Question 1

will it work in a PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot?

Accepted Answer

Yes; PCI 3.0 IS backwards compatible with a PCI Express 2.0 slot; however, you will not get the added support from the 3.0; thus said, you will get the most output a PCI 2.0 can give. The card still will have more output to throw, but the PCI 2.0 will not transfer that into usage.

Question 2

Will this support dual monitors?

Accepted Answer

This card should have no problem supporting two monitors, the real question is can you properly rig it to support two monitors? It comes with one hdmi input and one dvi, but my personal suggestion is to get a card with two dvi inputs if you are using televisions rather than an actual computer monitor. 
Beware of screen tearing with this card! Why? because it is made for much better refresh rates than 60hz! This card is flat out awesome! Don't miss out on the awesome features by buying a monitor with a refresh rate of 60hz! Waste of this card... 120hz or higher, I have 144hz and its magnificent. I use two monitors for gaming etc. and this card is more than capable , but if you see problems with it consider it is the refresh rate of the monitors you are using.

Question 3

Does the card have CrossfireX support?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  It says, "Enjoy other enhanced features, including AMD CrossFireX™ Multi-GPU Technology, PCI Express 3.0, AMD Eyefinity 2.0, Enhanced Multi-GPU Capabilities, Discrete Digital Multi-Point Audio, Best Microsoft DirectX11 Support, AMD Catalyst Control Center™, Dolby® TrueHD and DTSHD Master Audio™ Support, AMD PowerTune™ Technology, AMD App Acceleration, and much more." in the overview.

Question 4

My boyfriend bought this graphics card and I would like to get him another one so that he could split his screen (or something, I really have NO idea what im talking about). I thought this would be a good xmas gift. Is this a good idea? And does it need to be the exact same one to work? Any suggestions or helpful hints?

Accepted Answer

Actually, he doesn't need two graphics cards to run two monitors.  I am running two monitors off of this graphics cards right now and it works wonderfully.

He does need a second monitor if you want to buy something.  You need to get him a very similar monitor to the one he already has because, at least in my opinion, it is annoying to have two different size monitors.

Good gift idea, but this graphics card is already able to do dual monitors.  Putting two cards in crossfire doesn't really increase graphics much.  But yes, you must buy the same one to crossfire them (to run two graphics cards at the same time).

Question 5

what size power supply does this card require?

Accepted Answer

It requires a 500 watt power supply via the sapphire website. I bought a 600 watt power supply to ensure that there is no power starvation to other components. My tower has two high rpm hard drives, two dvd drives, and a floppy disk drive on top of the video card so I would rather be safe than sorry. I also recommend a certified power supply like a corsair to ensure there is enough power during high video card usage.

Question 6

I currently own a Sapphire Radeon 5830 HD Xtreme 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 and I've had it for about a couple of years. I haven't used it to the max until the last couple of months when I decided to plug in a 42" TV Vizio through the HDMI port in addition of using my 19" Samsung monitor. I was using my tv to mostly watch movies and such online while I played a video game on my 19" monitor. For some reason, I started having my graphics on my game crapping up, showing signs of flickering and spikes. Ever since then, my video card performance has dropped and my graphics lag a lot. I'm not sure if it is because of using the TV and the monitor at the same time. Once again, I didn't push this card to the maximum at all. I don't think there is a solution for me but to replace my vcard.

My question is, is what I'm doing wrong or it shouldn't matter? Would this card support what I'm currently doing? I have recently upgraded my monitor to 23" Acer LED (my tv is 43" Vizio LED).

I appreciate your feedback in advance.

Accepted Answer

I upgraded from the Radeon hd5770 as well as upgrade my entire computer. The HD 7850 is running just fine in PCI express 2.0 due to motherboard. I running a Toshiba 24" led tv/monitor (HDMI cable) and play Star Wars: The Old Republic at 1080p, maxxed game settings and have no issues with the card, just with my broadband company. I did have my 5770 hooked up to my 47" Vizio (LCD), using the D-sub to HDMI cable and had no problems. I have tried to run two monitor in the passed, but had problems getting the screens to properly separate with the 5770. That was using my Vizio and a 19" AOC (LCD)monitor. I have not really pushed the 7850 and I am using just the stock settings. The card runs very quiet too. I am sorry that I can't answer your question more thoroughly, I am happy with the new video card. I have been using AMD mobos and Radeon cards for my last three rebuilds, I have not had any problems with this combination.

Question 7

Is this a step up from a 6870? Also, does it play WoW or Rift on Ultra?

Accepted Answer

I'd suggest checking out community dot futuremark dot com slash hardware slash gpu for bench mark info.  According to them, the 6870 rates #20 whereas the 7850 comes in at #9.  I unfortunately don't know about WoW or Rift, but I was able to run Crysis 2 at Ultra without any noticeable issues.

Question 8

What are the dimensions of this Sapphire Radeon HD 7850 card?
Thanks!

Accepted Answer

Standard Height (NOT low profile)
Approx. 6 3/4 inches long (or deep)
Double standard width (meaning it will need two slots on the backplane)

Question 9

This card should fit in a micro ATX case, right? More specifically the HEC 6K28BB8F (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811121003)

Accepted Answer

We used this product in a lab setting in a mid-size tower. Works great. It would work in a micro but only is you do not have it crowded and do not plan on any upgrades that would limit air circulation.

Question 10

What is the wattage of this video card?

Accepted Answer

According to Hardware Compare this GPU uses 130W, the minium required PSU is 500, however I am able to run it on my CX430M

Questions & Answers