VisionTek Radeon HD 3870 (PCI-e 2.0, 512MB)

Description: The VisionTek Radeon HD 3870 is a 512 MB, mainstream 3D card.Compared to other mainstream 3D display cards on the market, it is midpriced at around $190.

Pros: Has a PCI express 2.0 x16 interface.

Cons: None noted, given available product data.

Suitability: Suited for all productivity tasks, as well as for the casual 3D gamer.This card supports DirectX 10 technology, used in Microsoft's Windows Vista OS, and is the new technology for the upcoming generation of high-performance games.

Value: In general, this graphics card's features are in line with its price.Also, if you were to judge strictly by the card's chipset you could expect to pay about 40% less for a similarly capable card.Also, mainstream 3D adapters with comparable features and memory have an average cost of about $145.

Suggestions: (1) Since this card is DVI-capable, you might want a DVI-enabled monitor or a flat-panel display to connect with it -- this will pass the digital video signal directly without converting it to analog, making for better performance.(2) For Editor's Reviews of the latest graphics cards, visit the graphics and sound section of CNET's website.

CNET's Product Briefs are generated by a software tool that combines product specifications with knowledge of our editorial experts. They do not reflect hands-on assessment or labs testing. For more information about how we create Product Briefs, contact us.

• Manufacturer: VisionTek Inc.
• Part Number: 900202

• General

• Device Type Graphics adapter
• Enclosure Type Plug-in card
• Vista Capability This is a modern graphics card capable of running all the new features in Windows Vista, including the upcoming DirectX 10.
• Interface Type PCI Express 2.0 x16

• Processor / Memory

• Graphics Processor / Vendor ATI Radeon HD 3870
• Graphics Card Performance This card is compatible with the new rendering features of DirectX 10, which is featured in the Windows Vista operating system.
• Video Memory Installed 512 MB
• Features Avivo HD Technology, ATI CrossFireX Technology, Integrated HD Audio controller

• Video Output

• API Supported DirectX 10.1
• Max Monitors Supported 2
• TV Interface HDTV out
• Analog Video Format Component video
• Digital Video Standard Digital Visual Interface (DVI), High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)
• HDCP compatible Yes

• Expansion / Connectivity

• Interfaces 2 x DVI-I (dual link) - 29 pin combined DVI, 1 x HDTV output, 1 x HDMI - 19 pin HDMI Type A ( With adapter ), 1 x VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15) ( With adapter )
• Compatible Slots 1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16

• Miscellaneous

• Cables Included 1 x HDMI-DVI adapter, 1 x DVI-VGA adapter, 1 x Component video adapter
• Package Type Retail

• Manufacturer Warranty

• Service & Support Limited lifetime warranty
• Service & Support Details Limited warranty - Lifetime

• Software / System Requirements

• Software Included Drivers & Utilities
• Recommended Power Supply 450 Watt
• Peripheral / Interface Devices CD-ROM
• System Requirements Details Pentium 4 - RAM 1 GB

VisionTek Inc.

Manufacturer profile

• Website: http://www.visiontek.com/
• Phone: 800/360-7173