Verdict: Riddick-ulously overclockable, but too expensive

The MSI doesn't really fit into any one category. At first you might think it's a straightforward card based on the 6600 GPU, which is the lower clocked version of the 6600 GT. However, this card is part of MSI's new Diamond range of overclocking-friendly graphics cards and motherboards.

Although technically a vanilla 6600, the MSI has 128MB of 400MHz (800MHz effective) GDDR3 memory, which is much faster than stock 6600 cards. Unlike Gainward and XFX, MSI doesn't specify a minimum attainable overclocked frequency. We overclocked the core from a sedate 400MHz all the way up to 570MHz, while the memory was happy to run at 575MHz (1.15GHz effective), both of which are well beyond the speeds of a standard 6600 GT. So, for all intents and purposes, this may as well be a 6600 GT. However, the MSI card lacks SLI support, a feature of the full-blooded 6600 GT.

At its overclocked settings, the MSI's performance is similar to that of the superb Gainward card, although in the Gainward's case the performance is guaranteed. However, at its stock frequency settings, the MSI's performance is slower than that of a standard 6600 GT, so it doesn't make sense to consider the MSI unless you're prepared to push it hard.

The MSI is very quiet, thanks to the custom HSF, which uses a copper heatsink to keep the GPU cool. MSI has also added full ViVo support and all the cables you need to go with it, which adds value. However, by far the best thing in the box is a full copy of The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay (see p90). It's a superb game that will make full use of the 6600 GPU's pixel-shading prowess.

Even with the excellent bundle, the MSI is still too expensive at £131.44, especially when a full 6600 GT costs only £15 more. However, when overclocked it has all the speed and features of the Gainward card, which is £40 more expensive. If MSI actually guaranteed the overclocked settings, as Gainward does, it would be a much more enticing proposition. As it is, it's stuck between a rock and a hard place.

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