MSI Graphics Card R5770 Hawk Review

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(More customer reviews)I replaced a reference ATI X800XT with this due to Windows 7 DX11 glitches. I did plenty of research, looking for something that was well made, had the highest quality components, good cooling, and the potential to be relentlessly overclocked. I also wanted something that could go into an HTPC w/o a problem in a few years, and it's got the goods for whatever HD will look like five years from now.
This thing loads up to about 45C in a ThermalTake Xaser VI case, and that's after having ATI CCC auto-clock it. Comes with voltage headers, which I'm too lazy to use.
One of my major considerations was TDP, and Nvidia's Fermi cards come in about 40% higher, which means more heat, than the equivalent ATI. I do wish that I had sprung for a 5850 for the extra bandwidth, as running benchmarks with all settings on high on a 1600x1200 60Hz screen slowed complex screens down to a dismal 11 fps. Let CCC manage the settings and the frame rate is much higher, with little perceptible loss in quality.
I am likely to buy another one of these as my mobo supports PCIeX16 2.1 in crossfire, but I'll need to upgrade my PSU first.
My rig
MSI 790FX-GD70, 965 BE @ 3.9GHz, 4GB GeIL DDR3 @ 1640, OCZ 500W StealthXStream, LG L2000CP, W7 Home Prem 32 bit.
Other thoughts, MSI's afterburner software is more of a nuisance than a benefit in Windows 7. ATI's CCC is much more friendly. The only benefit of Afterburner is voltage modding.

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The MSI R5770 Hawk takes gaming graphics to another level. Experience a superior visual experience with the combined power of ATI's HD5770 GPU, and MSI's award-winning Twin Frozr cooling solution. Combined with the industry-leading Afterburner software, over-voltage of the GPU is possible and the V-Check points can be used to monitor performance and stability. The Twin Frozr thermal design uses 8mm SuperPipes to increase cooling capacity, and covers all mission critical components. Military Class components ensure the highest performing gaming experience. Experience heart-pounding, cinematic visuals on your favorite games with the combined power of DirectX 11, ATI Eyefinity, and ATI Stream technologies.

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