I have always admired AMD’s 5xxx range of cards with my particular favourites being the 5770 and the 5850. Both series of cards combine great performance with truly competitive pricing. If you have a 24 inch screen and are limited to 1920×1200 then we feel moving up to the HD5870 might be money wasted – for considerably less the HD5850 really delivers high frame rates while still allowing for the highest IQ settings.
Sapphire’s redesigned card takes an already class leading product and takes it to the next level. You not only get higher performance but the core operates around 15c cooler and generates less noise under load. The power consumption is also only marginally more and would not be noticeable when getting your quarterly bill. The fact it still takes 2 x 6pin power connectors means it is adhering close to the reference power draw which is confirmed with our testing.
The Sapphire HD5850 Toxic Edition normally costs around £250-270 in the UK, but we managed to find it on Amazon for £230 inc vat with free delivery which is a staggering bargain. This is actually the price normally paid for the reference HD5850 model!
If you want a video card in the £250 price range – then we suggest you get a HD5850, more specifically the Sapphire Toxic Edition, it is simply the best HD5850 on the market right now.
KitGuru Says: Low temperatures, class leading performance with barely any noise at all. As close to perfect as it gets.
Discuss in our forum here, or leave a quick comment below
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May 16, 2010
#1
Bloody Nora batman, thats one scary overclock ! I snagged those apps, thanks for the heads up
May 16, 2010
#2
I love Sapphires modded cards, those coolers rock my world. Wouldnt it be cool if AMD actually released these from now on with all their new mid/high end ranges?
May 16, 2010
#3
Absolutely no chance they would be on reference cards, they cost too much. I like the thinking though. Hey with the Intel story that was on here a few days ago and the new reference coolers they are looking at, maybe the whole industry is shifting views on this?
May 16, 2010
#4
Hats off to Sapphire again,was going to buy this but I held off for a bit even though I read a few good reviews about it. This is a wicked board. £230!! just ordered one
May 16, 2010
#5
£230 is a wicked price. the ordinary card is £240 in a local store here.
May 16, 2010
#6
Good price, would like to see CF figures for these. £460 for two of them, would be a good head to head against a GTX480
May 16, 2010
#7
I think the 480 GTX would get its ass handed to it, then some, but would be interesting for sho.
May 16, 2010
#8
I think the 5770 is better value though, ive seen some for £120 online, two of them would beat one of these.
May 16, 2010
#9
Anyone seen a good price for one of these in Canada?
May 16, 2010
#10
£349.99 on newegg http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102881&cm_re=hd5850_toxic-_-14-102-881-_-Product
May 16, 2010
#11
Canada? anyone know? best online place to buy?
May 16, 2010
#12
Great review, thanks KG
May 16, 2010
#13
Loved the review, thanks Gurus
May 16, 2010
#14
Sapphire are great, wish more makers would use vapor x style cooling.
May 16, 2010
#15
XFX are doing one which I think is sourced from the same company. check out this review. http://www.kitguru.net/components/graphic-cards/zardon/xfx-hd5870-black-edition-review/
May 17, 2010
#16
Read this review last night and didnt have time to comment. Its a great product as many reviews have already testifed to. Was interesting personally to see the drain figures at the wall.
May 17, 2010
#17
not much stock available where I live. unfortunately as a bud of mine wants it.
May 17, 2010
#18
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[...] is supplied pre-overclocked, but its a relatively modest increase, not quite as big as the recent Sapphire Toxic edition card we looked at. It isn’t as expensive either and we are interested in potential headroom, so [...]
June 3, 2010
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