MSI Expands Lightning Series with Custom HD 5870

Not long ago, Micro-Star International expanded its Lightning Series of graphics cards with the new, custom-made R5770 Hawk. Eager to further increase its range of high-end graphics adapters, the company has now revealed that it has completed yet another model in this series, namely the top-tier R5870 Lightning. Essentially an optimized, custom-cooled Radeon HD 5870 adapter, the product comes with top-quality components that increase its stability and endurance, making it ideal for overclocking purposes.

Besides the obvious DirectX 11 support, MSI's latest card has the GPU frequency set at 900 MHz and the 1GB of GDDR5 running at 4800MHz. Such high clocks are possible thanks to the reliability added by military-class components, such as 100% Solid State Choke (SSC), Hi-c CAP for GPU power and gold-plated connectors. In addition, the adapter receives the power it needs to run via what MSI calls “the industry's first 15-phase (13+2) power supply design.” With two 8-pin power connectors, this design can fuel the GPU with over two times more power. This, along with the Proadlizer Capacitor and the use of V-check points, make the new R5870 capable of withstanding significant frequency boosts.

The Hi-c CAP design provides the card with a significant boost in lifespan, the ability to run at lower temperatures and a better transmission efficiency. This added stability is complemented by the Proadlizer capacitor, which can allow very high currents and a more stable power supply. Furthermore, the low ESR ensures lower operating temperatures, leaving it to the Twin Frozr II Thermal Design and SuperPipe Technology to dissipate the remaining heat.

Of course, the high power supply structure and high-end cooler would not have much meaning without matching overclocking features. The new Lightning Series card supports MSI's Afterburner overlocking software, which can tweak both GPU and memory frequencies. This clock-boosting possibility is complemented by the Over Voltage Function of the graphics processor. Finally, the aforementioned V-Check points will allow for current voltage status to be easily obtained when a multi-meter is attached.

The price has not yet been disclosed, but the MSI Lightning R5870 should be made available sometime next month.