LOSTCIRCUITS

The Bundle
The retail packaging gives a brief feature summary in the inset. Bundled hardware comprises a set of different adapters and cables mostly for VIVO functionality. The software bundle features the driver CD, Sappphire's Redline Utility, PowerDVD and PowerDirector, Splinter Cell and Prince of Persia "Sands of Time". The Redline Utility requires downloading a patch for any of the high-end graphics adapters, otherwise it will exit the installation with the error message "this video card not supported". The printed manual covers the bare minimum of installation procedures in multiple languages but fails to even hint at the use of any of the accessories or even to explain some of the basic features of the card like e.g. the analog yellow video-in connector at the back of the card.

The Real Thing:

Note the massive fan and the "OTES" adaptation that blows hot air out from the case. In the back of the card is the already mentioned yellow analog video adapter - not to be confused with a floppy power connector. Additional power is required for the X850XT PE and needs to be fed into the circuitry via the 4 pin Molex connector. Since GDDR3 uses termination to VDD as opposed to Center-Tap termination, the passive constant power draw is kept at a minimum and consequently, the heat dissipation is also very low. This allows for the use of a minimalistic heatspreader that, quite honestly, appears to serve mostly cosmetic purposes along with stabilizing the PCB since BGA connection have a tendency to snap at even slight flexing of the PCB.