ATi’s dual GPU HD3870×2 was released back in January to a very enthusiastic reception. Unfortunately, driver issues and a less than efficient reference design cooler kept the HD3870×2 from any real fame at that time. Fast forward four months to the present day. Driver issues are worked out and individual ATi partners have had time to work on their own variants to the less than stellar reference design to offer the card that many people originally had hoped for.

Visiontek is a well known and respected manufacturer with a history of innovation and forward thinking. As such, you should not be surprised that they have released their version of the HD3870×2 not only with an exceptionally impressive cooler but with a factory overclock. But let’s not forget the native qualities of the HD3870×2 that got everyone jazzed to begin with; DirectX10.1 compatibility, over a teraflop of GPU power with dual processors, CrossfireX dual card ready, not to mention Blue-Ray / HD-DVD playback and fully integrated HD audio capacity with 5.1 audio and HDMI connectivity.

Standard HD3870×2 cards come with a reference core/memory clock of 825/1800MHz. The Visiontek card takes this up a notch to 840/1920MHz on the core and memory respectively. Not a huge overclock but remember this is something that sets the Visiontek apart from the crowd and at the $450 price point, that is all important. The Visiontek folks have sent over a sample of this impressive looking product so we can have a first hand look. Without any further delay, let’s jump right in with this large and apparently in charge ATi card.

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