Gainward HD4870 Golden Sample Review

[fatguy1992]

Hi, this is first review ever so could you please let me know were I can improve it.

The Golden Sample comes with the standard 750MHz core and with 512MB of overclocked DDR5 RAM, which runs at 3.8GHz, instead of the standard 3.6GHz.

Card Pictures





Rig Pictures




Test System

CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad @ 2.4GHz
RAM: 2GB (1GB x 2) Corsair Dominator PC2-8500 @ 1066MHz 5-5-5-15
Motherboard: ASUS P5E

Performance - Crysis

Settings: High Quality, 1680x1050 - 45FPS


Settings: Very High Quality, 1680x1050 - 31FPS


Settings: High Quality, 1680x1050, 4xAA - 34FPS


Settings: Very High Quality, 1680x1050, 4xAA.
Testing now, update very very soon

Performance - Half-Life 2 Lost Coast

Settings: Highest Quality, 1680x1050, 4xAA, 16xAF.


Settings: Highest Quality, 1280x1024, 4xAA, 16xAF.


Performance - F.E.A.R.

Settings: Maximum Quality, 1680x1050, 4xAA, 16xAF.


Settings: Maximum Quality, 1280x1024, 4xAA, 16xAF.


3D Mark







Overclocking
I was expecting pretty good overclocking results since it has a better cooler and it’s a “golden sample” edition, I was not disappointed.

Max Core - 825MHz


Max Memory - 1150MHz (4.7GHz)


Performance During Overclocking

Settings: High Quality, 1680x1050

Without Overclocking: 45.2FPS
With Overclocking: 49.1FPS



Temps

The golden sample comes with a slot, dual fan cooler. This cooler kept the video card a considerably cooler then the stock cooler.

Room Temp
25C to 27C

No Overclocking - Auto Fan Speed


No Overclocking - 100% Fan Speed


Overclocked - Auto Fan Speed


Overclocked - 100% Fan Speed


Pros & Cons

Pros

1. Great performance
2. Overclocked
3. Better cooler, therefore lower temps, therefore better overclocking
4. Good overclocker
5. Quiet


Cons

1. The cooler isn’t the best looking

Finally notes:
I know some people will think that my Q6600 at 2.4GHz would restrict my HD4870 in Crysis, well i'v ran some test and even at 3.6GHz the FPS goes up my 1 at the most. Also i'm sorry I don't have many games.

So how did I do?

Thx for viewing.