14 DAY TRIAL // Though NVIDIA's DirectX 11 graphics adapters are all set and ready to take AMD's ATI Radeon HD 5870 head-on, the former still has nothing to show on the mainstream and entry-level markets, which is exactly why AMD's manufacturing partners are periodically and calmly updating their product offers with newer and more convenient versions of the lower-cost HD 5000 Series. Seeking to extend its influence on the market for more affordable DirectX 11 parts, Club3D has unwrapped its latest version of the Radeon HD 5450.
As most consumers would expect, the new adapter doesn't really bring anything new to the table, in terms of raw performance, compared to the reference model. When making low-cost cards, the main point of interest is the price (obviously), its versatility and convenience. For this reason, Club3D turned the model into a full-sized card (the reference model had a half-size PCB) but, to make up for it, replaced the stock cooling solution with a single-slot passive one (heatsink).
For end-users interested in a reminder of the device's actual specifications, the HD 5870 has the graphics processing unit running at a frequency of 650MHz and its 512MB DDR3 VRAM clocked at 800 MHz. The adapter also boasts 80 stream processors, a memory interface of 64 bits and multiple video outputs, including HDMI, DVI and D-Sub. Basically, this video controller is the stock model with the added benefit of complete silence during operation.
Obviously, this small creature is not even close to the performance of higher-end controllers but it is still a viable choice for bringing next-generation graphics to Home-Theater and small form factor PCs. Unfortunately, as it always happens with new product introductions, there is no word on the exact price that this DirectX 11-capable item will sport, though it should stay somewhere between 40 and 50 Euro.