We consider that there is no point in talking about exact model of graphics card that we got, so we will talk in a more general way about all models based on same GPU. To achieve fair results all models that were overclocked by manufacturer we “downcloked” to original specification of nVIDIA or ATi. Also we will pay attention at chips that can be found on graphics card from this roundup because many users are confused because of nVIDIA’s transition from G8X GPU to G9X series where some chips stayed the same and some are different. In specifications you can find exact models that were tested with price tags but those should be taken as reference. To cut long story short let’s get to business.

This GPU from ATi can be found on two graphics cards models: Radeon HD 4850 and Radeon HD 4830. This is example of GPU that belongs to higher class by its characteristics but has found itself in budget class. It has 800 Stream Processors (twice the amount compared to its predecessor RV670). In the past ATi crippled GPU for this class of graphics card a lot (remember the HD 2600XT DDR4 with just 4 ROPs) but this time we have a GPU that doesn’t lack anything. There are 40 Texturing Units and 16 ROP units. RV770 supports all new standards: DirectX 10.1 and Shader Model 4.1. GPU is made in 55nm manufacturing process and it shouldn’t emit too much heat. Unfortunately cooler on referent cards isn’t the best solution for this card so these cards can get hot. Of course most manufacturers used custom cooling solutions which resulted in better cooling. All in all this is most complete chip in its class.

Without too much running around the bush this graphics card is at the moment Best Buy and King Of the Hill in its price range. For 120€ this card will allow you to play games in native resolution of 22inch monitor (1680x1050). Usually Radeon HD 4850 has 512 MB of memory but there are also models with 1 GB. Memory bus is 256bit and DDR3 memory with 1 ns or 0.9 ns response time is used. Frequencies that are recommended by ATi are 625 MHz for GPU and 2000 MHz for memory but you can expect a lot of cards that manufacturers will overclock because of better cooling solution used. Actually only difference between HD 4850 and pricier HD 4870 is memory type and slightly higher frequency for GPU. Radeon HD 4870 uses GDDR5 on 3600 MHz that has memory bandwidth twice larger than DDR3 on HD 4850 and because of that it has better performances. Because of price difference between HD 4870 and HD 4850 seems logical to think about two HD 4850 in a CrossFire system.  Sapphire model that we got has very good cooling solution and lowest price for any HD 4850 model that we saw so far. This model is not that interesting as models from Gainward and HIS are, but then again Sapphire is cheaper.

This is second model in our test based on RV770 GPU. To differentiate it from HD 4850 GPU, HD 4830 has 640 Stream Processors (for 160 less then HD 4850 has).  Beside that frequencies for GPU and memory are slightly lower: 575 MHz for GPU and 1800 MHz for DDR3 memory with 1.1 ns response time. This all means that HD 4830 has slightly lower performance levels. Problem with HD 4830 is its price that is higher than it should be (in theory). The fact is that HD 4830 is new product and as such it has slightly higher price tag that will drop in next few months. PowerColor graphics card that we got has good cooling solution that looks like solution used on Palit model. Since this is dual-slot cooling solution it has low-speed fan and because of that it is very quiet. All Radeon HD 4830 graphics cards can be nicely overclocked thanks to “lighter” GPU and good cooling solution, so this PowerColor can be good choice for any enthusiast.