Sapphire VAPOR-X HD 4890 OC Edition 1GB GDDR5 Review

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Sapphire VAPOR-X HD 4890 OC Edition 1GB GDDR5 (100269VXL) Review



http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/44/sapphirelogo2.png



Special Thanks to Sapphire Technology (http://www.sapphiretech.com) for supplying this sample to review!


With the recent release of ATI's much anticipated 5000 series graphics cards, and all the glory and rave they have brought to light, I thought it would be useful to take a look back on the 48xx series cards as they still have very much to offer to gamers and non-gamers alike. Not everyone who is on the lookout for a new card may be able to afford the high end or even a mid-range 5000 series card, and have no plans to look into the lower end of the bracket, so that may leave some looking at the older generation cards for some time to come.

With those thoughts in mind, you may be one of the many users looking to see what the 4000 series still has to offer, so let's take a look at Sapphire's 4890 OC Edition Vapor-X 1GB GDDR5. The HD 4890 is built on the 55nm RV790 Core with 956 million transistors, 800 stream processors, and is utilizing 1GB of GDDR5 through a 256-bit memory bus. It has pixel fillrate of 13.9 GPixel/s and a texture fillrate of 34.8 GTexel/s with a memory bandwidth of 134.4 GB/s. The card carries a multitude of connection possibilities including standard VGA, DVI, Dual DVI Via bundled HDMI to DVI Adapter, HMDI, and Display Port connect-ability.

This review will be covering the following Sapphire 4890 OC Vapor-X model:
SAPPHIRE - SAPPHIRE VAPOR-X HD 4890 1GB GDDR5 PCI-E OC (http://www.sapphiretech.com/presentation/product/?psn=000101&pid=259)


http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/4374/1115005hd4890vaporx1gbg.png

This particular model has already won 8 noted awards, which you may read about here:
SAPPHIRE - SAPPHIRE VAPOR-X HD 4890 1GB GDDR5 PCI-E OC Awards (http://www.sapphiretech.com/presentation/product/?psn=000101&pid=259)

Sapphire's overview offers these comments on the cards power and features:


Tear through the latest games with seamless frame rates and go beyond HD with the power of the ATI Radeon™HD 4890 graphics processing unit (GPU). Building on the strength of the ATI Radeon™ 4800 series award-winning architecture, this GPU stands out from the rest with massive graphics processing muscle. Take ultimate control over your game and crank it up with scalable performance. Go ahead, max out the settings and put the ATI Radeon HD 4890 through its paces.

The SAPPHIRE HD 4890 Vapor-X model is a new SAPPHIRE original design. It has SAPPHIRE’s Vapor-X cooling module on the GPU together with a heatsink and profiled fan venting heat out of the case. It is quieter and significantly faster than the standard reference model, with core clock speed of 870MHz and 1GB of DDR5 memory clocked at 1050MHz. Any two of the four output options can be used simultaneously, giving maximum flexibility for connection to different display types. An HDMI to DVI adaptor is also included for those who wish to use a pair of DVI monitors.


Features and Specifications:


Award winning Vapor-X Cooler with heatpipe, silent and powerful
Sapphire patent pending Black Diamond Choke
4 I/O Display outputs: DP+HDMI+DL-DVI+VGA
Factory overclocked at Core at 870 MHz
1GB/256-bit GDDR5 memory interface
Memory Clock: 1050 MHz, 4.2 Gbps
800 stream processing units
Full solid capacitor design
Dual Slot Silent and Powerful Dual Slot Vapor-X Vapor-Chamber Cooler, Under 20 dbA in 2D Operation, under 30 dbA in 3D Operation before 85 degree ℃.
24x custom filter anti-aliasing (CFAA) and high performance anisotropic filtering
Microsoft DX10.1 support
HDMI compliant via dongle
PCI Express 2.0 x16 bus interface
Dynamic geometry acceleration
Game physics processing capability
Supports all display resolutions up to 1920x1080
On chip HDCP support
7.1 Audio Channel Support
Shader Model 4.1 support
ATI Avivo™ HD video
Dynamic power management with ATI PowerPlay™ technology
Quad mode ATI CrossFireX™ multi-GPU support for highly scalable performance


Vapor-X Technology & how it works:


SAPPHIRE Vapor-X Technology: At the heart of quiet efficient cooling for performance graphics.

SAPPHIRE Technology was the first company to implement cooling for PC graphics cards based on Vapor Chamber Technology and has now implemented it in several successful product series.

Vapor Chamber Technology was previously used in Aerospace Industry and High-End Server applications to provide more efficient yet compact cooling. SAPPHIRE’s Vapor-X cooler was introduced in 2007 with its HD 3870 ATOMIC Edition graphics card and then rolled out to the global market with the successful HD 3870 and HD 4870 TOXIC Editions and the Vapor-X series.

Most recently Vapor-X cooling has been used on the stunning SAPPHIRE HD 4890 ATOMIC Edition – the first graphics card on the market to deliver a 1GHz engine speed, as well as the new HD 4890 TOXIC Edition and Vapor-X models for the global market.

Vapor Chamber Technology is based on the same principles as heatpipe technology. A liquid coolant is vaporized at a hot surface, the resulting vapor is condensed at a cold surface then the liquid is returned to the hot surface. The recirculation process is controlled by a wick system.

SAPPHIRE Vapor-X flattens the whole system into a slim chamber - which in the graphics application is mounted in contact with the surface of the graphics chip.

Actually, the coolant is water – but because the chamber is evacuated to a very low pressure, the vaporization process occurs at a much lower temperature than normal boiling point. The complex wick arrangement inside the module controls the flow of water and water vapour so that the system can be used in any orientation.Features of Vapor-X:

Universal directions
Unlike unidirectional devices such as heat-pipes

Lower thermal resistances
½ less than Cu

Higher heat conductivity
2 times faster than Cu’s

Most suitable thermal diathermanous devices for highly
concentrated heat sources


How does Vapor Chamber Technology work?

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/vapor-X_work.jpg

Heat sources keep on heating Vaporization Wicks.

Liquid, like pure water, inside Vacuum Chamber is very easily vaporized under air pressure < 10-4 Tor or less.

The saturated vaporized liquid, like water vapor, condenses at surfaces of Condensation Wicks and transforms back to its original liquid state.

The liquid is transported and absorbed together by Transportation Wicks via capillary actions.

The recycled liquid is reheated and re-vaporized by Vaporization Wicks and these processes repeat.



Structure and Profile of Vacuum Vapor Chamber:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/ChamberStructure.gif



Sealed Chamber
Vacuum Vapor Space
Compound Mesh Wicks

Vaporization Wicks
Vaporization Wicks
Transportation Wicks


Working fluid



Advantages of Vacuum Vapor Chamber

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Compare-Vapor.jpg


Heat-sink with Vacuum Vapor Chamber technology provides much faster heat propagation speed and can be used to highly increase efficiency of heat exchange.
The patented complex wick system at the heart of Vapor-X

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Wick.jpg


So in the SAPPHIRE graphics application, the heat source is the graphics chip. The Vapor-X module is mounted in contact with the surface of the chip. The Vapor-X module is much more efficient than a copper heatsink at carrying away the heat because the whole area effectively transfers heat at the same rate.

Low noise is generally sought after in modern PC systems, so SAPPHIRE has already introduced a special family of graphics products using Vapor-X technology, known as the Vapor-X Series. This family is aimed at the discerning user who wants low noise and high reliability, but does not want to pay the premium for the specialist faster memory and overclocking capability of the ATOMIC and TOXIC models targeted at the enthusiast user..

The Vapor-X Series also incorporates several SAPPHIRE developments that contribute to better efficiency and high reliability, such as the use of solid electrolyte capacitors and the (patent pending) SAPPHIRE Black Diamond choke. The high-polymer aluminum capacitors used have characteristics superior to regular aluminum capacitors for longer product life. The choke is an important component of the power regulation on a graphics card, and the SAPPHIRE Black Diamond choke with integral heatsink runs 10% cooler and with 25% more power efficiency than a normal choke.

Short Video Presentation About Vapor-X Technology

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfIzG1gd4DI

You can read more about the Vapor-X process here at Sapphire's website:
SAPPHIRE- Vapor-X (http://www.sapphiretech.com/presentation/product/technology.aspx?psn=000801&lid=1)

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Product and Packaging Images: (Click to Enlarge)


HD 4890 Packaging:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/BoxMainSW2.jpg (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/BoxMainLW.jpglarge) http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/BoxRear2SW2.jpg (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/BoxRear2LW.jpg)
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Boxside1SW2.jpg (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Boxside1LW.jpg) http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Boxside2SW2.jpg (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Boxside2LW.jpg)

The card comes in a very large box, distinctively designed in white and silver, tagged with all the cards specifications. There is an image of a penguin on a glacier covering the front and reverse of the box to indicate that the Vapor-X cooling will keep the card running at very cool temperatures, and, it does.


Inside the package (Contents & Accessories):

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Box-CardboardWS2.jpg (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Box-CardboardWL.jpg)
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/CablesSW2.jpg (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/CablesLW.jpg) http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/ManualCDSW2.jpg (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/ManualCDLW.jpg)

The inner packaging is all recycled cardboard, a great sign of Sapphire's well intended efforts to help save our planet! The card itself is held in place very securely with two foam blocks, and the accessories are packed neatly underneath the main crate. The accessory box contains a crossfire connector, two 4 pin molex to 6 pin PCIE molex connectors (500W or greater PSU Required), owners manual, and 4 CD's consisting of 2 Cyberlink DVD program suites, a copy of 3DMark Vantage, and a driver install CD.


The Sapphire HD 4890 OC Vapor-X card itself:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/CardL2WS2.jpg (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/CardL2WL.jpg) http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/CardR2WS2.jpg (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/CardR2WL.jpg)
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/CardL1WS2.jpg (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/CardL1WL.jpg) http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/CardR1WS2.jpg (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/CardR1WL.jpg)
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/IO2WS2.jpg (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/IO2WL.jpg) http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/SapphireLEDL2W2.jpg (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/SapphireLEDL2W.jpg)
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/LEDWS2.jpg (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/LEDWL.jpg) http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/LEDDWS2.jpg (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/LEDDWL.jpg)

Here you can see the card in all its glory. These are High Resolution images, feel free to click and enlarge them if you need to locate or inspect any of the more intricate components on the card. Sapphire has incorporated their company logo in a blue emblem on the outer side of the heatsink fan shroud, this lights up with a blue LED when powered on. This is a very nice touch that compliments the new heatsink fan housing design.


The Sapphire HD 4890 OC Vapor-X card (Under The Hood):

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Card2LWS2.jpg (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Card2LWL.jpg)
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/CardRWS2.jpg (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/CardRWL.jpg)
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/CoreWS2.jpg (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/CoreWL.jpg) http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/RearPCBWS2.jpg (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/RearPCBWL.jpg)
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/RearPCB2WS2.jpg (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/RearPCB2WL.jpg) http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/RamWS2.jpg (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/RamWL.jpg)

Again, these are high resolution images of the front and reverse of the card. They show the RV790 core processor, Qimonda GDDR5 memory model # IDGV1G-05A1F1G-40X that has a cycle time of 1.0 ns and is rated to run at 1000 MHz. On the reverse near the rear of the card there is a set of 3 on-board diagnostic LED's. These are D1601: critical temperature fault, D1602: AUX Hot Plug/Unplug Fault (upper connector), D1603: AUX Hot Plug/Unplug Fault (lower connector).


Sapphire's Power Delivery System & Patented Black Diamond Choke's:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/PhaseMOSWS2.jpg (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/PhaseMOSWL.jpg) http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Sapphire-ChokesMainSW.jpg (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Sapphire-ChokesMainLW.jpg)

Here you can see that under the rear cooling fin heatsink assembly there is 16 mosfets to deliver clean and continuous power, and 6 of Sapphire's patented Black Diamond Chokes. Additionally, located near the front of the card you will find two more of these chokes.


Heatsink Fan and Housing Assembly:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/HeatsinkFront2WS2.jpg (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/HeatsinkFront2WL.jpg) http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/HeatsinkRear1SW2.jpg (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/HeatsinkRear1LW.jpg)
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/FanHousingWS2.jpg (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/FanHousingWL.jpg) http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/InnerFanHousingSW2.jpg (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/InnerFanHousingLW.jpg)
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Wing2SW2.jpg (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Wing2LW.jpg) http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/WingRearSW2.jpg (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/WingRearLW.jpg)


Here, we can see the Vapor-X heatsink and fan itself, located under the PWM fan is the copper vapor chamber heatpipe. This is attached to an aluminum assembly that also covers and cools the memory. The new heatsink cover has been designed to look very slick and futuristic. Inside you can see the air flow is aerodynamically forced out the rear of the main fan shroud towards the PCI mounting bracket to be exhausted out the back I/O side of the case. A small amount of air is directed down and towards the rear heatsink fins pushing air over those components and cooling the chokes and mosfet cooling fin system.

[Lsdmeasap]

Benchmarks Used in Testing Comparisons:

Futuremark 3dmark 06 Professional v. 1.1.0

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/3D06.png


Futuremark is the world leader in 3D, mobile and PC benchmarking. Our 3DMark and PCMark lines of PC benchmark software.

3DMark06 is a PC benchmark suite designed to test the DirectX9 performance of your graphics card. A 3DMark score is an overall measure of your system’s 3D gaming capabilities, based on comprehensive real-time 3D graphics and processor tests.
Futuremark - Benchmarks - 3DMark06 - Download (http://www.futuremark.com/benchmarks/3dmark06/download/)


Futuremark 3DMark Vantage Professional v. 1.0.1

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Vantage.png


3DMark Vantage is a PC benchmark suite designed to test the DirectX10 performance of your graphics card. We’ve been making 3DMark for over 10 years, with each new edition using the latest 3D technology to determine real-world performance.

A 3DMark score is an overall measure of your system’s 3D gaming capabilities, based on comprehensive real-time 3D graphics and processor tests. By comparing your score with those submitted by millions of other gamers you can see how your gaming rig performs, making it easier to choose the most effective upgrades or finding other ways to optimize your system.
Futuremark - Benchmarks - 3DMark Vantage - Download (http://www.futuremark.com/benchmarks/3dmarkvantage/download/)


Crysis Benchmark Tool 1.05


The tool provides a robust front-end to benchmark Crysis. It provides the ability to queue up many runs and will provide detailed results for each test as well as an overall summary with accurate averages. The first and foremost goals were simplicity and reliability in the tool and in the benchmark scores. Works with retail and demo.

Features:

* Run a variety of tests all at one time.
* Choose windowed, 32/64 bit, DX9/DX10 tests.
* Logs setting details for each test run plus provides a summary breakdown (with averages if 3 or more loops).
* Supports custom demos.
* Allows pause/resume by hitting spacebar, between runs.
* Auto-save all benchmark runs in Autosave folder.
* Allows Copy/Paste from results window.
* Save and import a queue of runs for ease of retesting.
* Allows image quality comparisons by taking a screenshot on each run at certain frame(s).
Crytek's Official Modding Portal | Crymod Downloads (http://www.crymod.com/filebase.php?fileid=280)


Devil May Cry 4 Benchmark Tool

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/DevilMayCry4.jpg

This benchmark utilizes actual varying third person game play and results are given based on 4 scenes, there is even a Boss fight scene included. You can test DirectX 9 or 10 as well.
techPowerUp! :: Download Devil May Cry 4 Benchmark (http://www.techpowerup.com/downloads/1111/Devil_May_Cry_4_Benchmark.html)


Far Cry 2 (Benchmark Tool Included in Full Game)

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/FC2.png

This benchmarking tool is included with the full version game, and allows you to choose scenes, change various settings, and create batch runs.

Location: C: (Or Root Directory)\Program Files\Ubisoft\Far Cry 2\bin\FC2BenchmarkTool.exe


Furmark Benchmark & Burn/Stability Testing Tool V. 1.7.0

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Fur.png


FurMark is a very intensive OpenGL benchmark that uses fur rendering algorithms to measure the performance of the graphics card. Fur rendering is especially adapted to overheat the GPU and that's why FurMark is also a perfect stability and stress test tool (also called GPU burner) for the graphics card.

The benchmark offers several options allowing the user to tweak the rendering: fullscreen / windowed mode, MSAA selection, window size, duration. The startup interface allows you to tweak the benchmark features such as:

* Benchmark mode or stability test mode (for overclockers)
* GPU temperature monitoring and recording in a file
* Fullscreen or windowed for each type of run mode
* Window size selection (standard or custom)
* MSAA samples selection
* Benchmarking parameters: time based or frames based
* Contest Mode
FurMark: Graphics Card Stability and Stress Test, OpenGL Benchmark and GPU Temperature | oZone3D.Net (http://www.ozone3d.net/benchmarks/fur/)


Unigine Heaven DX11 Benchmark Tool

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Heaven.png

Heaven is created with Unigine's own Unigine engine. This is the first DirectX 11 Benchmark that has been released, and contains some very graphical depth of field scenes, many shadow tests, and tessellation scenes on various items from dragons to actual stones on the roadway.

These are some of the key features:

* Native support of OpenGL, DirectX 9, DirectX 10 and DirectX 11
* Comprehensive use of tessellation technology
* Advanced SSAO (screen-space ambient occlusion)
* Volumetric cumulonimbus clouds generated by a physically accurate algorithm
* Dynamic simulation of changing environment with high physical fidelity
* Interactive experience with fly/walk-through modes
* ATI Eyefinity support
Download | Unigine Heaven (3D engine for games and real-time virtual worlds) (http://unigine.com/download/#heaven)


The Last Remnant Benchmark Tool

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/LastRemn.jpg

The Last Remnant, a fantasy role-playing game by Square Enix. This is an application that calculates your PC's potential frame rate for running the game. It consists of 4 scenes with high resolution textures and fight scenes, and gives an average total result in FPS your PC scored.
THE LAST REMNANT | SQUARE ENIX (http://na.square-enix.com/remnant/pc.html)


Lightsmark Benchmark Tool V. 2.0

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Lightsmark.png


Is a multiplatform benchmark/demo with REALTIME GLOBAL ILLUMINATION and PENUMBRA SHADOWS. Before Lightsmark, realtime global illumination was limited to small scenes, small resolutions, small speeds, specially crafted scenes with handmade optimizations. Lightsmark breaks all limits at once, running in reasonably sized scene (220000 triangles) in high resolution (1920x1200) at excellent speed (300+fps). Lighting is computed fully automatically in original unmodified scene from 2007 game World of Padman.
LIGHTSMARK - next generation lighting benchmark (http://dee.cz/lightsmark/)


Resident Evil 5 Benchmark Tool V. 1.0

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/RE5.jpg

This tool was initially created and released to test the performance of Resident Evil 5 using the Nvidia's 3D Vision stereoscopic technology, it has two modes consisting of a fixed and varible mode benchmark with various user enabled settings.
Resident Evil 5 by Capcom, Capcom (http://www.nzone.com/object/nzone_re5_downloads.html)
Resident Evil 5 PC Benchmark Utility download from Guru3D.com (http://downloads.guru3d.com/Resident-Evil-5-PC-Benchmark-Utility-download-2331.html)


Unigine Sanctuary Benchmark Tool V. 2.2

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Sanc.png

Tropics is based on the company's own Unigine engine and is some of their earlier work, however it can still be utilized to test today's cards. The scene is inside of a sanctuary with depth of field tests, various shadow types, and even some scenes looking through a unique stained glass window.

Here are are some of the key features:

* Support of DirectX 9, DirectX 10 and OpenGL
* 5 dynamic lights
* HDR rendering
* Parallax occlusion mapping
* Ambient occlusion mapping
* Translucence
* Volumetric light and fog
* Particle systems
* Postprocessing
* Stereo 3D modes
* Benchmark mode
Download | Unigine Sanctuary (3D engine for games and real-time virtual worlds) (http://unigine.com/download/#sanctuary)


Unigine Tropics Benchmark Tool V. 1.2

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Tropics.png

Tropics is based on the company's own Unigine engine. The benchmark travels around an island with scenes ranging from palm trees and rolling waters, to sunsets and beachfront piers.

Here are are some of the key features:

* Support of DirectX 9, DirectX 10, DirectX 10.1 and OpenGL
* Dynamic sky with light scattering
* Live water with a surf zone and caustics
* Special materials for vegetation
* HDR rendering
* Parallel split shadow map
* Depth of field
* Real-time ambient occlusion
* Up to 2M polygones per frame
* Benchmark mode
Download | Unigine Tropics (3D engine for games and real-time virtual worlds) (http://unigine.com/download/#tropics)



X3 Terran Conflict Rolling Demo Benchmark V. 1.0

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/X3.png

This is a rolling demo of the game X3 Terran Conflict, it consists of 4 benchmark levels in various stages of game play in space, in and around space stations and space ships. One level has a direct warning that the scene contains a "Very High Polygon Count".
EGOSOFT · Downloads · X³: Terran Conflict · Demos (http://www.egosoft.com/download/x3tc/demos_en.php?list=92)

[Lsdmeasap]

Testing Setup:

Hardware:
Gigabyte GA-EX58-UD4P Motherboard
Intel i7 965 EE CPU @ 4.2Ghz
Mushkin 998679 DDR3 6GB @ 1600Mhz 7-8-7-20
Crucial CT64M225 64GB SSD x 2 @ RAID 0
Sapphire Vapor-X HD 4890 OC Edition 1GB GDDR5 1050Mhz
Sapphire HD 3870 512MB GDDR3 X 2 Crossfire (Comparison)
Ultra Products X3 850W PSU ULT40312

Software & OS:
ATI Catalyst Driver Version 9.9 x64 (Sorry guys, already halfway finished when 9.10 released, & near completion when 9.11 released)
Windows Vista Business x64 SP2
DirectX 10.1 (Download Installer V. 9.27.1734)


Benchmark Results Sapphire 4890 Vs. 2 x 3870 In Crossfire:

Futuremark 3dmark 06 Professional v. 1.1.0

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Graph-3870vs4890/3DMark0648903870web.png

Here we can see the 3870's seem to pull just slightly ahead of the 4890 in almost all instances.


Futuremark 3DMark Vantage Professional v. 1.0.1

Standard Results:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Graph-3870vs4890/3DMarkVantage48903870StandardBenchw.png

Custom Settings (GPU only Scores):
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Graph-3870vs4890/3DMarkVantage48903870web.png

The 4890 shows to be very strong in this benchmark, winning all but one test.


Crysis Benchmark Tool 1.05

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Graph-3870vs4890/Crysis4890vs3870.png

Here we have a clear and obvious winner.


Devil May Cry 4 Benchmark Tool

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Graph-3870vs4890/DevilMayCry448903870.png

The 4890 easily pulled ahead here as well.


Far Cry 2 (Benchmark Tool Included in Full Game)

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Graph-3870vs4890/FarCry4890vs3870.png

Again here we see the 4890 takes the lead.


Furmark Benchmark & Burn/Stability Testing Tool V. 1.7.0

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Graph-3870vs4890/Furmark4890vs3870.png

Here we have some inconsistencies. See my below thoughts on The Last remnant, I believe I ran into some driver or OS related issues which may be showing here as well.


Unigine Heaven DX11 Benchmark Tool

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Graph-3870vs4890/Heaven4890vs3870.png

Here we see both the 4890 and 2 3870's coming in very close with no AA set, but once you apply AA filters the 4890 clearly jumps ahead.


The Last Remnant Benchmark Tool

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Graph-3870vs4890/Last-Remnant4890vs3870-2.png

I ran into some driver or OS related issues with X8AA and X16 AF, so I decided to leave those settings out of my results. I am not sure what caused the issue, but after re-testing many times I found that at these settings something was not right. After my testing was finished I updated to 9.11 and could not reporduce the issue, nor could I after going back to 9.9 drivers, so after finding all of this I decided it would be best to omit those results.


Lightsmark Benchmark Tool V. 2.0

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Graph-3870vs4890/Lightsmark4890vs3870.png

Yet again, the 4890 proves to be a very strong card taking the lead by a large margin in all tests.


Resident Evil 5 Benchmark Tool V. 1.0

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Graph-3870vs4890/RE54890vs3870.png

The 4890 shows to be very strong here as well, taking the lead in all tests.


Unigine Sanctuary Benchmark Tool V. 2.2

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Graph-3870vs4890/Sanctuary-4890vs3870.png

In this test we can see the 4890 scoring in the lead in all tests as well.


Unigine Tropics Benchmark Tool V. 1.2

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Graph-3870vs4890/Tropics4890vs3870.png

The 4890 is the clear winner here, at 1680x1050 resolution it dominates the 3870's.


X3 Terran Conflict Rolling Demo Benchmark V. 1.0

Average Scores:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Graph-3870vs4890/X3AVG4890vs3870.png

1280x1024 Resolution:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Graph-3870vs4890/X3-Main12804890vs3870.png

1680x1050 Resolution:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Graph-3870vs4890/X3-Main16804890vs3870.png

The 4890 is yet again showing to be much faster than the 3870, at all resolutions and tests included in this benchmark.

[Lsdmeasap]

Overclocking:

I was both surprised and impressed by this card's overclocking potential, I expected smaller overclocks due to the card not being built using reference design and thus not having the valuable on-board volterra voltage regulator chips. Even without these chips the card seemed to be a very easy overclocker. ATI's Catalyst "Auto-Tune" stabilized at 990Mhz core and 1090Mhz Memory, and I was easily able to set 1000Mhz core and 1200Mhz memory. Stability, however, was not easily obtained at either of those mentioned clocks. This would likely be an achievable goal had Sapphire included the mentioned Volterra regulator chips, so that voltages could be adjusted on the fly.

I finally settled for all around stability at 960Mhz Core and 1165Mhz Memory, this seemed to be where the card was most comfortable in all benchmarks. Some benchmarks could easily pass with higher core and/or memory speeds, and the opposite, of course, on others. This was to be expected, of course, as different benchmarks stress graphics cards in various ways.

I will let the graphs speak for themselves here, as obviously overclocking improves scores all around.

Benchmark Results Sapphire 4890 Stock Vs. 4890 Overclocked 960Mhz Core / 1165Mhz Memory Clock:


Futuremark 3dmark 06 Professional v. 1.1.0

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Graph-Overclock/3DMark0648904890OCweb2.png


Futuremark 3DMark Vantage Professional v. 1.0.1

Standard Results:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Graph-Overclock/3DMarkVantage48904890OCStandardBenc.png

Custom Settings (GPU only Scores):
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Graph-Overclock/3DMarkVantage48904890OCweb2.png


Crysis Benchmark Tool 1.05

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Graph-Overclock/Crysis4890vs4890OC2.png


Devil May Cry 4 Benchmark Tool

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Graph-Overclock/DevilMayCry448904890OC2.png


Far Cry 2 (Benchmark Tool Included in Full Game)

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Graph-Overclock/FarCry4890vs4890OC2.png


Furmark Benchmark & Burn/Stability Testing Tool V. 1.7.0

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Graph-Overclock/Furmark4890vs4890OC2.png


Unigine Heaven DX11 Benchmark Tool

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Graph-Overclock/Heaven4890vs4890OC2.png


The Last Remnant Benchmark Tool

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Graph-Overclock/Last-Remnant4890vs4890OC2-2.png


Lightsmark Benchmark Tool V. 2.0

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Graph-Overclock/Lightsmark4890vs4890OC2.png


Resident Evil 5 Benchmark Tool V. 1.0

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Graph-Overclock/RE54890vs4890OC2.png


Unigine Sanctuary Benchmark Tool V. 2.2

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Graph-Overclock/Sanctuary4890vs4890OC2.png


Unigine Tropics Benchmark Tool V. 1.2

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Graph-Overclock/Tropics4890vs4890OC2.png


X3 Terran Conflict Rolling Demo Benchmark V. 1.0

Average Scores:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Graph-Overclock/X3AVG4890vs4890OC2.png

1280x1024 Resolution:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Graph-Overclock/X3-Main12804890vs4890OC2.png

1680x1050 Resolution:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/Graph-Overclock/X3-Main16804890vs4890OC2.png

Audio and Temps:

Click to Enlarge
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/20MinutesWS.jpg (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/lsdmeasap/Sapphire4890/20MinutesWL.jpg)


I ran FurMark Extreme Burning Mode stability test for 20 minutes, and the Vapor-X cooling system kept up with temperatures very well. I saw an average temperature of 74-77C during this test with the fan speed manually set to 80% for safety purposes. The highest noted temperature was 81C, of course this is very warm, but this was also during a FurMark run with the fan speed not manually set.

The fan normally runs at 36-42% and idle temps remained in the 46-53C Range. The fan itself at idle is inaudible to me amongst my other case fans, which are in no way loud. I tested the fan at various speeds and found that any speed under 65% is barely audible, a speed of 70% could barely be heard as well, above 75% and the fan does become comparatively loud. Once the fan speed is set past 85% it is quite loud, almost sounding like a jet engine's roar. Overall, this is a very quiet card, much quieter than the 3870's in compassion above, and they have edited BIOS fan profiles to quiet them down a bit.

Final Thoughts:

All in all, I would have to say this is a Very powerful card, and comes at a reasonable price. With the recent launch of the 5000 Series cards you can expect the 48xx series prices to be dropping sometime very soon. This model is quieter than anticipated, due to the Vapor-X design, and runs fairly cool compared to some of the lesser and louder models. The overclocking headroom with this model is still very good despite the lack of voltage control, and I would highly suggest this model to anyone looking to upgrade from a previous generation, or to anyone looking to make the move to the Red Team. If 5000 Series cards are outside your price range, or you are just looking to upgrade from 3800 series cards, then this card may be right inside your comfort zone.


With the impressive capabilities and feature set on this card, and the overall quietness, it is without a doubt a card that will continue to impress those who obtain it for quite some time.



The price at time of this review was $199.99 at Newegg.com
Newegg.com - SAPPHIRE VAPOR-X 100269VXL Radeon HD 4890 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102841)



I would like to thank Sapphire (http://www.sapphiretech.com/) again for providing this sample to review, it has been a great pleasure!



Disclaimer: I am not a professional graphics card reviewer, this IS my "first day" :D So if you do not agree with any of my testing methods please kindly let me know what would work better for you, or things I might change, and I will keep any and all comments in mind for future reviews. Thank you for leaving only constructive comments, please.

[eva2000]

Nice love the graph/charts! Curious about what temps are achieved at 100% fan speed vs 80% fan speed ?

[Lsdmeasap]

Thanks for the comments on my graphs Eva2000, I had some advice that line charts or other types of graphs were not as easy to read so I decided to stick with those as they seemed to go over well in my memory reviews.

It is really nice to have you comment! I do see your reviews from time to time, and I know I surely do need some improvements, so it's great to have someone comment that makes out reviews as often as you do.

Unfortunately I did not run any extended tests with the fan as 100%. I did set it there for a short while while gathering thoughts on the fan speed vs audibility but did not do any testing as it was very loud. I should have, and if there is a next time I will be sure to do so now that you have mentioned it.

If you have ANY advice for me on future reviews it would be most appreciated, shoot me off a PM if you like.

[Lappy]

Absolutely great review, very in-depth and well layed out! I'm planning on buying this exact card for the new build I'm making...:up:

(Yay, my first post here!) :)

[Lsdmeasap]

Thanks for your approval! I am always worried about my review process, always nice to hear when it's well received

[dctokyo]

Great review, I own this card and it really runs cool compared to my old GTX 280. Fan set to 72% for gaming and the temps stay around 52C .

[jaredpace]

Nice review, thank you.

[Lsdmeasap]

Thanks guys!!

Ya this card does run very cool, and quiet!

[zalbard]

Huge review just for one card, very thorough, great job! :up:
Just wish the card was black for looks. AMD did a good job with 5xxx colour scheme imo! :D

[Lsdmeasap]

Huge review just for one card, very thorough, great job! :up:
Just wish the card was black for looks. AMD did a good job with 5xxx colour scheme imo! :D


I actually prefer the blue myself, but I am a Gigabyte fan so it all matches nicely!

Thanks for the feedback! Ya, with this review being my first I wanted to be sure to do a proper and thorough job, so I likely did more testing than needed.

[neo mike]

Put it this way LSD you couldnt ask for a more professional review, you didnt miss a beat on it, you left no stone unturned. :up:

[Lsdmeasap]

Thanks for your approval!!!

Now to just pay photobucket off! Had no idea posting three reviews so close together would kill the free account bandwidth so quickly!