Saturday, February 27th 2010
ASUS Makes Custom-Designed EAH5000 Series Graphics Cards Lineup Official
ASUS today launched the EAH5000 Series, a new range of self-conceived graphics cards boasting an innovative thermal design that enables extreme overclocking. This makes these cards the instant choice of discerning DIY PC buffs and champion overclockers everywhere.
For PC-building enthusiasts worried about cooling, ASUS EAH5850 and EAH5830 graphics cards feature DirectCU technology, with specially-flattened copper heat pipes that dissipate heat up to 20%* more efficiently during gameplay and enable up to 35%* quieter operation in idle mode.
The ASUS EAH5770 packs new CUcore technology, integrating a distinct copper rod weighing up to 5.8oz within the fan assembly to better absorb and disperse heat.
For extreme players, the ASUS-designed EAH5870, EAH5850, EAH5830 graphics cards also deploy exclusive Voltage Tweak, which allows users to modify GPU voltage via the SmartDoctor application for up to a 50%* performance gain.
However, for those craving both performance and thermal efficiency, at the top of the range lies the ASUS EAH5850 DirectCU TOP/2DIS/1GD5, providing users with the best of extreme cooling and radical overclocking.
Reinventing Thermal Technology-Get Enhanced Cooling with DirectCU and CUcore
The ASUS EAH5850 DirectCU TOP/2DIS/1GD5 and EAH5830 DirectCU/2DIS/1GD5 are equipped with the innovative DirectCU technology, featuring two 8mm, flattened copper heat pipes that come into contact with the GPU directly. This allows for up to 20%* better heat dissipation during gameplay compared to reference design models. With DirectCU technology, the ASUS EAH5850 DirectCU TOP is capable of 35%* quieter performance compared to reference, resulting in a more pleasant daily computing experience.
The ASUS EAH5770 CUcore/2DIS/1GD5 features yet another innovative cooling design using copper for better heat dissipation. CUcore technology consists of a specially-designed fan integrating a tuning-fork shaped heatsink, increasing the heat dissipation surface area by as much as 22%*. A copper rod weighing up to 5.8oz is embedded in the fan assembly to disperse heat as fast as possible. Similar to the ASUS EAH5850 DirectCU TOP, the ASUS EAH5770 CUcore/2DIS/1GD5 is also quieter-by approximately 15dB*-compared to generic fans, providing maximum cooling with less noise.
ASUS EAH5000 TOP Series with Voltage Tweak for Adrenaline-pumping Performance
The ASUS EAH5870 TOP and EAH5850 DirectCU TOP graphics cards are the crème de la crème of the ASUS EAH5000 Series, with incredible default GPU speeds of 900MHz and 765MHz, and memory clock speeds of 4900MHz and 4600MHz, respectively. EAH5850 DirectCU TOP has been specially singled out from the rest of the series due to the overclock potential of the GPUs to reach speeds of 800MHz for unparalleled performance. Additionally, Voltage Tweak technology provides users with the option of boosting GPU voltages for up to a further 29%* increase in performance. These extreme upgrades propel the ASUS EAH5000 TOP Series to the forefront of graphics cards technology, with a 3DMark Vantage Extreme Preset score of up to 9,252-a decisive 50%* improvement compared to reference boards*.
Cutting-edge design - the best in safety and reliability
In keeping with a tradition of delivering the finest performing and highest quality products, the ASUS EAH5000 Series features a suite of design features that enables maximum gaming performance and unmatched overclocking reliability. The exclusive Dust-proof Fan adds enhanced endurance to the ASUS EAH5000 Series. Dust-proof Fans are double sealed to repel dust and extend the longevity of fan assemblies by up to 10,000 hours*, 25%* longer than regular fans found on generic graphics cards. This not only guarantees cooling efficiency, but also maintenance-free computing due to the innovative fan design.
The ASUS EAH5000 Series is also equipped with the innovative GPU Guard. Originally used in military-grade products, GPU Guard effectively doubles the structural integrity of the graphics card to prevent PCB cracks from occurring. The card further features fusing and EMI shielding, safeguarding both user and component. Having a fuse eliminates dangers posed by electrical overcurrents, a protection aided by the multiple sets of input fuses on the circuit board, which activate to interrupt the flow of excessive electrical current. Thus, the risk of irreparable damage to the card is greatly reduced. The EMI shield reduces up to 66%* of EMI interference given off and received by the card, effectively protecting users from potentially harmful EMI radiation while delivering stable signals for clearer, undisrupted images.
*Subject to system configuration and usage.
For PC-building enthusiasts worried about cooling, ASUS EAH5850 and EAH5830 graphics cards feature DirectCU technology, with specially-flattened copper heat pipes that dissipate heat up to 20%* more efficiently during gameplay and enable up to 35%* quieter operation in idle mode.
The ASUS EAH5770 packs new CUcore technology, integrating a distinct copper rod weighing up to 5.8oz within the fan assembly to better absorb and disperse heat.
However, for those craving both performance and thermal efficiency, at the top of the range lies the ASUS EAH5850 DirectCU TOP/2DIS/1GD5, providing users with the best of extreme cooling and radical overclocking.
Reinventing Thermal Technology-Get Enhanced Cooling with DirectCU and CUcore
The ASUS EAH5850 DirectCU TOP/2DIS/1GD5 and EAH5830 DirectCU/2DIS/1GD5 are equipped with the innovative DirectCU technology, featuring two 8mm, flattened copper heat pipes that come into contact with the GPU directly. This allows for up to 20%* better heat dissipation during gameplay compared to reference design models. With DirectCU technology, the ASUS EAH5850 DirectCU TOP is capable of 35%* quieter performance compared to reference, resulting in a more pleasant daily computing experience.
The ASUS EAH5770 CUcore/2DIS/1GD5 features yet another innovative cooling design using copper for better heat dissipation. CUcore technology consists of a specially-designed fan integrating a tuning-fork shaped heatsink, increasing the heat dissipation surface area by as much as 22%*. A copper rod weighing up to 5.8oz is embedded in the fan assembly to disperse heat as fast as possible. Similar to the ASUS EAH5850 DirectCU TOP, the ASUS EAH5770 CUcore/2DIS/1GD5 is also quieter-by approximately 15dB*-compared to generic fans, providing maximum cooling with less noise.
ASUS EAH5000 TOP Series with Voltage Tweak for Adrenaline-pumping Performance
The ASUS EAH5870 TOP and EAH5850 DirectCU TOP graphics cards are the crème de la crème of the ASUS EAH5000 Series, with incredible default GPU speeds of 900MHz and 765MHz, and memory clock speeds of 4900MHz and 4600MHz, respectively. EAH5850 DirectCU TOP has been specially singled out from the rest of the series due to the overclock potential of the GPUs to reach speeds of 800MHz for unparalleled performance. Additionally, Voltage Tweak technology provides users with the option of boosting GPU voltages for up to a further 29%* increase in performance. These extreme upgrades propel the ASUS EAH5000 TOP Series to the forefront of graphics cards technology, with a 3DMark Vantage Extreme Preset score of up to 9,252-a decisive 50%* improvement compared to reference boards*.
Cutting-edge design - the best in safety and reliability
In keeping with a tradition of delivering the finest performing and highest quality products, the ASUS EAH5000 Series features a suite of design features that enables maximum gaming performance and unmatched overclocking reliability. The exclusive Dust-proof Fan adds enhanced endurance to the ASUS EAH5000 Series. Dust-proof Fans are double sealed to repel dust and extend the longevity of fan assemblies by up to 10,000 hours*, 25%* longer than regular fans found on generic graphics cards. This not only guarantees cooling efficiency, but also maintenance-free computing due to the innovative fan design.
14 Comments on ASUS Makes Custom-Designed EAH5000 Series Graphics Cards Lineup Official
* - Bullshit, lies
I am sure that no Asus VGA can operate on +1200 MHz (core frequency) with stock cooler. So more likely up to 25% with high-end custom build water-cooling solution.
I wish ATi and Nvidia would ban their partners from selling modified cards.
They are rarely worth the hassle or the cost, they saturate the market, and they confuse consumers(even more so than all the standard vanilla rebadging going on).
If these companies want to make GPUs, then they should MAKE GPUs.
And before anyone brings in an automotive analogy(as for some reason it's quite common to do so...) a specialized sports car, say a Hennessey Viper, is not affordable by even some Viper owners, let alone your average person. And those modifications are substantial and real world, not theoretical percentiles on paper.
It's safe to say that all we have here is people over-volting standard cards, putting a little protection on them and expecting us to believe that on already overkill GPUs like X2s and SLI/Crossfire configurations, that another 100mhz across the board is actually going to make a difference - which it doesn't.
Guess I'm just tired of companies doing everything for us now..
Volt modding
Thermal and Phase change boxes/systems
Integrated LCS cases/chassis
Pre/flashed boards/chips sold as 'bundles'
I'm glad that 'overclocking' has become less perilous than it once was; I'm glad we're passed the stage where motherboards no longer have the option to "Turbo" something! But really, do we have to have open case testbeds hooked up to multiple nitrous oxide tanks and Guiness records on hand to see if we can break 8ghz on an Intel chip, in order for us to feel like were being enthusiasts anymore?
These types of cards are very analogous, IMO, to a Heffner Gallardo or a Switzer GT-R or a LPE Corvette or a Roush Mustang or a *cringe* Hennessey Viper (you do know that Hennessey is well-known in the automotive community as basically a scam artist ;) Heffner is a much more respected Viper tuner fyi).
The base product (say the 5870, which is analogous to a C6 Z06) is already a high performer and the "average person" will not even consider anything at that price range because they simply do not want that much performance (usually because they are not car/gaming/computer enthusiasts) and so the base population is already the enthusiast crowd. Now obviously some people are more capable of modding themselves (volt modding, water cooling, custom heatsinks, BIOS tweaks...analogous to self-installation and tuning on that Corvette of turbo/superchargers, ECU flash, radiator upgrades, fuel system upgrades, transmission, tires/wheels, etc. etc.). But there are, I presume, plenty of others who realize their inability to do such and so they rely on "professionals" to properly tune/mod the car for a premium price so that they may enjoy a similar power upgrade as those who can do extensive self-modding.
Granted, one may question the professionalism and performance of an ASUS 5870 vs that of stock compared to most auto tuners which are well-known for very high quality and performance (even Hennessey delivers good cars from time to time). But I guess time will tell as to how these ASUS cards can really perform over the OEM cards. In addition, it seems to me that with GPUs even the most extreme modding aimed at daily usage (no LN2 with crazy volts) which may include WCing with volt mods and whatever else, the performance gain seems negligible in terms of FPS (say 60 vs 70) which may mean what noticeable difference can you make. Of course with cars there are numerous points for upgrade and the performance is only limited by your budget/knowledge as cars can be made to go several seconds faster in the 1/4 mile, although most "noticeable difference" in the real world in cars are usually found during drag races held in backroads and on highways where a lesser car will blow the doors off of a much more expensive exotic. It seems to me that GPUs are already very limited in terms of performance upgrade headroom due to inherent design since, IIRC, the reason why there are 5850s, for example, is because those boards did not meet specs for 5870 so ATI just toned down the shader/speed/etc. and sell it as the lil bro of the 5870. Whereas for a car's motor you can pretty much make as much horsepower as you want it to.