MSI 5870 Lightning review

[thilanliyan]

http://hardwarezone.com/articles/control.php?cid=3&id=3158

 

[zerocool84]

Very interesting choice of resolutions they choose to bench with.

1280x1024
1600x1200
1920x1440

 

[cbn]

This card was made for LN2, but maybe a factory triple slot aircooler wouldn't be a bad idea either?

P.S. Do you guys know if this card comes with special overclocking software that is beyond the usual MSI afterburner spec? Right here I am seeing a much higher Core Voltage (mV) maximum than I do for my HD4870 with the Afterburner download.

It looks like 1.6 volts is possible for the HD5870 Lightning, whereas I can only go up to 1.35 volts on my 55nm HD4870.

 

[Hauk]

Thanks OP.. I've been scrounging for info on this.

One 8-pin is required, while the other will accept a 6-pin or an 8-pin, depending on overclocking goals. Very nice. They plugged in two 8-pins and only took it to 1000MHz. I wonder if that can be accomplished with one 8-pin and one 6-pin. Dual 8-pin is prolly geared for big water/LN OC's. I'd want to retain 5870's good power envelope and see what core can do with one 8-pin and one 6-pin.

I hope the pricing sticks!

 

[MrK6]

I wouldn't grab this unless I was at least planning on going water. It doesn't seem like it has much more to offer other than better power deliver (which is enough in itself).

 

[Hauk]

I wouldn't grab this unless I was at least planning on going water. It doesn't seem like it has much more to offer other than better power deliver (which is enough in itself).

Yep, unless the pricing they mentioned holds true. I'd pay $20-$30 more for this puppy even if keeping on air..