AOpen began its run to glory by topping our 3DMark01 tests with an impressive 14,977 marks in the default resolution with four samples of full-scene anti aliasing. A few places opened up between it and the rest of the pack in '05, but its real world testing results were second to none, sweeping the pool to take first place in each of the four tests and edging slowly towards the high performance X800s.

The Aeolus includes a stock standard software bundle with SpellForce, Arx Fatalis and a five-in-one game pack. Unfortunately you'll still need to go for the high performance cards like the X800s, which are more likely to throw in a games bundle of more current, popular games. Like Albatron, it also includes the all-in-one VIVO dongle. Unlike Albatron however, you'll get a DVI to D-Sub adaptor, so you'll be able to run multiple monitors, even if you don't have a DVI monitor.

Overall, it's a great performer with a reasonable price, but there are better bundles in the Labs this month.