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Temperature The HD4870 reference design puts off a lot of heat. The main reason for this is the low fan speed. Increasing the fan speed on the card really really starts to cool the card off but you have to put up with the noise. The Sapphire HD4870 Toxic version is relatively cool. The Vapor-X Cooler is very effective at getting rid of the heat.
Compared to the 70C and 80C degree's we saw in the reference design, the Toxic is one cool card. Conclusion: I was extremely impressed with the reference HD4870, but the Toxic version is one nice video card. The main issues I had with the reference HD4870 was the heat issue and the overclocking. They both have been addressed in the Toxic version. The Toxic was easily superior in overclocking and cooling. The only complaint I have about this card is the price. On average, the Toxic version is about $50 higher than the standard reference card. However, you can find 4870's for as little as $269. $50 is not a lot to pay for an overclocked card with a fantastic cooler. Especially when you consider how much a good aftermarket cooler costs. But when Sapphires own HD4870 is selling for $269, I feel that the $80 price difference is a bit much and I have to give it a knock for that. Also, you need to remember that the $349 price is the manufacturers suggested price and the street price will probably be lower once it becomes readily available. Overall it's hard to go wrong with this card. Club Overclocker Recommended!
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