Digital Trends

MSI GeForce FX5700-VT2DR256 May 20th, 2004 | by Ian Bell

Setup and Use

Setting up the VT2DR256 is a tad bit different that other cards on the market because of its dual DVI and multimedia capabilities. We installed MSI's video card drivers and software and then proceeded to run their Live Update 2 program which will automatically update the MSI drivers and software to the latest versions. The Live Update software is nice to have because it simplifies the whole updating process.

We then proceeded to install MSI's Media Center II software. From looking on the box of this video card, it looked like you would be able to get full multimedia capabilities similar to ATI's All-In-Wonder line. Unfortunately, the two cannot be compared. The Media Center II software looks and feels pretty amateurish. It's really nothing more than an interface for accessing features already available on your system such as browsing pictures, accessing programs, or playing music. We could do without this program and recommend that you leave it uninstalled if you purchase this video card.

 
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What is interesting about the video in and out capabilities is that the VT2DR256 does not have an integrated TV tuner even though it is using a Philips chip for decoding NTSC and PAL broadcasts. What this means is that you cannot fully watch TV or change channels unless you use MSI's TV tuner card. Chances are that you could try adding a 3rd party TV tuner card to the VT2DR256 but we cannot confirm that it will be compatible.

The remote control that MSI gives you with this card looks like a toy upon first inspection, but it also seems like it might actually have quite a bit of functionality to it. Unfortunately we could not confirm this because there was no way to connect the remote to a PC. We looked and looked but there is no USB cable or any other cable that could act as the remote receiver. So basically the remote control is completely useless. We are not sure what MSI was thinking, but is seems like they are doing everything in their power to get you to purchase their TV tuner card so you can use all of the features of the VT2DR256.

The dual display abilities of this card are very nice. MSI doesn't include advanced utilities like you would get from a Matrox card so those used to a dual display for workstation type work will most likely be disappointed. You are forced to use Nvidia's own Nview software which comes with the Nvidia drivers, if you want to use a dual display setup. The Nview software is actually pretty decent to use and will give you not only different display options, but mouse options for when you navigate across the multiple screens. Another cool feature about the Nview software is that instead of simply splitting the screen across multiple displays, you can setup “gridlines” which will define regions for you.

Fortunately for everything the multimedia side seems to lack, the included software really makes this card shine when compared to others. On the gaming side, you have Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon, The Elder Scrolls III, Duke Nukem Manhattan project and a 7-in1- games collection. Ghost Recon and Elder Scrolls III are fantastic games worthy of purchasing separately. The 7-in-1 games CD and Duke Nukem games are nice little bonuses but really are not worth spending the money on we think. The icing on the cake is of course the InterVideo WinDVD 5.1 software which will play back your DVD movies in glorious Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound, and the InterVideo WinDVD Creator Plus which will help you make your own DVD's. MSI claims that the total value of the software bundled with this card is worth $1200, and while we have to question whether the software would really cost that much if purchased alone, we cannot argue that this software package is indeed very robust, especially since this card costs under $200.