Getting components to work together in groups has been a constant theme in the evolution of computer technology over the last several years. Implementing dual channel memory, multi-core processors, and hard drives in RAID arrays allows for greater system performance and prove that the concept of teamwork doesn't apply just to people. Graphics cards have also taken advantage of this idea, as both SLI and CrossFire setups have become increasingly popular with computer enthusiasts since coupling the power of two or more graphics cards can greatly improve performance. The latest and greatest cards from both NVIDIA and ATI take this idea to the next level. - BigBruin

Sapphire Radeon HD 3870 X2 1GB Video Card Review

Sapphire is a great manufacturer of computer components best known for their graphics cards and motherboards, and they have been producing ATI based cards. One of their newest releases ties into the tangent found in the previous two paragraphs as it harnesses the power of two Radeon HD 3870 GPU's on one PCI Express graphics card. The Sapphire Radeon HD 3870 X2 is the graphics card in question. This card features two Radeon HD 3870 GPU's running at 825MHz, and each has 512MB of its own GDDR4 memory running at 1802MHz. Though it is clocked lower as the single Radeon HD 3870 in the end.

Our initial concern is that the weight could pull it right off the motherboard in a tower case. Be sure to tighten both screws on the expansion slot brackets, to keep it firmly in place. The top of the card features a graphic of the warrior princess found on the cover of the box, and you get a good look at the larger blower at the far end. The back side of the card features a substantial metal plate that anchors the heatsinks and cooler on the other side, while also providing rigidity to the card. There are two cut outs in the plate where brackets behind each GPU can be seen. A single CrossFire tab is visible in the distance, too.

The Sapphire Radeon HD 3870 X2 graphics card couples the power of two high-end Radeon HD 3870 GPU's on one card to provide the muscle necessary to smoothly drive today's games with ease. And if you are a player that insists on the absolute cutting edge and top notch performance at any cost you can take advantage of CrossFireX and use two of these cards in tandem. The Sapphire Radeon HD 3870 X2 showed up some single processor Radeon HD 3800 series during testing, and took game play to a new level of enjoyability. Even with the settings on high, there wasn't a game where the frame rates dropped too low.

A search finds the Sapphire Radeon HD 3870 X2 at a variety of retailers for as little as just under $400. While we realize the word little may not be appropriate for anything with such a price tag, when compared to other Radeon HD 3870 X2 cards the price is rather competitive. The lowest price happened to be from Newegg, and browsing their selection of Radeon HD 3870 X2 cards shows that $400 is as good as it gets. Considering the strong performance in games and benchmarks, as well as the competitive price, the Sapphire Radeon HD 3870 X2 graphics card comes highly recommended.