Experience the Power of ATI Radeon 4870x2 Graphics Card!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Overview of the ATI Radeon 4870x2
3. Design and Features
4. Lack of DX11 Support
5. Compatibility and Installation
6. Performance in Games
   • GTA 5
   • Overwatch
   • Fallout: New Vegas
   • Crysis 2
   • Call of Duty: Black Ops
   • Battlefield 3
   • CS GO
7. Conclusion
8. Pros and Cons
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Introduction

In this article, we will be taking an in-depth look at the ATI Radeon 4870x2, a graphics card from 2008 that was known for its impressive performance and unique design. Despite its age, we will explore how this card holds up in modern scenarios, testing its compatibility, performance, and limitations. Whether you are a tech enthusiast or simply curious about the capabilities of older hardware, join us as we dive into the world of the ATI Radeon 4870x2.

Overview of the ATI Radeon 4870x2

The ATI Radeon 4870x2 was a formidable graphics card released in 2008. It was built with two flagship Radeon 4870 GPUs combined into a single board, providing impressive power and performance. With a price tag of around $550 at the time, the 4870x2 offered a cost-effective alternative to buying two separate 4870 cards and a motherboard with dual PCI Express slots. Equipped with one gigabyte of GDDR5 VRAM per GPU, this card was considered overkill for its time.

Design and Features

The design of the ATI Radeon 4870x2 was notable but not without its flaws. Sporting a single small fan at the end of the card, it aimed to cool down the two hot chips. However, as time went on, one of the card's limitations became apparent—it lacked support for DirectX 11. Despite this drawback, the 4870x2 remains Relevant to this day, as long as there are enthusiasts who can appreciate its significant capabilities.

Lack of DX11 Support

As technology progressed and DirectX 11 became the new standard, the ATI Radeon 4870x2 started to show its age. Without DX11 support, this card was eventually rendered obsolete for newer gaming experiences. However, it is essential to remember that obsolescence is a man-made concept, and the 4870x2 can still fulfill the needs of users who enjoy its heavy graphics processing power. Let's explore its performance in various games and scenarios to understand its capabilities better.

Compatibility and Installation

Although the ATI Radeon 4870x2 officially supports Windows 8 or lower, it is still possible to install the drivers manually on Windows 10. By running the Catalyst installer and selecting the appropriate driver file, you can overcome the compatibility limitations. After a quick restart, the display may flicker, as is typical with any driver installation process, but the card should work seamlessly.

Performance in Games

GTA 5

Starting with GTA 5 at 1080p, the performance of the ATI Radeon 4870x2 surprised us. Despite some on-screen frame time issues, the Game ran reasonably well with settings on normal quality. The average frame rate was playable, and locking it at 30 fps would result in a smooth gaming experience. Switching to 720p further improved performance, reducing frame drops and stutters.

Overwatch

Recording Overwatch at 30 fps, we encountered no significant issues. The game performed admirably at 1080p with 75% resolution scaling, reaching frame rates above 90 fps. Thanks to the optimized gameplay and the capabilities of the 4870x2, playing Overwatch was a pleasant experience, highlighting the card's ability to handle newer titles.

Fallout: New Vegas

Fallout: New Vegas, known for its flexibility in running on various hardware configurations, ran flawlessly on the ATI Radeon 4870x2. With the frame rate cap set at 60 fps, the game held steady in most areas, occasionally experiencing frame time inconsistencies. In less populated areas, the frame rate remained constant, making Fallout: New Vegas a great match for the 4870x2.

Crysis 2

Despite being less demanding than the original Crysis, Crysis 2 still challenged the hardware available during its time. On the ATI Radeon 4870x2, running Crysis 2 at 720p resulted in frame rates exceeding 60 fps. The game's optimization for consoles made it more accessible for older graphics cards, ensuring a smooth gaming experience on the 4870x2.

Call of Duty: Black Ops

Call of Duty: Black Ops encountered significant flickering issues on the 4870x2, potentially due to crossfire enablement or driver compatibility. Despite this setback, the game ran close to its frame rate cap of 62 fps in most instances. However, the flickering could disrupt the gameplay experience, requiring further investigation regarding the cause and potential solutions.

Battlefield 3

Battlefield 3 briefly ran at around 60 fps on the ATI Radeon 4870x2. Unfortunately, during the testing process, the system experienced a critical error that required a hard reset. This instability implies potential issues with the card's compatibility with newer titles. Further exploration would be necessary to determine the extent of crossfire support in later games.

CS GO

CS GO, being more CPU-dependent than GPU-dependent, ran smoothly on the ATI Radeon 4870x2. With in-game settings at their lowest, the 4870x2 delivered satisfactory performance, reaching frame rates well over 100 fps. Players utilizing this card should have no concerns about running CS GO, a less demanding title in terms of GPU requirements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ATI Radeon 4870x2 remains an impressive piece of hardware even after more than a decade since its release. While it may lack support for newer technologies like DirectX 11, it can still offer enjoyable gaming experiences in various titles. Its performance in games such as GTA 5, Overwatch, Fallout: New Vegas, Crysis 2, Call of Duty: Black Ops, Battlefield 3, and CS GO showcases its capabilities, although compatibility issues may arise with certain games. As long as there are enthusiasts to appreciate its unique design and power, the ATI Radeon 4870x2 will continue to be relevant in the gaming community.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Impressive performance for its time
• Cost-effective solution compared to buying multiple GPUs
• Unique design and cooling solution
• Still compatible with Windows 10 with manual driver installation
• Capable of running older games smoothly

Cons:

• Lack of support for newer technologies like DirectX 11
• Potential compatibility issues with certain games
• High power consumption and heat generation
• Limited availability of driver updates and optimization

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can the ATI Radeon 4870x2 run modern games smoothly? A1. While the 4870x2 can run some modern games with acceptable performance, it may struggle with more demanding titles. Compatibility and optimization can vary, so it is essential to consider the specific requirements of each game.

Q2. Can I use the ATI Radeon 4870x2 with the latest operating systems? A2. Although the 4870x2 officially supports Windows 8 or lower, it is possible to install the drivers manually on Windows 10. However, certain limitations may arise, such as the lack of official support for newer technologies.

Q3. Is the ATI Radeon 4870x2 suitable for gaming in 2022? A3. While the 4870x2 is outdated compared to modern graphics cards, it can still offer enjoyable gaming experiences in older or less demanding games. However, for the best performance and compatibility with recent titles, it is recommended to invest in newer hardware.

Q4. Does the ATI Radeon 4870x2 support crossfire technology? A4. Yes, the 4870x2 supports crossfire technology, allowing users to pair it with another compatible graphics card for increased performance. However, it is important to ensure proper compatibility and driver support when utilizing crossfire configurations.