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Zotac GTX 480 Review

We noted earlier that the GTX 480 has a recorded idle drain of 47w which is certainly not even remotely comparible to the AMD 5xxx series of cards. We loaded the cards with Furmark to ensure the highest level of power use.

The GTX 480 has some incredible power requirements and at idle is resting around the same power drain as the dual, last generation GTX295. Under load however the GTX 480 requires significantly more power than any of the single GPU chips, even needing more than the HD4870 X2. The only card to use more on test today is the GTX295 under load. We wonder how much juice the upcoming GTX 490 will require.

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13 comments

  1. Heck. the OCed H5870 from XFX really gives it a close call at times. nice review

  2. Performance of the GTX 480 is impressive but I am concerned about the temps, nice to get another confirmation how hot it runs. you would really need a top top case for this puppy.

  3. 4 out of 5 seems slightly generous, no? The noise, heat and power requirements alone are mental.

  4. Maybe 4/5 is too high, but this audience I dont think care about saving 10 bucks on electric, or dealing with a bit of fan noise, they aint watching movies with this power house.

  5. They are good cards, but they need new cooling solutions, wont be long before that happens.

  6. Sam Sutherland

    Thanks, first one ive seen with the XFX Black edition in the mix. very very close they are too. I think id opt for the HD5870 BE due to the noise reductions and lower power consumption.

  7. Sam the only issue is people buying these I dont think care about a bit more power consumption and some more noise. The heat is a bit frigthening long term, but it will probably be ok. Could double up in the morning to cook your bacon and eggs too. added bonus 🙂

  8. I dont care if Steve Jobs and Bill Gates had me tied up in an office with a wet lettuce and a swedish stripper. 90-105c is not good for any electricial component over a year. These will fail, just like the X2s before them did for AMD.

  9. It’s the fastest single chip, but not the fastest single card. The GTX465 and Radeon HD5850 will hit 60fps in most games at 1920×1080. Can’t see a market for the 480/490. But the scores are tasty as much as the card is toasty!

  10. Wicked review Z, thanks 🙂

  11. No doubt its the fastest single core card on the market, but its getting there by really just sucking in as much juice as possible and making a racket while doing it. I have never heard one in person but going on multiple reviews ive read its quite noticeable.

    Still, I wouldnt turn one down, but I still think the 5870 is the card to get. Overall, its quieter, more efficient, clocks well and still gives stonking performance.