Monday, November 13th 2017

Sapphire Radeon RX Vega 64 Nitro Custom Model Pictured, Tested

It's likely that we'll (relatively) soon start to see custom models of AMD's latest high-end graphics cards based on the Vega micro-architecture. The launch and availability of AMD's latest poster child has been target of continued debate and rumors of problems, ranging from low GPU yields, to low packaging yields, and manufacturing discrepancies making AMD's AIB partners' job in creating and delivering fully custom models ever more difficult. However, the end for market absence of true custom models may be nigh, since the guys over at HWBattle have managed to snag themselves a sample of Sapphire's RX Vega 64 Nitro, and the card really is a sight to behold.
The Sapphire Vega 64 Nitro features a tri-fan configuration, as has been usual for most top-end models for both AMD and NVIDIA. The Nitro's fans are arranged in a 2x 95 mm (at the edges), 1x 84 mm (middle) pattern, with some added lighting effects (unclear if RGB) added on the shroud surrounding the edge fans (there's also some lighting on the Nitro symbol in the cards' backplate as well). Vega isn't a tame monster to feed, though, as we've seen in our own reviews of the card: this particular rendition of AMD's Vega 64 requires the usage of 3x 8-pin power connectors, and the cooling solution has been beefed-up as a result, occupying three whole slots inside your system. The I/O slot only occupies two slots, though, with the topmost one featuring an even split on 2x DisplayPort and 2x HDMI outputs, while the remainder slot is used to channel some of the produced heat to the exterior of your case.

Clockspeeds for the sample were reference AMD, but this isn't a final product. This means it's still up for changes in the cooling and power delivery designs, and clockspeeds are nowhere near finalized. It may take a little while longer still until we see these custom solutions from AMD's AIB partners, but we've waited this long, haven't we? In the meantime, you can put some extra minutes watching this YouTube video posted by HWBattle that shows this graphics card in operation:

Source: HWBattle
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41 Comments on Sapphire Radeon RX Vega 64 Nitro Custom Model Pictured, Tested

#1
dj-electric
Party like its 2014.

This goes on my list of overly priced hardware that you can't convince logical people to buy for gaming.
Have a sit pal, here next to the TITAN Xs and 400$ gaming chairs
Posted on Reply
#2
Unregistered
Holy $h1t!!!!!!

When can I buy one? When, o when, o when?!?!?!?!
Posted on Edit | Reply
#4
Unregistered
Dj-ElectriCParty like its 2014.

This goes on my list of overly priced hardware that you can't convince logical people to buy for gaming.
Have a sit pal, here next to the TITAN Xs and 400$ gaming chairs
I agree (if it's as expensive as I expect it to be)........

Then again, everyone calls me crazy! XD

Stupid, but f-ing awesome!
Posted on Edit | Reply
#5
lightofhonor
Seems like putting a waterblock on a stock card may be the way to go, but we'll see how well it OC. Might have some binning, better memory, etc.
Posted on Reply
#6
RejZoR
What is taking so long? It's mid November and none of AIB cards are anywhere to be seen. Just bunch of teaser photos, it's gonna take another month for them to actually be purchasable. WTF!? Did Fury and R9 390X custom cards also take this stupendously long? I don't remember it this way...
Posted on Reply
#7
dj-electric
Hugh MungusStupid, but f-ing awesome!
Technology is not cars. A lambo from the 80s is awesome and stupid to hold. An overly-priced (craptastic coolers go for 550$, this will probably at 700+), over-power-consuming, year-and-a-half late to the party piece of hardware isn't. The efficiency and price might pass 3 years ago.
Posted on Reply
#8
Lionheart
Loved the look of the card then I saw the 3 8pin connectors, I know Vega is power hungry but 3 8pin connectors is stupid come on even for extreme overclocking.
Posted on Reply
#9
Unregistered
LionheartLoved the look of the card then I saw the 3 8pin connectors, I know Vega is power hungry but 3 8pin connectors is stupid come on even for extreme overclocking.
Yeah, but 3x6 or 2x8+6 are lame AF and 2x8 CLEARLY isn't enough for those last few mhz!
Posted on Edit | Reply
#10
HD64G
RejZoRWhat is taking so long? It's mid November and none of AIB cards are anywhere to be seen. Just bunch of teaser photos, it's gonna take another month for them to actually be purchasable. WTF!? Did Fury and R9 390X custom cards also take this stupendously long? I don't remember it this way...
HBM2 supply is low (Samsung and Hynix only provide them and Samsung sells them to nVidia for Tesla compute cards also) and that's the main reason for both availability and price increase of Vega GPUs.
Posted on Reply
#12
Gmr_Chick
Sapphire makes some beauties, for sure. I love the backplate. :cool:

The THREE 8-pin connectors though? Not so much. Holy hell. I honestly don't think I've ever seen THREE of them on a GPU before. :twitch:
Posted on Reply
#13
Basard
Can't wait til these things start coming with AC power cords, lol....
Posted on Reply
#16
Valantar
That shroud is straight outta' 2003.

I usually like Sapphire's designs, but this one? Nope. Not even a little. Molded acrylic with edge-lit design effects? No thank you.
Posted on Reply
#17
buildzoid
FluffmeisterSilly Sapphire, you undervolt Vega.
Last I check 1.25V given enough cooling does 1700+ core clock also the HBM loves cold. While burning over 500W of power.



I'm almost certainly get one of these to mess with.
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#18
Fluffmeister
That's bonkers, can't wait to see how this planet killer performs.
Posted on Reply
#19
Divide Overflow
Very keen to see the thermals and clocks on this monster.
Posted on Reply
#20
Melvis
ValantarThat shroud is straight outta' 2003.

I usually like Sapphire's designs, but this one? Nope. Not even a little. Molded acrylic with edge-lit design effects? No thank you.
If they had shrouds like that back in 2003 id be very impressed!

I dont remember my MX440 looking anything like this....
Posted on Reply
#21
eidairaman1
The Exiled Airman
EarthDog@eidairaman1


Here is another....that will eventually come out.
Finally! Thank You, That card almost looks like my 290 VaporX other than all black on this one.

I wonder if this card uses Vapor Chamber tech or not.
LightofhonorSeems like putting a waterblock on a stock card may be the way to go, but we'll see how well it OC. Might have some binning, better memory, etc.
EK and Alphacool typically make full coverage waterblocks for custom cards.
Posted on Reply
#22
EarthDog
There are three now. :)

All, please be careful the abundant selection doesn't confuse. :p


LOL Eidair... almost 19K posts and 10 years and you still double post... hahaha! :p :peace::lovetpu:
Posted on Reply
#23
eidairaman1
The Exiled Airman
EarthDogThere are three now. :)

All, please be careful the abundant selection doesn't confuse. :p


LOL Eidair... almost 19K posts and 10 years and you still double post... hahaha! :p :peace::lovetpu:
I correct it on the spot, refresh your browser, check my post for question lol
Posted on Reply
#24
Gundem
In 2017, 3x8pin just says fail. Unless you can do more than nvidia for equal or less, it's unacceptable. Go back to the drawing board.
Posted on Reply
#25
Jhelms
Totally dig it - stunning card. Sold the moment it hits shelves - crazy power requirement and all :toast:
Posted on Reply
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