Difference Between ATI 4870 Brands

ddarko

Senior member
Jun 18, 2006
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I've been trying to track differences, if any, between the brands for the 4870. So far, this is what I can tell are their unique features or omissions. I'm only including differences, not components that they all include like a Crossfire connector:

Visiontek - no power connectors, lifetime warranty. HardOCP had reported that Mass Effect was bundled in the box but has since been confirmed as a mistake; no Mass Effect included.

Sapphire - includes 2 6-pin power connectors, full copy of 3dmark06, 2gb USB memory stick (for a limited time, according to HardOCP and Fudzilla), PowerDVD 7 and Ruby ROM 1.1, 2 year warranty

PowerColor - no power connectors

HIS - no power connectors, screwdriver :)


Anyone care to add or correct. Don't forget the 4870 needs 2 6-pin power plugs to operate.
 

DaveSimmons

Elite Member
Aug 12, 2001
40,730
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According to newegg pics:

PowerColor = no power connectors, no game
HIS = no power connectors, no game

Now that newegg is sold out of their initial stock of 4870s, it might help people to know that their "Auto Notify" does work. They'll email once new stock arrives and if you act fast you can get one.
 

scapino

Junior Member
Jun 25, 2008
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Originally posted by: ddarko
does not include power connectors

What exactly does this mean? Do you have to buy separate connectors to use it?

EDIT: Thanks guys!
 

AmberClad

Diamond Member
Jul 23, 2005
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A modern PSU should already have at least one 6-pin connector. The adapter is required if you have an older one.
 

deamer44

Guest
May 25, 2008
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It means that it wont come with a molex to 6 pin connector, which is needed for the graphics card :)
 

feelingshorter

Platinum Member
May 5, 2004
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isnt vision tech the only one with lifetime warranty? While Asus has like a 2 year? I read that somewhere...
 

manko

Golden Member
May 27, 2001
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Does the VisionTek actually include Mass Effect or not? The box shots say "this card is great for Mass Effect," but none of them say the Mass Effect game is actually included and I don't see it included in any online store product description.
 

ddarko

Senior member
Jun 18, 2006
264
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Originally posted by: manko
Does the VisionTek actually include Mass Effect or not? The box shots say "this card is great for Mass Effect," but none of them say the Mass Effect game is actually included and I don't see it included in any online store product description.

HardOCP's review says Mass Effect is included with the 4850 and the 4870 has the exact same Mass Effect box tag as the 4850 so I'm going by that. I know it's not 100% but until someone get the box itself and confirms one way or another, I feel confident enough to say Mass Effect is included with the 4870. Of course, will change if wrong.
 

manko

Golden Member
May 27, 2001
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Originally posted by: ddarko
HardOCP's review says Mass Effect is included with the 4850...
Over at HardOCP, the writer has confirmed that this is an error in the article and it will be corrected. Buyers of the VisionTek 4850 who have the card in their hands did not get a Mass Effect game.

It's just a misleading cross-promotion. You might want to update your post.