ATI continuously presents new models of graphics cards, using new GPU to the maximum and filling gaps in their product lineup. ATI solves every problem with simple solution that can be summarized something like this, what is better than a Radeon HD 4850? Two Radeon HD 4850's of course. The result is logical and now after the Radeon HD 4870 X2 we got in our lab the new Radeon HD 4850 X2 that should position itself in between the Radeon HD 4870 and Radeon HD 4870 X2 edition. The graphics card that we got is signed by Sapphire. And as such currently Sapphire is the only manufacturer that has released a Radeon HD 4850 X2 graphics card and stands alone on the market. - InsideHW

Sapphire Radeon HD 4850 X2 Version Design Review

The Radeon HD 4850 X2 arrived in larger sized package than usual with lot of stuff inside. You won't find any games inside, instead there is CyberLink DVD in full version. Of course all cables are there, converters and drivers. The graphics card has characteristic cooling solution that looks okay but not good as cooling solution that can be found on the Radeon HD 4870 X2 models. The cooler is made of aluminum that is cooled by two fans. Noise generated by these two fans is bearable until they approach their maximum fan speed. When these fans reach around 80% of their maximum speed, the noise can get unbearable.

The Sapphire Radeon HD 4850 X2 has four DVI connectors at the backplate so it is possible to connect four displays. There is also present one video connector. The powering of this graphics card is realized through one 8-pin and one 6-pin molex. Nice touch from Sapphire is provided split power cable that solves all problems with power cables. All in all nicely designed graphics card with noisy cooling solution, although there is new BIOS that solves problems with noise levels. Two RV770 chips that can be found on this card are identical as those on the Radeon HD 4850 and the same goes for frequencies for GPU and memory.

The only real difference is in amount of memory. While the Radeon HD 4850 has 1GB, the Radeon HD 4850 X2 has 2GB though every chip has 1GB of memory at disposal and access to it is possible thanks to a 256-bit memory bus. Definitely, two are better than one when it comes to GPU's and other IT components. And while the Radeon HD 4870 X2 model is meant for those that want the best regardless of price, the Radeon HD 4850 X2 is meant for those that have smaller budget or for those that simply need four DVI connectors. This way they can connect four displays at once to just one video card and enjoy a wall of screens.

Even so, it would be better solution to get two Radeon HD 4850's and connect them in CrossFire system. That system is more agile and you can still use the four DVI's. But then again two Radeon HD 4850 X2's in CrossFireX are below psychological $1000 barrier. Bottom line is that we are not impressed with the Sapphire Radeon HD 4850 X2 as we were with the Radeon HD 4870 X2 version.