XFX HD6850 Black Edition Review @ 1ghz : World First Exclusive!

As we mentioned on the last page, this XFX HD6850 Black Edition is one of the first out of the factory and therefore XFX have yet to add a ‘Black Edition' sticker to the front of the card. XFX have assured us that the cooler on our sample will be identical to the retail product.

The Black Edition bundle will include:

• XFX CASE LTD edition case badge
• Limited Edition stickers
• BLACK edition do not disturb door hanger.

The really important aspect of purchasing a Black Edition card is knowing that XFX put these cards through rigorous screening and testing processes at the XFX factory. We received a breakdown on how this works, directly from XFX.

First the product is put through the production line, then tested and analysed to determine the yield % (pass %) for XXX overclock SKUs.

Then, from these XXX SKU's there is a further process to screen out for Black Edition certification.  So it can be said that if an XXX clock can attain a 30% yield off of the production line, then a Black Edition card may only be 30% again (of the original 30% XXX). XFX also add in a ‘buffer’ in core and memory clocks (at testing) to yield the OC SKUs (i.e. they test above the shipping clocks) as they know the nature of the users of these cards is hardcore. On top of this all Black Edition members receive priority support levels and other opportunities to purchase BE products in advance or take part in BE activities.

As A Black Edition Member, customers enjoy the following benefits:

• Priority Technical Support – 5 Star Black – Actual live support in realtime, Dedicated XFXPer.
• Invitations to members only events.
• Members only Product Offers.
• Exclusive Information on XFX (Hear it first).
• Exclusive competitions.

The XFX card is finished in a striking black design with a bright pink fan. I have always been a sucker for a black PCB. The fan is a 9 blade design and is larger than the AMD reference model, which is always good to see. Interestingly, while we are used to seeing ‘warranty void’ stickers on power supply screws to stop people tampering, this is the first time we have spotted them on the backplate of a GFX cooler (above left).

The XFX HD6850 adheres to the AMD reference design with support for 2x mini DP (1.2), HDMI 1.4a, and 2x DL-DVI and SL-DVI connectors. It requires a single 6 pin power connector to operate. We like the fact that this card will expel hot air out the back of the chassis. Also good to notice little touches, such as the XFX name ‘cut’ into the backplate, and cooling vents next to the power socket.

The shroud on the card is attractively designed with the name and branding of the product on the sides. This cover has holes all around it which certainly makes the product stand out.

The cooler itself is a circular design, a copper and aluminum hybrid design to ensure good cooling characteristics.

XFX are keen to make customers aware of their Pro Series range and this Black Edition Bundle includes literature on the PSU range, which we have reviewed in the past on KitGuru. Read the testing here: XFX PRO 650W, Pro 750W and Pro 850W.

The XFX HD6850 Black Edition card is supplied ‘out of the box' with significant overclocks from 775mhz to 820mhz core and from 1000mhz memory (4000mhz effective) to 1100mhz (4400mhz effective). This particular card we would assume has received some minor voltage tweaks, but we will look at this later when we get around to the overclocking section.