Gigabyte Radeon HD 4850 1GB Passive Review

Specifications

It seems like nearly every time we look at a 1GB card that is based on a 512MB design, we get into the same situation: the memory speeds are slightly lower than the reference model. In this case we are looking at about 100Mhz difference between the two which could result in some performance loss in scenarios which aren’t memory limited.

On the plus, side, Gigabyte has offset the loss of memory clocks by adding a little spice to the core speeds. This 23Mhz overclock isn’t that much but it should lessen the blow felt by the slower memory. In addition to this, our contacts have stated that the memory itself also carries tighter timings than the reference models which will also help performance a bit.

Packaging and Accessories

We don’t usually mention this but considering how small and stream-lined the box this card comes in is; you can expect to save a bit on shipping costs over some of the more bloated packages on the market. There isn’t really much to the front other than the usual femme fatale sporting a disproportionately massive gun and a mention of the unique Multi Core cooling technology Gigabyte has used.


The back of the box holds a bit more information for those of you with inquiring minds. Here, Gigabyte’s Ultra Durable 2 technology and the included Gamer HUD software get mentioned. Of these two, the Ultra Durable 2 technology with its potential energy-saving features is much more interesting than software we never got to run right in Vista x64. Unfortunately, there is no mention of clock speeds.


The Gigabyte HD 4850 1GB is packaged quite well within the protected confines of the package so you don’t have to worry about the overly small box being easy pickings for shipping damage.

Accessory-wise, there really isn’t much because as you will see this card has all the necessary connectors integrated into the backplate. Otherwise, you get the usual Crossfire connector, a Molex to PCI-E power connector and the usual driver CD and instruction manual. Unlike other packages we have seen in the past, this one comes with a VGA to DVI adaptor. Why? You’ll see in the next section.