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5850 Recommendation

Associate
Joined
11 May 2010
Posts
207
Location
Nottingham
As I mentioned briefly in another thread, I've got an Asus 5850 DirectCU with a noisy fan, that I'm also not impressed with it overclocking/cooling wise (Maxes out at 950 core on 1.35V and was hitting over 90 during Furmark on 1.2v!).

Now I've been offered an RMA or a Full Refund from the supplier. Do you guys think it's worth me getting another DirectCU and just putting it down to the fact that that specific card wasn't a great overclocker and get another, or should I maybe look at getting a reference card like the XFX, which I've heard clocks better and seems to run cooler.

I don't think it's my case as far as cooling as I have a Silverstone FT02, and my cpu idle's in the low 30's and never goes over 65 during IBT. I also don't think it's power supply putting a block on the overclock as I've got a Corsair HX620W.

Any advice/suggestions would be appreciated.
 
Last edited:
Soldato
Joined
4 Feb 2006
Posts
3,195
I've heard the DirectCU does heat up more than the reference Asus because the fan does not vent the air out of the back.

That's why I'm looking for the standard reference card if I can find one...
 
Soldato
Joined
10 Feb 2007
Posts
3,430
It seems that all vendors (even ASUS) have cut costs by using inferior components on their non-reference 58xx's. If I was you I would try to find a reference board.

I have owned 2x ASUS 5850's and 1x ASUS 5870 (all reference designs), and the all hit 1000core easily. My best one is stable at 1050core 1.3v, although I do "underclock it" to a mere 1000/1300 1.225v for 24/7 longevity.
 
Associate
Joined
19 May 2005
Posts
712
Location
The Lake District
My Asus DirectCU cards in crossfire hit about 90 - 94 degrees c in furmark and thats only at 800/1125. They basically heat the case up something crazy and only blow small amounts of air out the back. How this is supposed to be an improvement on the (then) £200 reference model available 6 monthes ago, I don't know.:(
 
Soldato
Joined
20 Apr 2004
Posts
4,365
Location
Oxford
i got mine yesterday running at 950/1205 @1.2v (for the moment) and its hitting 90. In GAMES its very quiet and cool ( not often going 65c) but i do have large well ventilated case , cpu on water as well. very happy with it over my old/faulty GTX280 very happy with it
 
Associate
OP
Joined
11 May 2010
Posts
207
Location
Nottingham
I may put some money towards it once it's refunded and go for the Powercolor PCS++ 5870 instead, but I'm a little unsure since it's so new and obviously no reviews at the moment.
 
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