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The tests were performed in a controlled air conditioned room with temperatures maintained at a constant 25c – a comfortable environment for the majority of people reading this.
Idle temperatures were measured after sitting at the desktop for 30 minutes. Load measurements were acquired by playing Crysis Warhead for 30 minutes and measuring the peak temperature. We also have included Furmark results, recording maximum temperatures throughout a 30 minute stress test. All fan settings were left on automatic.
While the temperatures are higher (8c when gaming), the card is consuming more power and it generates noticeably less noise than the reference solution (more on this over on the next page). The fan never spins higher than 36%, which is 30-35% lower than the XFX Black Edition at full speed. Sapphire have clearly opted for a slightly higher temperature threshold for reduced noise.
Return to ambient is a feature we have recently added to our reviews … we measure the time it takes for a solution to return to idle temperatures, immediately after full load. The faster the time, the better the cooler – for example a Noctua NH D14 cooler will return an Intel processor to idle temperatures much faster than a reference cooler. This is a good indication of how quickly a heatsink can dissipate heat.
Due to the low fan speeds on the Toxic Edition, the card takes 28 seconds to return to idle.
excellent, another good HD6850 ! spoilt for choice in this sector lately. Still not sure whether to get a GTX460 or one of these around 170 quid.
I agree, that manually these can be adjusted easy enough, but I like sapphires take on this, to keep the noise down and fan lower than others. while relying on the cooler to keep the temps around 70c. interesting to see the picture of the fan only at 36% when furmark loaded. around 50-60% that would drop 10c. two different ideas from XFX and Sapphire, both work.
Sapphire and XFX really are in a head to head right now. I think the XFX looks nicer and I like their fan also. Either would do me, but ill probably get a HIS HD5870 Turbo.
Interesting to see they have opted for the full sized cooler to expell air out the back of the case. sometimes i dislike thes models as they dont do that,. I dont want hot air in my case.
Been waiting on this a while, will be curious to see if the price meets your expectations howver as I think it will be more than 20 more.
love these mid range boards. still not sure they are better than some of the GTX460’s you review here. like the evga GTX460 FTW or the MSI talon attack. but good regardless.
Excellent overclocking capabilities on these boards. I need a new monitor however. thankfully 1080p models are cheaper now.
Ideal really for 1080p gaming. if the price is right.
when is it for sale? any ideas?
urghhh not another product not listed anywhere for sale 🙁
I like Sapphire products, always built well and they have good cover for support which is important. always why I never buy powercolor or one of the far eastern makes,
Dont like this as much as the XFX board, the styling isnt as good. XFX board looks sexy.
My brother wants to buy two 6850s for the new year. wonder how much moer expensive these will be compared to reference design.
Great finding this site today, what a wealth of fantastic reviews! im a GTX460 man however, as I hate AMD drivers and support. nice product tho.
@Larry you can pick them up from RebelGadgets as they have them available on their site 😉