true DirectX 9 performance has yet to be seen. Therein lies the potential risk – without true DirectX 9 games to test, we really don’t have a clear idea of how it performs in the future.

The MSI FX5600-VTDR128.

However, there are a few factors that minimize the risk. First, MSI adds value to FX5600 by throwing in some VIVO functionality and a remote control. The games package also helps sell the product, since the games are actually very good. Second, for less than $200 USD you get a lot for your money which certainly helps offset any potential risk.

In short, MSI offsets any risk involved with NVIDIA banking heavily on DirectX 9 by adding a lot of extra features, and pricing the product very aggressively. This video card is definitely worth considering if you’re looking for some good performance, at a cheap price, with support for future standards.

The MSI FX5600-VTDR128 box.

For the Working Professional

  • What is good?
    • Dual display ability – great for presentations.
    • Multiple display output provides flexibility (S-Video, Component Video, CRT, and DVI).
    • Video input allows you to digitize media (i.e. for presentations, marketing materials, or educational video).
    • Good driver support from MSI.
    • Remote control may have some use in a presentation situation.
    • 2 years parts & labor is adequate for most situations.
  • What is not so good?
    • Using a CRT monitor on the DVI connection causes ghosting.
    • Bundled WinProducer video-editing software may not work.
    • Remote control only works in Windows XP.
    • The remote control has limited use in a professional environment.
    • 2 years parts & labor may not be enough.

For the Gamer and Enthusiast

  • What is good?
    • Great performance at 1024×768 to 1280×1024.
    • Dual display ability – great for a busy desktop.
    • 2 years parts & labor.
    • Hardware monitoring.
    • Remote control is good for controlling MP3s and watching DVDs.
    • Games package is very good (you may actually want to play some of them).
    • Component video output means you can game on the big screen.
    • Video input is a neat feature to have.
  • What is not so good?
    • Limited playability at 1600×1200.
    • Pushpins on cooler means you either have to use more paste than needed or use a different mounting method.
    • Using a CRT monitor on the DVI connection causes ghosting.
    • Remote control only works with Windows XP.
    • Stability may be an issue.

For the Casual User

  • What is good?
    • Dual display ability – great for a busy desktop.
    • 2 years parts & labor
    • Great driver and electronic support from MSI.
    • Remote control is good for controlling MP3s and watching DVDs.
    • Games package is very good.
    • Bundled software has some value (i.e. virus protection and backup software).
    • Video input allows you to create your own movies.
  • What is not so good?
    • 2 years parts & labor warranty may not be enough.
    • Bundled video editing software may not work for you.
    • Using a CRT monitor on the DVI connection causes ghosting.
    • Remote control only works with Windows XP.

Where MSI can Improve

  • Test all bundled software prior to releasing on the market.
  • Remove software and utilities from the bundle that add little value.
  • System requirements for components should be clearer (i.e. how the remote control & software only works in Windows XP).
  • Warranty terms should be printed clearly inside documentation in the package as well as online.
  • Better mounting mechanism for the cooler.

From the reviewer
The response to my last article was overwhelming. Thank you to all of you who took the time to write me your thoughts, questions, and suggestions. I have tried to incorporate as much of your feedback as possible into this article. As always, I welcome your input! So please do not hesitate to write me.

I hope you found the article informative and enjoy your stay at AMDMB.com. Thanks to MSI for allowing us to review the FX5600-VTDR128.

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You can find this video card listed on the Amdmb.com PriceGrabber.

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