Introduction

NVIDIA is going 40nm, and today we have their first new GPU in the labs; for the first time since NVIDIA is launching their entry level models first, for the high end 40nm models we’ll have to wait for 2010 most likely. DirectX wise this GPU also supports the slightly newer DX10.1 specs (most notable feature of 10.1 is reduced overhead when using AA).

Leadtek allowed us to test their Geforce GT 220 model which comes with a low profile PCB, a custom cooler and is equipped with 1024Mb GDDR3. The GPU and Shader clocks are reference speed (625Mhz and 1360Mhz respectively) but the memory is running at only 800Mhz (vs 900Mhz reference).



As you can see, a 512Mb exists also; on the back of the box they list the features of the new arrival:



Most notable are:

NVIDIA PhysX

NVIDIA CUDA

PureVideo HD (accelerates HD video content, lowering CPU load)

HD Support (1080p)

Dual Link HDCP capability (for high resolution display)

DX10.1, Shader 4.1 and OpenGL 3.1 Support

Inside the box

Inside the box, you’ll find the GT 220 card, two low profile brackets, a driver CD and a simple installation guide.

Closer Look

Leadtek has a custom build low profile PCB so they had to look for another cooling solution, as the reference design cooler is made for a full size PCB video card;

They came up with the following design:



A slick looking full aluminum heatsink with integrated fan, painted black for looks. A decorative sticker matches the box design.

The card itself is of course minuscule compared to mainstream video cards. This card is meant to go into a HTPC, it features the required outputs for today’s LCD and Plasma TVs:



From left to right we have VGA (d-sub), HDMI and DVI.

The back of the card doesn’t reveal much for most people, others spot some voltage control chips which will allow them, once modified with a couple of resistors, to increase vGPU and vMEM.



At the front of the card with the cooler removed we can see the memory chips marked H5TQ1G63BFR from Hynix



The GPU on the Geforce GT 220 has code name GT216-300 and the one on the Leadtek Winfast is revision A2



Performance and conclusive thoughts next ->

Performance Numbers

We ran the Geforce GT 220 clocked at 625/1360/800 through our 15 performance tests as well as power consumption, temperature and noise measurements; You can find the results in our live-article: Video Card Comparison Charts



You’ll find the GT 220 slightly in front of the older Geforce 9500 GT; at higher resolutions the difference diminishes, while at lower settings the GT 220 holds a slightly larger lead, overall though the performance difference between this card and a 9500 GT is negligible.

If we look at the FPS numbers this card is able to produce in the different games we come to the conclusion that even at 1280x1024 this card has trouble providing a decent gameplay experience. You can forget any of the newer titles, and even older games give this card a run for its money.

Preliminary Overclocking

Our colleague reviewer Massman did some preliminary overclocking tests with the Geforce GT 220, the stock cooler makes quite a racket, as you saw in the results charts, it tops out at ~55dBA and the fan never slows down; the GPU is cooled down to a new record low and this did help the overclocking experiment.

Without modifications Massman reached the following results:

CORE: 675MHz (+8%)

Shader: 1450MHz (1500 if mem <900MHz) (+7%)

MEMORY: 940MHz (+15%!)

Performance wise this overclock does have some effect, 4-6% can be expected, but it doesn’t help make this card a viable gaming video card unfortunately;

Conclusive Thoughts

Leadtek is one of the launch partners of NVIDIA, they had their Winfast Geforce GT 220 version ready at launch, their version features some interesting changes from the reference design, while they don’t necessarily change the performance, they do offer some advantages, but unfortunately also some disadvantages.

The low profile PCB makes this card an ideal candidate for a HTPC setup, with the HDMI and DVI outputs. The card draws less power than the older 9500 GT, we’re talking ~10W under load, not earth shattering, but every Watt counts when you build a system that will remain powered on for many hours. Add in HD video acceleration, CUDA support and this card becomes more attractive for HTPC owners. Now if only that fan would run slower and make less noise!

When it comes down to gaming performance we can’t help but feel let down, at price point of ~€50 the Leadtek GT 220 is slightly more expensive than a 9500 GT, cheaper than a 9600 GT, but same price as 9600 GSO. Add ATI video cards in the mix and you’ll see Radeon 4670 at €50 make an appearance, offering much better performance.

Leadtek Winfast Geforce GT 220 1Gb



If you’re looking for a CUDA-able low profile video card with entry level price and DX10.1 support, you can’t go wrong with the Winfast GT 220. If however you’re looking for a gaming card at the €50 price point there are better alternatives out there.

With GT 240 around the corner, we hope NVIDIA adapts their pricing scheme so that this higher powered card is available for €50, and in turn making the GT 220 more affordable and better value for customers world wide.