The tests were performed in a controlled air conditioned room with temperatures maintained at a constant 23c – 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 Furmark is not a real world application, it is interesting to include in reviews as it can overload a graphics card higher than any game currently on the market. In this regard, the Furmark figure is only included as a point of reference, almost a ‘possible future' situation with a yet unreleased game.
A single HD6870 card can run hot, and the VTX3D HD6870 X2 peaks around 85/86c when gaming which is relatively hot. Furmark loads the card to around 100C and we were concerned that if we left it running long that possible damage could be caused. It certainly isn't a cool running board, not by any stretch of the imagination.
VTX3D, never heard of them ! nicely designed card, but yeah bit hot for my tastes my own 6850 hits 80c in furmark..
I like the fact they are trying to break the reference designs, thats normally left for Sapphire. my concern however is that this cooler isn’t adequate. I read another review of the powercolor card and they found the same thing, I think one of the systems actually SHUT down in some testing. Did you experience any hard locking Zardon?
This is not for me, but yeah its cool to see X2’s again.
Id rather get the GTX580 as it runs much cooler.
No stability problems when gaming no.
Good idea, but there are so many cards now for every price range, its sure to confuse people
I think this will be closer to 400 sterling due to vat and current crap economy here
Interesting concept idea from Powercolor. certainly got them some headlines lately
Compared to the GTX580, this seems a much better deal IMO. faster, cheaper. etc.
Seems like it is a problem to get it cooled adequately. Many enthusiast users want sub 80c temps under load. 80-90c+ isn’t really that good a selling point, even if it is massively difficult considering the power on hand.
I like it, however why not just get two 6870s, which will run cooler? I understand not everyone will have a crossfire capable board, but stil…..
biggest heatpipes ever on a video card? we should hold a vote to find out
Maybe this is why the 580 has dropped to £339?
isnt it 6 core? (12 threads) in cpu =)
Hi Pelle, it is indeed. 6 physical, 6 logical. 12 threads.