Index
Review: Gainward GTX 260 GS Nitro-ed to 720MHz
Nitro is a little piece of hardware we've been using on our desk to alter the graphics card's clocks. This useful little gadget was initially intended for overclocking Zotac's card only, but as of recently you can use it for all Geforce 8000 generation and higher cards. In order for Nitro to work though, you'll have to install FireStorm software version 1.015 or higher.
If you already own Nitro, you can find the FireStorm software version 1.015 here.
Nitro is an attractive little device, both in terms of looks and its capabilities. Users not experienced in overclocking might love it even more, as it provides a hassle-free method of overclocking your graphics card. Although Nitro is no longer exclusive to Zotac’s graphics cards, it’s only them that offer a warranty for potential damage that can occur when using this device. Let’s look at things from the bright side, Nitro is a nice insurance policy if you’re looking to overclock your Zotac graphics card.
Note that if you’re not overclocking, Nitro can’t do anything to your graphics card as it’s just a piece of hardware that connects to your computer via a USB cable and is used to control the FireStorm software. The software is installed in your OS and it works much like some other software overclocking tools (RivaTuner, EVGA Precision, Nvidia nTune, etc.) If you know nTune, you’ll notice that Zotac FireStorm’s interface resembles it closely.
Of course, you can purchase this device separately from the graphics card, and it comes safely wrapped in plastic, which lets you take a peek at Nitro.
Apart from the device, the packaging also features a nicely designed white holder. It’s quite heavy and has a rubber base, enabling it to stay fixed on the table without falling over while holding the device. In fact, you can even do your overclocking not getting the Nitro out of the holder.
Nitro connects to the computer via a 180cm USB cable, which is more than enough to place it on your desk, so that you can monitor the temperature, clock and fan speed readouts.
All the changes are done via three white buttons, and although you might find Nitro to be a bit plastic-like, we assure you it’s a very tough and robust device.