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VisionTek RADEON HD3870 OCE x16 PCI Express: Review

Posted to Video Cards 2009-05-29


VisionTek RADEON HD3870 OCE x16 PCI Express: Review
Review: VisionTek RADEON HD3870 OCE x16 PCI Express

The VisionTek ATI RADEON HD3870 OC 512MB GDDR4 PCI Express Graphics Card is a high-flying, pulse-pounding, beast of a video card that will leave you completely breathless with its incredible display of extreme graphics. How would you like to go into a store and pick any game you want, without worrying if your graphics card can handle it? With this overclocked bad-boy, that's what you can do. Packed with the punch of more expensive models, VisionTek's ATI RADEON HD3870 is an excellent value when compared to other graphics cards on the market today.

This graphics card has a lifetime warranty, which is a big plus for avid gamers who want reliable hardware. As with most modern graphics cards, the HD3870 requires the popular PCI-Express (PCI-E) slot to operate. Appearance-wise, the card even looks cool, with flames plastered across the front of the graphics card. For monitor connectivity, it utilizes a DVI connection (two onboard), but includes a VGA-DVI connector for those who still use the older standard. One subtle requirement that many users don't realize is that the HD3870 requires a hefty power supply unit of between 450 watts and 500 watts. As graphics cards become ever more powerful, non-factory power units will be required. But for the price, this model is a really good value- it looks great and performs well for a cost that matches that of mid-level video cards.


Rating:  4.8 out of 5

Features

This particular model has a comfortable memory buffer of 512MB GDDR4, which contributes to its ability to meet graphics resolutions up to 2560 x 1600. In addition to the dual-RAMDACs (400MHz each), you get 320 stream processors and a 256-bit memory interface. This graphics card has a core clock of 775MHz and memory clock of 2250MHz. It is HDTV-ready and can play your Blu-ray movies and other HD content with no problems (HDCP-enabled monitor required). It also features CrossFire functionality, enabling you to connect two compatible cards for ultimate performance.

Performance

The HD3870's performance is just out of this world. With this graphics card, you can play graphics-intensive games like Crysis with settings on high. For the mid-level price, the quality and performance proved by this model is astounding. The majority of users are surprised by the superb graphics this card provides. It does just as well with Blu-Ray and other HD content- even HD video editing is smooth. While the overclocked HD3870 is slightly large (takes two slots) and can sometimes run hot, the performance supersedes that of its predecessors.

Summary

Overall, if you are looking for a top-performing graphics card that supports all the latest video technologies, then the VisionTek ATI RADEON HD3870 OC 512MB GDDR4 PCI Express Graphics Card is for you. The price is surprisingly affordable compared to other models, yet the quality does not fail to deliver. And thanks to technologies like Shader Model 4.1, now you can even see the sweat on your characters brow, as you battle the Dark Lord of that Dark Realm where you reside. For all gamers, this is a fantastic graphics card that provides superior graphics at a price that is hard to beat.

Pros

  • Excellent value- superb graphics at a hard-to-beat price
  • Streamlined- compatible with both Windows XP and Windows Vista
  • Powerful- Core clock of 775Mhz, dual RAMDACs (400MHz), memory clock of (2250MHz)
  • Tough- 512MB GDDR4 memory for supporting high-definition resolutions and graphics
  • Useful ports- includes HDMI, S-video, composite, Dual-DVI (adapters included), CrossFire

Cons

  • There are no cons for this product

Related Links

VisionTek RADEON HD3650 OCE PCI Express Graphics Card:
1GB DDR2, Dual DVI-I, TV/HDTV, MPN: 900225

VisionTek RADEON HD2400 Pro AGP Graphics Card:
512MB DDR2, Dual DVI-I, TV/component HDTV, MPN: 900216

VisionTek ATI RADEON HD4870 Graphics Card :
512MB GDDR5 memory/ HD component A/V/ S-video/ composite video/ PCI Express x16/ Dual DVI

VisionTek ATI RADEON HD4670 Graphics Card:
VisionTek ATI RADEON HD4670 Graphics Card

VisionTek ATI RADEON HD4650 Graphics Card:
512MB DDR2 memory/ HD component A/V/ S-video/ composite video/ 2 dual-link DVI-I connectors/ PCI Express x16

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