ATi Radeon HD3870 Review and Impressions!

Bleek · 14 Nov 2007 at 15:36

So does a 2900XT (ala 3870) perform much like a 8800GTS 320 at 1280?

I've an 8800GTS but not really sure of how close the 2900XT was/is to it?

gareth170 · 14 Nov 2007 at 15:39

RavenXXX2 said:
So whats the verdict then if you have a 2900XT, worth the change to a 3870?

it's the same but less power.. ive said that all the long.

jrodga2k5 said:
Now I havent even done the 7.10 driver test yet but one thing is pretty much certain which is why I am cutting the testing short for the card. This IS the HD2900 and clock for clock you can match them up and they will perform the same at the same speeds its that simple. So after the overclocking I will be easily able to conclude this review

RavenXXX2 · 14 Nov 2007 at 15:43

So those that are concerned about their electricity bill and own a 2900XT, this maybe a good card for them, I prefer to go for extra performance in games when i change my card but i guess were not all the same.

willhub · 14 Nov 2007 at 15:43

You sure the AA aint improved with the 3870?

RavenXXX2 · 14 Nov 2007 at 15:45

willhub said:
You sure the AA aint improved with the 3870?

Well Will, the OP has done a bench with CSS and AA is applied, try doing the bench with the same settings and see what you get.

gareth170 · 14 Nov 2007 at 15:46

willhub said:
You sure the AA aint improved with the 3870?

i think it's the same.

it'll test it... ill clock it to 3870 speed.. 775 or 777?

jrodga2k5 · 14 Nov 2007 at 15:50

willhub said:
You sure the AA aint improved with the 3870?

Its pretty much the same mate!

gareth170 · 14 Nov 2007 at 15:52

what is the 3870 clocked at? 775 or 777

jrodga2k5 · 14 Nov 2007 at 15:58

gareth170 said:
what is the 3870 clocked at? 775 or 777

777! Gonna launch the 7.10's on soon!

I have also now concluded my review as I no longer need to test any other games as it will just show it matches the XT on all levels!

willhub · 14 Nov 2007 at 15:58

RavenXXX2 said:
Well Will, the OP has done a bench with CSS and AA is applied, try doing the bench with the same settings and see what you get.

I will but I'm at college at the mo.

Blackout · 14 Nov 2007 at 16:04

Awesome review Jrodga2k5! Thanks for taking the time to do this. Be very interested to see your findings with the Cats too.

I have one at home too (it was delivered at about 9am this morning) so will have a play tonight probably. I am glad your findings concluded that this puppy was indeed very quiet and low on power usage....should be a nice upgrade from my 7800GTX in terms of performance too. oh....and I have xfire to look forward to when I get a new system!

Thanks again

jrodga2k5 · 14 Nov 2007 at 16:07

Would appear the 7.10's dont work with the card

I will try again however! Seems like im stuck with the manufacturers ones for the time being

Tunez · 14 Nov 2007 at 16:09

Very fair sounding review... I was tinkin of either gettin one of these or the 8800gt. Im swaying towards ati as my dell psu is just under 400W i tink, and i only have one power connector, therefore these cards should be fine on it...

Scougar · 14 Nov 2007 at 16:11

Very wierd that the 7.10 drivers aren't working.

Don't forget that the cooler doesn't look anywhere near as good at cooling as the old xt variant. Obviously your getting a much quieter cooler, but have you tried benching the card with the fan on full blast? I would also be interested in learning about vcore increase and see what the card can do with a proper cooler.

Is it still quiet even overclocked to 860?

Matthew

jrodga2k5 · 14 Nov 2007 at 16:11

Thanks man, I think I was fairly fair in the review and just comparing it to the HD2900 was the way to go! I knew from the outset it wouldnt beat the 8800Gt but it has improved in the areas where the 2900 annoyed me!

Scougar · 14 Nov 2007 at 16:13

Out of interest, what are the hole diameters for the coolers on both cards.. are they the same?

Matthew

Foxor` · 14 Nov 2007 at 16:15

you lucky mofo i want one early

jrodga2k5 · 14 Nov 2007 at 16:16

Scougar said:
Very wierd that the 7.10 drivers aren't working.

Don't forget that the cooler doesn't look anywhere near as good at cooling as the old xt variant. Obviously your getting a much quieter cooler, but have you tried benching the card with the fan on full blast? I would also be interested in learning about vcore increase and see what the card can do with a proper cooler.

Is it still quiet even overclocked to 860?

Matthew

Ok cant test the fan properly yet since the driver doesnt work in Riva Tuner or allow you to do so in ATi Tool!

Yes the card was silent with the OC and that was impressive but makes me think it is just set at a specific speed and told to sit there! I dunno but we definately need the 7.11's and these will no doubt come on release day of the cards or the week after!

andyr · 14 Nov 2007 at 16:16

jrodga2k5 said:
2DVi's and a TV-Out just to let you know quickly

Thanks for that , i thought i read somewhere that there was a hdmi output or is that through the dvi