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The HAWK is supplied in a distinctive box with a picture of their stealth fighter plane, which is representative of this particular range.
The box is a gateway design which opens up to reveal a detail list of specifications and design implementations as well as the product itself, visible through a plastic window in the center.
The bundle contains literature on the product as well as a software disc, full colour information guide along with power and video converter cables. There are also V-Check point cables which can be used in conjunction with a MultiMeter to read GPU, memory and VDCCI voltage values.
The card is reminiscent of other HAWK cards we have reviewed in the past. The large aluminum cooler covers the whole PCB.
The cooler is an impressive design, with a series of 5 thick heatpipes splitting into two arrays of aluminum fins on other side, with two propeller style fans directly cooling each section.
The top of the card features three connection points (or V-Check points) which allows the user to hook up a MultiMeter directly to analyse the GPU, Memory and VDCC voltage readings. The card can also be set up into a Crossfire configuration.
The card offers dual DVI x2 connectors, an HDMI out and two mini displayport connectors. There is also a switch to allow for two fan speed settings, one ‘performance' mode, and the other ‘silent' mode.
The R6870 HAWK is powered by two 6 pin PCIe power connectors.
Once the cooler is removed, we can get a full view of the fantastic engineering quality implemented. MSI are using Hi-C Cap (Tantalum core) with extremely high conductivity and 15x less leakage. This is apparently the same material which is used on Space Shuttles. MSI are also utilising Super Ferrite Chokes with 10% better power efficiency and 30% higher current capacity. This can aid the overclocking capabilities.
I am not easily impressed, but this did it.
That is one hell of a mid range graphics card. Wish they would bring out a MARS or ARES style card. my money is on that it would be better than anything asus could do.
I love their frozr coolers. buddy of mine has one of their older boards and the cooling system is the best on the market.
I love their customised solutions, the high end modded stuff they bring out. this is f*cking brilliant.
With all the extras ill be stunned if this retails for only £20 more than reference
59c under gaming load. thats specatular. my 6850 runs 10-15c higher.
I never knew they made customised cards like this. its a complete overhaul. excellent. so im waiting on the 560 modded one now 🙂
man I love this site, I was waiting on this card and didnt expect a review so soon. ordering it when I can.
Great bit of engineering from MSI, these guys can deliver smoking hot hardware when they put their mind to it. they are just slow on releasing the hardware, but worth the wait.
Biggest issue I have is that with 20-30 more than a reference HD6870, you are starting to get into the 6950 zone.
Very elaborate design. A lot of work went into this card. Nice job.
I love the metal cooler, thats radical. bet it weighs a ton.
I love my MSI 5770 HAWK
can’t wait to get this R6870.. Better start saving money..
😀
exelente review!!!! en estos dias me llegaaa y estoy feliiz!!
I bought two of these cards on recommendation. Glad I did after reading this 😀 Would love crossfire-x support tho, then i would have got three 🙂
I got two and one is bad. Card its WAY too hot 90c when playing BF3 while my other card was nice and cool max temp 52c. Cost to ship and replace under RMA was $21 Fedex. MSI sent my card back from RMA after 4 weeks and its still at 90c on load. Its like they didn’t even touch it. I can’t recommend this card due to MSI RMA. Just do a quick search on hot twin frozer cards. Its a nightmare. Run from MSI.
Sorry to hear that, ill mention it to MSI.
If your Twin frozer is getting hot.
Remove the cooler and clean the GPU form to thick thermal paste.
Ad some Artic silver paste and voila a cooler card.
Well that fixed my hot issue.
i have a this card and i would like to know something that is not explained anywhere, not even the manual.
There is a few red leds on top of de video card and i don´t know what is their function (in my case are always on). Could anyone tell me? Thanks!