The MX440 was an entry level budget card? If it was all the rage in pro gaming circles at the time that's really just a reflection of how poor pro gamers were back then rather than anything to do with the MX440 being particularly noteworthy. In fact looking back at old reviews, it was if anything a flop. Launch MSRP was too expensive for the performance it offered. Especially when it was a DX7 card surrounded by DX8 cards at almost the same price point (including Nvidia's own Ti4200 for just $50 more)