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ATI All-In-Wonder 9800 Pro Video Graphics Card

Tuesday, February 7th, 2006 | Reviews, Video Card Reviews

The ATI All-In-Wonder 9800 Pro 128Mb AGP video card is a feature packed device with a price to match. With some users reporting questionable stability, opinion is generally divided on whether this is the best option to achieve all the functionality offered.

Installation of this board is a little more complex than usual for a PC device, as it requires a direct connection to a power supply, in addition to the plug-in slot connections. However, if you follow the comprehensive instructions there should be no problem getting the device up and working.

This ATI video card features 128Mb, together with the AGP 8x communication standard for fast graphics. In terms of the enhanced video for the gaming enthusiast, this AGP video card provides a very worthwhile enhancement of the computer graphics.

The latest games are increasingly demanding of the graphics, with movie quality effects becoming the norm, and adding this card produces a noticeable improvement in response and smoothness of the video, adding to enjoyment of the game play. Graphics are very processor intensive, and the 9800 chipset on this card boasts some of the latest tricks to take care of the complex calculations associated particularly with the creation of 3D images.

These include the trademarked technologies of SMARTSHADER 2.0, which allows complex effects at faster speeds; and SMOOTHVISION 2.1 which uses the latest anti-aliasing techniques. The chipset on the card takes care of the heavy calculation work associated with providing the enhanced graphic output.

In use, the card produces impressive cinematic quality graphics, with a noticeable enhancement of the latest demanding games. This means that game play becomes a more immersing experience, and greatly increases the value of your existing games.

However, all the attributes listed above are available at a more reasonable price from standard video cards. The ATI All-In-Wonder 9800 Pro is designed to achieve a lot more than simply enhancing computer graphics, and this is where there have been problems reported.

The reason for the name “All-In-Wonder” is that this AGP video card has comprehensive capabilities with regard to broadcast television. It has a built-in tuner to view live TV, and also has TIVO like functions, pausing live TV, in addition to recording broadcasts and playing back video. You can even call up an interactive TV Guide, though this does require an internet connection.

The box comes with a wireless remote control to use for these purposes, which even includes some computer remote functions. The concept is an exciting one called convergence, and unifying the entire entertainment center.

However, there have been many reports of problems with the function of these features. Troubles that have been cited include: -

• Card overheating after an hour
• Difficulty updating the software
• Problems recording some shows, due to inbuilt copyright protection
• Tuner does not work with those satellite systems which require a card in the decoder
• Computer freeze up.

Isolated incidents of the above would not be such an issue, except that ATI’s free telephone support is only valid for the first 30 days of ownership, and they seem otherwise unhelpful.

That said, other users have not had difficulties and give glowing reports of the All-In-Wonder 9800 Pro.

In summary, if the card works in your set up, then it can provide all you need for personal entertainment. However, there are questions about compatibility and reliability, and if you want all the functions offered, you may find it an advantage to consider a separate video card and TV device with computer VCR input, which could even work out less expensive.

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