Sapphire’s Radeon HD 4890 Vapor-X spotted
May 20, 2009 by Cabro · Leave a Comment
While we’re still waiting for the 1GHz GPU clock-topping Radeon HD 4890 Atomic, Sapphire has presented a new RV790-powered card to make use of a Vapor-X cooler. Named simply Radeon HD 4890 Vapor-X, the card has a blue PCB and a dual-slot cooler (similar to that used on the Vapor-X Radeon HD 4870), 800 Stream Processors, a 256-bit memory interface and 1GB of GDDR5 memory, CrossFireX support and D-Sub, DVI, HDMI and DisplayPort outputs.
The upcoming card has stock frequencies – 850 MHz (GPU) and 3900 MHz (memory) and should become available in the next few weeks. A factory overclocked version is apparently also in the works.
Source: techconnect
Sphere: Related ContentMay 15, 2009 by Cabro · Leave a Comment
XFX HD 4890 Black Edition 1GHz is out and about. and we scored some pictures of it. The card, along with Sapphire’s Atomic, is the first 1GHz clocked card on the market. As our Toxic is stuck at customs and Black XFX is on the way, we are quite sure that there will be plenty of 1GHz cards to read about.
You can read more about about XFX HD 4890 here
Source: fudzilla
Sphere: Related ContentMSI working on special HD 4890
May 6, 2009 by Cabro · Leave a Comment
MSI is working on a special HD 4890 card that should feature, Hi-C CAPS, Solid State Chokes NCC PSF solid caps and of course non-reference cooler. The card should be called MSI R4890 Cyclone and we expect it to be quite an overclocker.
The new MSI HD 4890 will use Hi-C CAPS around the GPU which should enable it to have clean and stable power for the GPU, and it should imply that this one might be a very good overclocker. The rest of the known features include Solid State Chokes, also known as the anti buzz chokes, and NCC PSF solid caps.
The card will be cooled by MSI’s well known SuperPipe cooler which uses 8mm heatpipes, and according to the picture which we managed to get, it will have four of these.
The card should be ready in time for Computex show, and this might be another card with a GPU clock set at 1GHz, but it is still early to talk about clocks as the card is still under development.
Here are some pictures of the MSI R4890 Cyclone, which will show its face at Computex show in Taiwan.
Source: fudzilla
Sphere: Related ContentUltimate Heavy-Weight Fight: Radeon HD 4890 CrossFireX vs. GeForce GTX 285 SLI
April 23, 2009 by Cabro · Leave a Comment
Despite the economic crisis the performance of powerful graphics solutions is still of extreme interest to dedicated gaming fans. Today we are going to witness another duel between multi-GPU systems built on the fastest ATI and Nvidia graphics cards.
The recent launch of the Radeon HD 4890 has changed the standings in the sector of single-chip graphics cards since AMD has got a product capable of rivaling the Nvidia GeForce GTX 285. Yet notwithstanding AMD’s strategy of filling the top market segment with dual-processor solutions, AMD’s graphics department is in no hurry to introduce a Radeon HD 4890 X2. Perhaps the company’s partners will be offered the opportunity to create such a product but AMD does not yet agree to it, and the Radeon HD series is still topped by the Radeon HD 4870 X2 which is somewhat inferior to the GeForce GTX 295 in performance (see this news story for details).
However, the arrival of the Radeon HD 4890 has provided the opportunity to build CrossFireX subsystems out of two, three or even four such cards. Even a dual-processor tandem should be no worse than a GeForce GTX 285 SLI, let alone a single GeForce GTX 295. And it is going to be cheaper because the recommended price of the Radeon HD 4890 is within $229-249. So, theoretically, a graphics subsystem made out of two such cards is going to cost you no more than $500. For comparison, the GeForce GTX 285 sells in retail for $330-340 and more, and a couple of such cards are going to cost more than $600.
The GeForce GTX 295 can be found selling at $500-550 but it will surely be inferior to a Radeon HD 4890 CrossFireX tandem, particularly because it has less of graphics memory available for 3D applications (896MB against 1024MB). This also refers to the GeForce GTX 275 SLI tandem that has higher clock rates but only 896MB of effective graphics memory and a cut-down GPU configuration with 28 raster back-ends per a core as opposed to the GeForce GTX 285 SLI’s 32 RBEs per a core. Thus, the most interesting thing is to compare the Radeon HD 4890 CrossFireX and GeForce GTX 285 SLI. The battle is going to be exciting if we put aside the factor of price and focus on gaming performance only.
Despite the global crisis, gamers are still interested in advanced and expensive multi-GPU configurations, and we will cater to our readers by performing a comparative test of Radeon HD 4890 CrossFireX and GeForce GTX 285 SLI tandems, especially as we’ve got four graphics cards necessary for such a test just in time. The “green” camp will be represented by EVGA GeForce GTS 285 FTW and Zotac GeForce GTX 285 AMP! cards. They will be opposed in this heavyweight fight by ASUS’s EAH4890 and EAH4890 TOP. Let’s now take a closer look at each of the fighters.
Increasing Voltages & Extreme OC HD 4890 Using RivaTuner
April 11, 2009 by Cabro · Leave a Comment
This may not be new to some out there but at least it is for a few others and I.
I bought an MSI HD4890/1GB recently and was really excited when I found that my card could do about 980~1000mhz on the core for benchmarks. Its actual stability was around 970~980mhz
It was really cool but I wanted more.(Well, who wouldn’t?)
The thing is, the max available limit on CCC (Catalyst Control Center) was also 1000mhz.
Some days back, Guru3d.com released an overclocking article on the HD4890 over here.
http://www.guru3d.com/article/overclocking-the-radeon-hd-4890/1
They also provided the 4890 config file for Riva Tuner.
http://downloads.guru3d.com/RivaTuner-v2.24-download-163.html
http://files.guru3d.info/guru3d/generic/RivaTuner.zip
Great, so now I can use RivaTuner to adjust the limits above 1000mhz on the GPU core.
But there are are cards that don’t even hit 950mhz stable at all. We just need a slight bump in voltage to stablise that.
Watercooled Radeon HD 4890 coming next week
April 7, 2009 by Cabro · Leave a Comment
PowerColor can claim the “world’s first” medal as it has now announced that first watercooled Radeon HD 4890, less than one week after the RV790 card was officially launched. Part of PowerColor’s Liquid Cooling Solution aka LCS series, the upcoming wet wet wet Radeon comes with a single-slot EK-made waterblock that has a copper base and high-flow 3/8″ and 1/2″ fittings, and is claimed to be help lower the GPU temperature by up to 20°C compared to the reference fansink. To further show its confidence in the cooling solution used, PowerColor will ship the Radeon HD 4890 LCS with GPU and memory clocks of 900 and 4000 MHz respectively.
“PowerColor created the LCS line to meet the needs of the most extreme gamers. The most demanding gamers need a cooling solution that can keep up with their demands,” said Ted Chen, CEO of TUL Corporation. “We know not all enthusiast gamers are created the same. That’s why our LCS line is the most flexible VGA liquid cooling solution on the market.”
Boasting 1GB of GDDR5 memory, the RV790 card will become available on April 16 at about $339.
Source: techconnect
Sphere: Related ContentMSI launches R4890-T2D1G Graphics Card with ultra-high bandwidth GDDR5 Memory
April 3, 2009 by Cabro · Leave a Comment
Taipei, Taiwan】MSI, leading brand manufacturer of motherboards and graphics cards, today launched their latest R4890-T2D1G graphics card powered by 55 nanometer core and 800 stream processors coupled with 1GB of GDDR5 124.8 GB/s ultra-high bandwidth memory supporting DirectX 10.1 and OpenGL 3.0. Now gamers can experience superior performance with the most realistic special effects ever, all in life-like high definition. If you are in for best possible performance, the CrossFireX technology for multi-GPU operations will help you push your visual experience to the utmost maximum. In addition, the integrated UVD 2.0 hardware decoding technology makes sure that high definition audio and video playback will always be smooth and crisp. High Performance, High Efficiency and High image quality are the three focus strengths of the MSI R4890-T2D1G.
High Performance – ultra-high bandwidth 1GB GDDR5 memory , smoothest playback of special effects in high definition
As modern games become more and more complex and rich in details the amount of data is increasing accordingly, therefore it is essential that a graphics card can supply sufficient bandwidth to cope with these massive data. The MSI R4890-T2D1G utilizes 256 bits GDDR5 memory with a whooping 124.8GB/s of bandwidth, effective doubling the bandwidth of equally pulsed DDR3 memory. With this power even the most complex scenes and objects will be processed without a stutter. With 1GB onboard memory high resolution game scenes are rendered at easy to deliver the most immersive atmosphere possible, letting the gamer step right into the action.
High Efficiency – third generation 55 nanometer core, dynamic frequency adjustment for power savings
Using the third generation 55 nanometer graphics core and through an entirely new production process, the MSI R4890-T2D1G can dramatically reduce power consumption while at the same time increase efficiency. At the same time the dynamic power management allows for adjusting the core frequency according to the effective work load. In 3D mode the core frequency will run at the standard operating frequency to provide high-performance, while in less stressful 2D mode the core frequency will be reduced in order to save energy and also reduce heat dissipation of the chipset itself.
High Definition – support for UVD 2.0 hardware decoding technology, most convenient HD movie playback
The MSI R4890-T2D1G is equipped with the advanced UVD 2.0 video core and has a built-in HDCP key encryption supporting full Blu-ray movie disc playback and 100% hardware acceleration for MPEG-2/VC-1/H.264 movies, reducing the burden on the CPU. UVD 2.0 can even decode two movies at a time when running in picture-in-picture mode. Furthermore, audio and video output can be bundled in one single HDMI connector, even supporting 7.1-channel surround sound.
High Performance, High Efficiency, High image quality – the MSI R4890-T2D1G is the best choice when it comes to high-end graphics cards
The MSI R4890-T2D1G is equipped with 800 stream processors and 1GB DDR5 memory with ultra-high bandwidth, providing for powerful gaming performance. The 55 nanometer core and the dynamic power management enable a most efficient power usage. With the support for UVD 2.0 hardware decoding your HD movie playback won’t be delayed anymore. For the demanding gamer looking for a high-end graphics solution there is no way around the high performance, high efficiency and high image quality of the MSI R4890-T2D1G.
Albatron delivers: Radeon HD 4890-1G
April 3, 2009 by Cabro · Leave a Comment
To bring consumers various choices, professional motherboard and graphics card manufactures, Albatron Technology Co., LTD. announces Albatron Radeon HD 4890-1G.
Full line of ATI products will be available soon to the market.
Astonishing Powerful Performance
Albatron Radeon HD 4890-1G is based on ATI Radeon HD 4890 GPU by advanced 55nm process, the fastest GDDR5 memory, and 800 stream processors. With massive graphic power, its data rate can speed up to 3.9Gbps. It can help increasing users?working efficiency and playing 3D game without lag. For professional users, they can set their own overclock mode; moreover, collocating ATI OverDrive?utility and ATI CrossFire Technology, Albatron Radeon HD 4890-1G can blurt its power and performance up to next level.
Easy to Enjoy Ultimate HD Experience
AMD is devoted to video and graphics technologies, so Albatron Radeon HD 4890-1G can support enhanced DirectX10.1 and innovative technologies, such as Unified Video Decoder 2, Accelerated Encoding, Blue-ray PIP and etc, to let users enjoy true-to-life visual experience. Extraordinarily, Albatron Radeon HD 4890-1G is equipped with integrated HDMI with 7.1 digital surround sound support. Therefore, with a HD monitor, it is easy to set up an exquisite theater in office or at home for high quality entertainment.
For power saving, through Dynamic Power Management Technology, Albatron Radeon HD 4890-1G can automatically adjust power consumption for optimal performance. In addition to power efficiency, Albatron Radeon HD 4890-1G complies in full with RoHS standard. For more information, please visit: www.albatron.com.tw
Sphere: Related ContentXFX HD 4890 XXX 1GB PCIe Graphics Card Review
April 2, 2009 by Cabro · Leave a Comment
XFX are a manufacturer not traditionally associated with ATI so when I was asked to review the latest ATI card, the 4890, I was surprised to hear it was from XFX. Not only that but this card is a XXX edition! The guys from Hong Kong certainly don’t do things by halves! With a full line up of ATI products also under their umbrella (XFX ATI roundup coming soon), XFX will hopefully add to the impressive reputation they gained by being a major manufacturer for Nvidia products.
First things first, I’m afraid ATI have not reduced the fabrication down to 40nm with this card. Instead the card is still based on the 55nm architecture of its sister card the 4870. However there have been tweaks made to the power circuitry allowing ATI to increase the clockspeeds significantly. 1GB of GDDR5 also makes a showing which should ensure that the memory can keep pace with the GPU. XFX being XFX though were not happy with the stock clockspeed on the GPU and bumped it up to 900MHz on the core.
The HD4800 core has an updated design with AMD adding decoupling capacitors to reduce signal noise. This does however, give a very minor increase ito the die area. The whole processor has been re-timed and the ASIC power distribution has also been tweaked to improve efficiency of the 4890. This, along with the decaps has allowed ATI to increase the clockspeeds of their GPU without the need for a die shrink just yet.
The HD 4890 has another trick up it’s sleeve too with DirectX 10.1. While this is a minor update to DX10, DX10.1 gives game developers better control over image quality amd more flexibility with some existing features of DX10 such as cube map arrays and independent blending modes. These features are best displayed with the DirectX 10.1 game – HAWX, which is included with the XFX 4890XXX.
With a stock core speed of 850 MHz, and the added tweak giving a speed of 900MHz, the HD4890 XXX is a mere 100MHz off the Golden 1GHz speed, something I hope to hit later in the review in the overclocking section.
So, with the card hitting some blistering speeds and priced at a competitive £240, the HD4890 is shaping up quite nicely in anticipation of Nvidia’s GTX275 release, due out today if reports are to be believed. We will keep you posted on how the two compare in the very near future.
Sapphire HD 4890 Review
April 2, 2009 by Cabro · Leave a Comment
The fast and furious pace of video card introductions last year has continued into 2009. This time Sapphire and ATI have brought forth the HD 4890 as the new flagship single GPU card in their performance arsenal. With increased clock speeds and performance, this card should offer a substantial increase in performance over the current HD 4870 crop of video cards. Built upon the same architecture as the R770 core, the HD 4890 features the same 800 stream processors and almost one billion transistors. Offering 1GB of GDDR5 memory running at 975MHz and the R790 GPU core running at an impressive 850MHz, the HD 4890 looks to be a serious contender for the single GPU crown. Sapphire doesn’t only offer just a stock clocked card. At launch there will be an overclocked card to push the level of performance higher with clock speeds of 901MHz on the GPU core and 1000MHz on the GDDR5 memory. The HD 4890 is not just about raw FPS numbers as it has all the capabilities to make this card a well rounded addition to any system with its High Definition outputs and UVD (Unified Video Decoder). Let’s see if the Sapphire HD 4890 can live up to the performance expectations as the top of the ATI single GPU food chain.
