Conclusion:
The features, specifications, real world performance, and physical appearance of the Sapphire Atomic Radeon HD4870 X2 2048MB graphics card are all incredible. It is one of the highest performance cards on the market, while also probably being one of the coolest and quietest. This low noise and low heat is even more impressive when you consider that it isn't just the GPU being cooled, but the CPU and the case, too.
Installation is pretty much plug n' play. Everything is pre-wired and pre-plumbed, and you just need to pop this into your system to have an incredible graphics card and CPU cooler. The main downside to this is that many people seeking such a graphics card upgrade probably already have a high(er) performance CPU cooler. You can't disconnect it, so if you don't want to use the CPU cooler I suppose you just have to leave it dangling in your case... which doesn't seem like the best idea. The other issue with the pre-assembled kit is that handling it during installation can be a bit awkward. With just two hands and three main components held together by tubing, you have to work cautiously.
The card is just being released on the same day this review is being published, so solid information on pricing is not readily available. The Sapphire representative told me that it is one of those things where if you have to ask, you probably can't afford it. OK, that may be so, but I still like knowing the prices of Bentleys and mansions in the Caribbean, anyway. Looking around the web finds others guessing that the price will be in the neighborhood of $650. This is about double the price of Sapphire's HD4850 X2, and about $100-$150 more than a typical HD4870 X2. Definitely a premium price to pay for a graphics card, but it does come with some premium features, specifications, and other interesting goodies.
There may be a few 'cons' listed below, but if money is no object in your pursuit of the killer video card, this has to be near the top of the list. With all things considered, the Sapphire Atomic Radeon HD4870 X2 2048MB graphics card has to earn the Bigbruin.com awards of "Highly Recommended" and "Gaming Approved".
 
Pros:
» Incredible performance
» Dual GPUs in a single slot design
» GPU temperatures stay very low
» Low noise - One fan for CPU, video card, and case cooling
» Integrated CPU cooler - No need to buy your own
» Pre-assembled - Pretty much just plug n' play
» Collector's edition case and accessories
» Includes generous bundle of accessories
Cons:
» Integrated CPU cooler - There whether you want it or not
» CPU cooling isn't that impressive
» No CPU cooler bracket for Intel LGA 1366 processors
» Pre-assembled - Makes installation a bit awkward
» Price - May be worth it to some, but still very expensive
» High system power consumption at idle or under load
Special thanks to Sapphire for providing the Sapphire Atomic Radeon HD4870 X2 2048MB Graphics Card to Bigbruin.com for review!
Please drop by the Bigbruin.com Forum and feel free to post any comments or questions.
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