It completely replaces the microsoft network stack. Doing so allows it minimize time the game spends on the network portion of the 'game frame loop'. It is optimized for udp (standard throughput nics optimize for TCP).

The designer/engineer worked for Intel and helped develop the Intel Pro nic - which is top-notch in terms of throughput (not what the killer nic is about - overall throughput may go down).

It offloads firewall and bitorrent from the cpu (supposedly more apps coming). It is esentially a linux computer that you plug into a pci slot on your machine.

IMHO it is the replacement of the windows stack that provides the greatest improvement.

I've read tons of testimonials and most people that down the card compare it to a throughput card and download speeds - not what the card is about. Its about minimizing game lag. It is about minimizing udp delays. The testimonials also mention that even though, on average, only a few fps are picked up that the game has a smoother feel - less 'hitchy'.

I used to be a critic because I had no clue what the card did. Now I'm a fan of what the card does but...

I'm still a critic of the price :(

Its more for the min/max type that has $3k they are going to put into a machine and then - why the hell not?