Filed under: Reviews | Computer Hardware
Asus EAH3850 X2 Video Card Review
May 7 2008, 12:00am CDT | by Shane McGlaun
Today we are going to check out one of the newest video cards form Asus called the Asus EAH3850 X2. This video card takes its cue from the NVIDIA 9800 GX2 and squeezes two GPUs onto one video card. The Asus EAH3850 X2 is one of the best performing single cards ever to come from an ATI partner. Read on for all the details on the Asus EAH3850 X2.
Benchmarks
Features & Specifications
The Asus EAH3850 X2 has a pair of HD3850 GPUs on one card with 1GB of RAM. The core clock for the GPUs is 668 MHz and 1658 MHz on the memory. Outputs include dual DVI and a TV out via an adapter. A DVI to HDMI adapter is also included. To run the card in CrossFire mode you need a PSU with a 6-pin and an 8-pin connector. A single card can be run with dual 6-pin connectors.
Test Machine
The test system I will be using for this review has the following specifications:
Benchmarks & Testing
To test the Asus EAH3850 X2 I will be using 3DMark06, Quake Wars, Crysis, and Bioshock. The first test up is 3DMark06.
3DMark06
To test the Asus EAH3850 X2 I ran 3DMark06 at default settings in the application and in the ATI control panel. The Asus EAH3850 X2 scored as follows on 3DMark06:
- Total 3DMarks- 12716
- SM2.0- 4931
- HDR/SM3.0- 6231
- CPU- 3387
- Return to Proxycon- 40.226
- Firefly Forest- 41.950
- Canyon Flight- 71.988
- Deep Freeze- 52.630
- CPU1- 1.099
- CPU2- 1.670
To compare the Asus EAH3870 Top I reviewed scored 11021 3DMarks, the single GPU EAH3850 Top scored 10257 3DMarks and the PowerColor HD 3850 Xtreme scored 11377 3DMarks.
Quake Wars
The first game test up was Quake Wars which I ran at 1920 x 1200 with all settings on high, shaders on ultra and 8x AA. I used Fraps to record frame rate data on a the single player Africa refinery map. Fraps recorded the following frame rate data:
- Min- 18 fps
- Avg- 42.392 fps
- Max- 62 fps
Crysis
The next game up was Crysis. I ran the game at 1600 x 1200 with 2x AA and all settings on medium. Fraps recorded the following frame rate data on a single player game from the initial beach insertion:
- Min- 15 fps
- Avg- 26.5 fps
- Max- 40 fps
Bioshock
The final game test up was Bioshock and it was run at 1920 x 1200 with all settings on high and all settings on. Fraps recorded the following frame rate data:
- Min- 32 fps
- Avg- 57.462
- Max- 63 fps
Final Thoughts
After all the testing was done there was no doubt that the Asus EAH3850 X2 is the fastest ATI video card I have tested. It isn’t as fast as the top cards from NVIDIA like the 9800 GX2, but it’s not as expensive either. The Asus EAH3850 X2 retails for around $350.
Verdict
Conclusion
Pros
- Good performance
- Good price
Cons
- No game bundle
Verdict
If you want the single fastest ATI graphics card this side of Asus’ own EAH3870 X2, the EAH3850 X2 we are looking at today is the way to go. This card has lots of performance at a good price and looks pretty cool too.
where to buy
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Shane McGlaun
Leading our review center, Shane knows technology inside out. His
extensive experience in testing computer hardware and consumer
electronics enable him to effectively qualify new products and trends. If you want us review your product, please contact Shane.
Shane can be contacted directly at shane@i4u.com.
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