- 1GB 256-Bit DDR3
- Core Clock 625 MHz
- 1 x DVI 1 x HDMI
- 800 Stream Processors
- PCI Express 2.0 x16
Not bad
01/25/2010
This review is from: BIOSTAR Radeon HD 4850 1GB DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 CrossFireX Support Video Card VA4853NHG2-YB1RY
Pros:
Strange... I was able to max out the core and mem clocks in ATI Overdrive. It seems most people can easily push 4870 levels on the core (ATI Overdrive limits you to 700 MHz, well below the 4870) but most people can't get the memory too high. Did Biostar use underclocked RAM on their 4850? I hit 1200 MHz no problem, and all games are stable. Benchmarks verify the card is indeed overclocked.
Well, I'm happy. I should take the heatsink off sometime to look at the RAM.
Cons:
Noisy. Biostar's cooler is kind of loud, but the most annoying thing is the pitch. It's not too high frequency, but definitely higher frequency than the 80 or 120 mm fans you may have in your system. Cooling performance also leaves much to be desired. I was hitting 105 degrees Celsius, which is bearable for the 4800 series core... but I'd prefer something cooler. I have a 120 mm Silverstone fan blowing on the card now, and max temps dropped to 78 degrees Celsius (furmark burn, overclocked to 700/1200.)
Overall Review:
I suppose it doesn't make sense to purchase this card right now, with the 4860 (Sapphire-only) going for about the same price. Also, Nvidia is going to shake up the pecking order soon (in ~March 2010, about 2 months' time.) If you NEED a graphics card now, take a look at Sapphire's 4860. If you don't, wait for Nvidia. Otherwise, the 4800 series is a great bargain!
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- Loc H.
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Verified Owner
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Owned For:
1 week to 1 month
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