Custom Cooled Video Card Shootout: ASUS & MSI

Since the 5770 doesn't match the 4890's performance, this card might be one of the best values available on the market!

And I think there an OC one available for $156 at ZipZoomFly! Upon closer inspection the deal is for the OC, not the SOC version. If you're still interested:

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=10010987

$196 - $20 ZZF coupon "ZZF101220" - $20 Mail In Rebate = $156

The MIR expires on 10/31 so hurry if you want one!

P.S. Thanks Selma over at SD for posting the deal.

I'd prefer Asus+NV cards at the moment, but I have to admit that the heat sink on the MSI looks super cool.

Woo, thanks Gibbersome! (You too, Marco, for writing the story in the first place.) I had considered an overclocked Sapphire rendition of the 4890, the Toxic, but it was similarly unavailable.

I wonder how Afterburner interacts with ATi's own Catalyst control? That might make up for some overclockery, though I imagine that the non-OC units are the ones that couldn't make it into the OC circle at the factory, and therefore won't do much in your home. However, it's a compelling alternative to the 5850 I was considering, especially since the price Gib mentioned is $100 under the stock 5850.

The MSI card seems like the best deal for the money here.

I wonder if that gigantic Heat pipe would interfere with a crossfire connector?

Are they making an overclocked 5870 yet?

It's a little tight, but both crossfire connectors can be used.

I love to see a 4890 hanging with a GTX 285.  Normal 4890s overclock pretty well too - most can hit 950 core 1000 mem no problem.  Another reason to buy one over the GTX 275, which costs more and has less memory.  If only it were DX11.  People looking for a long term solution will probably have to dig deeper into their wallets for a 5850, which as we all know is equal or sometimes slightly faster than the GTX 285 (which costs way too much).