Sapphire HD5550 Ultimate Edition review

When testing the HD5550 we built a system around good value enthusiast level components, because while this card is not marketed directly as a gaming solution, we are sure that many users will be firing up a game for light entertainment. We will be comparing this to an Asus Bravo 220 which we reviewed a short while ago .. both cards are targeted at the same price point to a similar audience and give a good representation of performance in this sector.

Many people buying one of these cards will be using the system with a 1080p HD television and this is exactly what we will pair it with today.

We are using this core system for game tests:

Intel Core i5 655k
Corsair 4GB DDR3 @ 1600mhz
Intel DP55WG motherboard
Coolit ECO A.L.C.
Corsair TX650W PSU
Panasonic NeoPDP 42inch 600hz Plasma

Gaming on the Sapphire Ultimate card is actually a good experience and while enabling AA is a sure way to kill performance at our choosen settings the card delivers the goods, outperforming the nVidia 220 solution. We are confident that the HD5550 is a solid gaming card for the low end market and if you are willing to make some compromises by reducing eye candy you would not be disappointed.

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