Review : ASUS EAH4850 and EAH4870 matrix Graphic Card
ASUS EAH4850 and EAH4870 matrix based on ATI Radeon HD 4850 and 4870th.This matrix models should have a particularly close to the actual cooling load oriented reward. In the ideal case, even the graphics card and the noiseless passive cooling. Only when graphics chip, memory and board are really hot, it increases the speed of the fan accordingly.
The associated software from ASUS called iTracker and was already in the testing of the ASUS EN9600GT Matrix presented in detail. Nothing much has changed because it was only on the two ATI Radeon models tuned.
Even the radiator was on the ASUS EAH4850 matrix is not changed, it corresponds to the EN9600GT Matrix where as for EAH4870 matrix, it is not. Here comes a new cooler to be used by the two large fan out.
The complete specifications of the ASUS EAH4850 and EAH4870 matrix in comparison to the Radeon HD 4850 and 4870 reference from AMD are in the table below.
The differences to the standard models of Radeon HD 4850 and 4870 - besides the price - are the clock speeds. The graphics and shades from ASUS EAH4870 matrix run with 50 MHz more, the memory at 100 MHz is more raised. The memory clock of the ASUS EAH4850 matrix corresponds to the standard chip and run shades but 35 MHz faster. There is also the matrix models of the Radeon HD 4800 series with only 512 MB of RAM.
ASUS EAH4850 Matrix
In the packaging of graphics card this time, we must refrain from ASUS EAH4850 and EAH4870 matrix reached us only in small brown boxes as so-called bulk. Accordingly, the poorly supplied, but still have all the necessary adapters available when HDMI aside. The Quick Guide is still the old (and outdated) version, not the new and much improved version, for example, ASUS ENGTX285 the box.
Without installing the ASUS software varies iTracker fan of the ASUS EAH4850 matrix between audible and loud, depending on the temperature level. If everything is correctly installed, it will be much better. With the profiles "Powersave" and "Optimized will chip and memory clock significantly reduced and the fan rotates in the desktop mode is no longer. The card will then be completely silent. The fan turns on even at low load quickly, eg the CPU test of 3DMark Vantage, where mainly the processor and the graphics card is not needed.
Under full load the fan spins for a while to properly and then lies in "clearly audible" to loud. This occurs only in the case of continuous exposure to.
The temperature of the graphics of the ASUS EAH4850 matrix increased in desktop mode (on the open test platform) at 68 ° C, with the card until then was only passively cooled. For continuous load were after some time up to 82 ° C measured. This leaves you still pretty well below the critical range above 100 ° C.
With the enclosed software iTracker the graphics card can not only monitor but also over clock as well as voltages and fan settings. With another, more recent than the supplied ATI Catalyst drivers worked first iTracker not. However, it iTracker with the version 1.06 beta of the ASUS website. This was also the original use of AMD Catalyst.
Manual ASUS EAH4850 could matrix with the iTracker software on up to 708/1071 MHz over clocked without being in continuous crashes or graphical errors. In 3DMark Vantage in attitudes' High 'was the result of a GPU of 4354 to 4692 points. Compared with the delivery status, this is an increase of nearly 8 percent, compared with a standard-4850 of at least 24 percent.
Like the ASUS EAH4850 Matrix was also the 4870-model as the bulk of this series to us, so we are not looking for retail package can meet. After all, here was an HDMI adapter for who a monitor via analog D-Sub/VGA wishes, on the other hand, looks into the tube. When manual we can only hope that in future all ASUS models with the new version delivers.
The two fans of the ASUS EAH4870 matrix (even 80, even 70 mm) rotating at boot up and running shortly thereafter still well audible.
After installing the iTracker is the first graphics card also passively cooled, the rapidly rising temperatures but not permanently. After a few minutes and at 76 ° C chip temperature is a fan and is clearly audible. From a quiet desktop operation can not be any question.
Under load, the two fans clearly audible, but they are admittedly less disruptive or not as loud as the ASUS EAH4850 matrix under full load.
Also, the ASUS EAH4870 Matrix is equipped with two dual-link DVI connectors and an HDTV-capable S-Video output. As usual, this also has a Radeon HD 4870 two 6-pin PCI and two Crossfire connectors on top of the map.
In desktop mode, the chip temperature fluctuates always around the 75 ° C. Under load, we have up to 81 ° C recorded. Then press the clearly audible fan then the graphics below 60 ° C and be quiet again - until the temperature over 80 ° C.
The ASUS iTracker software offers different profiles again with partially different clock rates: Gaming, Optimized and Powersave. It recommends, however, own profiles and to apply. Three types are possible. How can the clock speeds in 2D mode, press and even more so trying to a better balance of temperature and volume to reach.
Even with slight increase of the chip clock signal of eg 20 MHz on the 800 MHz from the gaming profile has already led to a crash. In further experiments, we then waived.
Test-Setup
The tests were conducted on the following system: -
* Processor: Intel Core 2 Extreme X6800 with 3.33 GHz (FSB1333)
* CPU cooler: AeroCool Xfire with Scythe Ultra Silent 12cm fan
* Mainboard: ASUS Maximus Formula (Intel X38)
* Memory: 2 GB DDR2-800 OCZ Flex XLC (PC2-6400)
* Power supply: 750 watts Nitrox
* Operating system: Windows Vista Home Premium 32bit
The ASUS EAH4850 and EAH4870 matrix were compared with the following graphics cards: -
* NVidia GeForce GTX 285 (1024MB)
* NVidia GeForce GTX 280 (1024MB)
* Nvidia GeForce GTX 260 + (896MB)
* Nvidia GeForce GTX 260 (896MB)
* Nvidia GeForce 9800 GTX + (512MB)
* Nvidia GeForce 9800 GTX (512MB)
* Nvidia GeForce 8800 GT (512MB)
* Nvidia GeForce 9600 GT (512MB)
* ATI Radeon HD 4870 (512MB)
* ATI Radeon HD 4850 (512MB)
* ATI Radeon HD 4830 (512MB)
* ATI Radeon HD 4670 (512MB)
* ATI Radeon HD 4650 (512MB)
* ATI Radeon HD 3870 (512MB)
* ATI Radeon HD 3850 (512MB)
Was tested under Microsoft Windows Vista (32bit, Service Pack 1) with the ATI Catalyst 9.1 and Nvidia GeForce 181.20 graphics drivers.
The vertical synchronization (VSync) was eliminated in all tests.
When benchmarks were Call of Duty 4 - Modern Warfare, Half-Life 2: Episode One and Unreal Tournament 3 as DirectX9 tests and 3DMark Vantage, Crysis and World in Conflict DX10 as tests are used.
Power Consumption
We measure the power consumption of the entire system with the exception of the monitor (s) and speakers, ie listed in the chart-watt figures are not solely responsible for the graphics card, but also include CPU, motherboard, memory, hard drive, DVD drive, etc., just everything from the power supply with power. As the platform but in all the tests is the same, the graphics are still good and comparable to the ratio of the various models against each other.
Even with the power, the ASUS EAH4850 Matrix a better figure than the 4870er model. While the matrix EAH4870 in desktop mode (Idle) and quite a bit under load significantly (9%) more power than a standard Radeon HD 4870, looks at the matrix EAH4850 quite different. Idle this requires 13 percent less electricity than a traditional 4850 and under load, despite the higher clock speeds almost as much.
Conclusion
Both matrix models based on Radeon HD 4850 and 4870 left a mixed impression. One might think that the hybrid solution with the cooler and the corresponding software more potential than the two graphics cards in practice.
Overall, the ASUS EAH4850 matrix better impression. She remains in good ventilation in housing desktop operating silently and passively. Although the increase in clock rates is relatively low, it can be at high resolutions in some games a standard Radeon HD 4850 quite significantly behind you. Under load it does not consume much more electricity, Idle but even much less.
The ASUS EAH4870 matrix under load is not quite as loud as the 4850er model, but the map is already in office and Internet applications so warm that the fans have to run. And this is the fan from the factory then a bit too loud for a quiet desktop operation. In addition, the higher power consumption in comparison with a conventional Radeon HD 4870 and a limited increase in performance in most games.
All this applies to the standard profiles of the ASUS iTracker software, without which the two video cards but does little sense. Who likes to his or their graphics card settings and clock speeds herumbastelt for the ASUS iTracker provides a nice playground. With a little initiative and spirit can be the matrix cards a little better, which means that they are quieter and require less power.
ASUS EAH4850 and EAH4870 matrix based on ATI Radeon HD 4850 and 4870th.This matrix models should have a particularly close to the actual cooling load oriented reward. In the ideal case, even the graphics card and the noiseless passive cooling. Only when graphics chip, memory and board are really hot, it increases the speed of the fan accordingly.
The associated software from ASUS called iTracker and was already in the testing of the ASUS EN9600GT Matrix presented in detail. Nothing much has changed because it was only on the two ATI Radeon models tuned.
Even the radiator was on the ASUS EAH4850 matrix is not changed, it corresponds to the EN9600GT Matrix where as for EAH4870 matrix, it is not. Here comes a new cooler to be used by the two large fan out.The complete specifications of the ASUS EAH4850 and EAH4870 matrix in comparison to the Radeon HD 4850 and 4870 reference from AMD are in the table below.
The differences to the standard models of Radeon HD 4850 and 4870 - besides the price - are the clock speeds. The graphics and shades from ASUS EAH4870 matrix run with 50 MHz more, the memory at 100 MHz is more raised. The memory clock of the ASUS EAH4850 matrix corresponds to the standard chip and run shades but 35 MHz faster. There is also the matrix models of the Radeon HD 4800 series with only 512 MB of RAM. ASUS EAH4850 Matrix
In the packaging of graphics card this time, we must refrain from ASUS EAH4850 and EAH4870 matrix reached us only in small brown boxes as so-called bulk. Accordingly, the poorly supplied, but still have all the necessary adapters available when HDMI aside. The Quick Guide is still the old (and outdated) version, not the new and much improved version, for example, ASUS ENGTX285 the box.
Without installing the ASUS software varies iTracker fan of the ASUS EAH4850 matrix between audible and loud, depending on the temperature level. If everything is correctly installed, it will be much better. With the profiles "Powersave" and "Optimized will chip and memory clock significantly reduced and the fan rotates in the desktop mode is no longer. The card will then be completely silent. The fan turns on even at low load quickly, eg the CPU test of 3DMark Vantage, where mainly the processor and the graphics card is not needed.
Under full load the fan spins for a while to properly and then lies in "clearly audible" to loud. This occurs only in the case of continuous exposure to.
The temperature of the graphics of the ASUS EAH4850 matrix increased in desktop mode (on the open test platform) at 68 ° C, with the card until then was only passively cooled. For continuous load were after some time up to 82 ° C measured. This leaves you still pretty well below the critical range above 100 ° C.
With the enclosed software iTracker the graphics card can not only monitor but also over clock as well as voltages and fan settings. With another, more recent than the supplied ATI Catalyst drivers worked first iTracker not. However, it iTracker with the version 1.06 beta of the ASUS website. This was also the original use of AMD Catalyst.
Manual ASUS EAH4850 could matrix with the iTracker software on up to 708/1071 MHz over clocked without being in continuous crashes or graphical errors. In 3DMark Vantage in attitudes' High 'was the result of a GPU of 4354 to 4692 points. Compared with the delivery status, this is an increase of nearly 8 percent, compared with a standard-4850 of at least 24 percent.
Like the ASUS EAH4850 Matrix was also the 4870-model as the bulk of this series to us, so we are not looking for retail package can meet. After all, here was an HDMI adapter for who a monitor via analog D-Sub/VGA wishes, on the other hand, looks into the tube. When manual we can only hope that in future all ASUS models with the new version delivers.
The two fans of the ASUS EAH4870 matrix (even 80, even 70 mm) rotating at boot up and running shortly thereafter still well audible.
After installing the iTracker is the first graphics card also passively cooled, the rapidly rising temperatures but not permanently. After a few minutes and at 76 ° C chip temperature is a fan and is clearly audible. From a quiet desktop operation can not be any question.
Under load, the two fans clearly audible, but they are admittedly less disruptive or not as loud as the ASUS EAH4850 matrix under full load.
Also, the ASUS EAH4870 Matrix is equipped with two dual-link DVI connectors and an HDTV-capable S-Video output. As usual, this also has a Radeon HD 4870 two 6-pin PCI and two Crossfire connectors on top of the map.
In desktop mode, the chip temperature fluctuates always around the 75 ° C. Under load, we have up to 81 ° C recorded. Then press the clearly audible fan then the graphics below 60 ° C and be quiet again - until the temperature over 80 ° C.
The ASUS iTracker software offers different profiles again with partially different clock rates: Gaming, Optimized and Powersave. It recommends, however, own profiles and to apply. Three types are possible. How can the clock speeds in 2D mode, press and even more so trying to a better balance of temperature and volume to reach.
Even with slight increase of the chip clock signal of eg 20 MHz on the 800 MHz from the gaming profile has already led to a crash. In further experiments, we then waived.
Test-Setup
The tests were conducted on the following system: -
* Processor: Intel Core 2 Extreme X6800 with 3.33 GHz (FSB1333)
* CPU cooler: AeroCool Xfire with Scythe Ultra Silent 12cm fan
* Mainboard: ASUS Maximus Formula (Intel X38)
* Memory: 2 GB DDR2-800 OCZ Flex XLC (PC2-6400)
* Power supply: 750 watts Nitrox
* Operating system: Windows Vista Home Premium 32bit
The ASUS EAH4850 and EAH4870 matrix were compared with the following graphics cards: -
* NVidia GeForce GTX 285 (1024MB)
* NVidia GeForce GTX 280 (1024MB)
* Nvidia GeForce GTX 260 + (896MB)
* Nvidia GeForce GTX 260 (896MB)
* Nvidia GeForce 9800 GTX + (512MB)
* Nvidia GeForce 9800 GTX (512MB)
* Nvidia GeForce 8800 GT (512MB)
* Nvidia GeForce 9600 GT (512MB)
* ATI Radeon HD 4870 (512MB)
* ATI Radeon HD 4850 (512MB)
* ATI Radeon HD 4830 (512MB)
* ATI Radeon HD 4670 (512MB)
* ATI Radeon HD 4650 (512MB)
* ATI Radeon HD 3870 (512MB)
* ATI Radeon HD 3850 (512MB)
Was tested under Microsoft Windows Vista (32bit, Service Pack 1) with the ATI Catalyst 9.1 and Nvidia GeForce 181.20 graphics drivers.
The vertical synchronization (VSync) was eliminated in all tests.
When benchmarks were Call of Duty 4 - Modern Warfare, Half-Life 2: Episode One and Unreal Tournament 3 as DirectX9 tests and 3DMark Vantage, Crysis and World in Conflict DX10 as tests are used.
Power Consumption
We measure the power consumption of the entire system with the exception of the monitor (s) and speakers, ie listed in the chart-watt figures are not solely responsible for the graphics card, but also include CPU, motherboard, memory, hard drive, DVD drive, etc., just everything from the power supply with power. As the platform but in all the tests is the same, the graphics are still good and comparable to the ratio of the various models against each other.
Even with the power, the ASUS EAH4850 Matrix a better figure than the 4870er model. While the matrix EAH4870 in desktop mode (Idle) and quite a bit under load significantly (9%) more power than a standard Radeon HD 4870, looks at the matrix EAH4850 quite different. Idle this requires 13 percent less electricity than a traditional 4850 and under load, despite the higher clock speeds almost as much.
Conclusion
Both matrix models based on Radeon HD 4850 and 4870 left a mixed impression. One might think that the hybrid solution with the cooler and the corresponding software more potential than the two graphics cards in practice.
Overall, the ASUS EAH4850 matrix better impression. She remains in good ventilation in housing desktop operating silently and passively. Although the increase in clock rates is relatively low, it can be at high resolutions in some games a standard Radeon HD 4850 quite significantly behind you. Under load it does not consume much more electricity, Idle but even much less.
The ASUS EAH4870 matrix under load is not quite as loud as the 4850er model, but the map is already in office and Internet applications so warm that the fans have to run. And this is the fan from the factory then a bit too loud for a quiet desktop operation. In addition, the higher power consumption in comparison with a conventional Radeon HD 4870 and a limited increase in performance in most games.
All this applies to the standard profiles of the ASUS iTracker software, without which the two video cards but does little sense. Who likes to his or their graphics card settings and clock speeds herumbastelt for the ASUS iTracker provides a nice playground. With a little initiative and spirit can be the matrix cards a little better, which means that they are quieter and require less power.
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