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When building a system to test a graphics card, it is important that the rest of the system matches the hardware on review. For this review we would assume that the majority of people buying a GTX 480 will have a very high end system.
We will be comparing the GTX 480 against the top end AMD boards as well as nVidia's high end ‘last' generation. We are also including results from benchmarking the new XFX 5870 Black Edition which we reviewed a while ago.
Zotac GTX 480
Intel Core i7 980X
Asus Rampage III Extreme Motherboard
XFX 5870 1GB Black Edition
AMD reference 5870 1GB
AMD reference 4870 X2
nVidia reference GTX 295
nVidia reference GTX 285
(3x2GB) 6GB Crucial 1600mhz Ballistix Tracer
LaCie 730 30 inch LED screen
Coolit ECO A.L.C. (Review)
Enermax 1250W Revolution PSU
160GB Intel SSD
Silverstone Raven 2 Chassis
Thermal Diodes
Digital Sound Level Noise Decibel Meter Style 2
Raytek Laser Temp Gun 3i LSRC/MT4 Mini Temp
Windows 7 64bit Ultimate Edition – all latest patches/updates
Catalyst 10.4a Driver
ForceWare 197.75
Fraps Professional
Aliens V Predator
Metro 2033
Grand Theft Auto 4: Episodes from Liberty City
Colin McRae Dirt 2
Napoleon: Total War
Far Cry 2
The system was built from scratch and all drivers updated – all our results are gathered from five individual runs to analyze and remove any possible result abnormalities. We try to mix and match games between reviews to keep it interesting for regular readers – no one wants to see the same four or five games benchmarked.
Heck. the OCed H5870 from XFX really gives it a close call at times. nice review
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.
4 out of 5 seems slightly generous, no? The noise, heat and power requirements alone are mental.
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.
They are good cards, but they need new cooling solutions, wont be long before that happens.
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.
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 🙂
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.
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!
Wicked review Z, thanks 🙂
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.