AMD HD7870 and HD7850 Graphics Card Review

The tests were performed in a controlled air conditioned room with temperatures maintained at a constant 24c – a comfortable environment for the majority of people reading this.

Idle temperatures were measured after sitting at the desktop for 30 minutes. Load measurements were acquired by playing Crysis Warhead for 30 minutes and measuring the peak temperature. We also have included Furmark results, recording maximum temperatures throughout a 30 minute stress test. All fan settings were left on automatic.

As these coolers are identical the HD7870 fan has to work harder to maintain similar temperatures with the fan averaging around 2,000 rpm. The HD7850 fan can spin a little slower, around 1,600 rpm under Furmark load. This directly translates to the lower noise levels as detailed on the previous page. Generally the HD7850 is around 5c cooler than the HD7870 under the same load.

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