And there she is, doing a good workout in our test-lab. Quite a pretty sight in the test system isn't it ? Let's have a look at the HIS version of exactly the same card.

HIS Radeon 3870 512MB GDDR4

Here's what to look for in the stores if you plan to buy a Radeon HD 3870 from the good folks at HIS. Nice design by the way. HIS recently changed that. Let's have a look what HIS is bundling with the Radeon HD 3870.

Once we open up the box we spot that the graphics card is bundled with the HIS regulars. Everything you need to get connected is basically in there.

Bundled:

• VIVO Cable
• HDTV Output cable
• DVI to VGA Dongle x 2
• DVI to HDMI Dongle x 1
• Crossfire™ Cable x 1
• Manual
• Driver CD
• Half-life 2 discount coupon

And obviously a HiS Radeon HD 3870. Let's have a closer look at the graphics card itself.

Honestly, it's a pretty kickass card with 64-bit (128-bit FP texture filter) HDR capability, improved HQ anisotropic filtering and even 8192x8192 HR texture support. The card itself is 100% the same as the reference design we just told you all about. Look and compare if needed. Except for the stickers, you will not spot a single difference. I'm actually glad not to see a big sticker on there as we now get a glimpse inside the cooler (said the true geek).

The card is running pretty hot, HIS is working on the new ICEQ version which should be released within weeks. The beauty of the dual-slot cooler is that the heat released by the graphics card is not enclosed in your PC chassis. Contrary to it, it's exhausted outside the PC.

And yes, as always a product photo of the card making a good sweat in our test systems. Observe that only one 6-pin power cinnector is implemented on the card. What a difference with the HD 2900 XT that is.

Let's have a peek at the HIS Radeon HD 3850 on the next page.