Published: Thursday 14th August, 2008 | Author: Parm Mann
Products: PowerColor HD 4850
Companies: PowerColor (All PowerColor content)
External reviews: PowerColor HD 4850
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email to a friendWe've been hearing rumours of a passively-cooled Radeon HD 4850 since AMD launched the card back in June.
However, with AMD's fan-cooled reference design providing load temperatures of 81°C, it just didn't seem feasible. Try telling that to PowerColor, though, who appears to be preparing a passively-cooled Radeon HD 4850 SCS3.
The card, pictured above, utilises 54 aluminium fins, an all-copper base and four heatpipes to help keep it cool. The high-rise design, however, rules out users with low-profile HTPC chassis.
Despite the size of the cooler, which will take up at least two slots, we're a little sceptic of its cooling ability. We'd recommend ample airflow if you intend to keep a passive Radeon HD 4850 from frying.
PowerColor is yet to officially confirm the card, and whether or not we'll see it at retail remains unknown.
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Isn't it slightly overpowered for a HTPC, which would be it's main use, I presume?
Why would you think only HTPC users are interested in quiet computers?Quote
Why would you think only HTPC users are interested in quiet computers?
lol, very true - I have a fully watercooled HTPC with a normal 4850 (fitted with WB) :)
I wonder if there is a die-shrink planned?Quote
Intended for side panel off and playing outside in Winter perhaps?
Maybe this suggests a bios change or additional temperature reducing features on the PCB??
I understood that most of the 4800 series heat issues were from low default fan speeds. In which case passive isn't going to be much different, just need to be sure of a decent finish on the heatsink and plenty of heatpipes I guess!Quote
ChrisQuote
Isn't it slightly overpowered for a HTPC, which would be it's main use, I presume?
Depends some people like to watch 1080p movies or game from the couch.. depends really what you decide to do with your HTPC. I know people who use the HTPC as an alternative to a games console while still keeping it silent, discrete and easy to use.Quote
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