Headlines - PowerColor preparing a passive Radeon HD 4850

[HEXUS]

Pictures of PowerColor's passively-cooled Radeon HD 4850 SCS3 have made their way online, but will it be coming to retail anytime soon?

Read more.

[benwoodcock]

Isn't it slightly overpowered for a HTPC, which would be it's main use, I presume?

[mnstar]

This would be ideal, I already have too much noise generating equipment.

[StoX]

They are quite toasty cards - I assume good airflow is important?

[Grebowski]

Intended for side panel off and playing outside in Winter perhaps?

Maybe this suggests a bios change or additional temperature reducing features on the PCB??

[this_is_gav]

Isn't it slightly overpowered for a HTPC, which would be it's main use, I presume?

Well 'home theatre' can include gaming you know. No need to limit something to playing films or something if you want to use it for something else too.

[kalniel]

Isn't it slightly overpowered for a HTPC, which would be it's main use, I presume?

Why would you think only HTPC users are interested in quiet computers?

[StoX]

Why would you think only HTPC users are interested in quiet computers?

lol, very true - I have a fully watercooled HTPC with a normal 4850 (fitted with WB)

I wonder if there is a die-shrink planned?

[EnglishLion]

Intended for side panel off and playing outside in Winter perhaps?

Maybe this suggests a bios change or additional temperature reducing features on the PCB??

I understood that most of the 4800 series heat issues were from low default fan speeds. In which case passive isn't going to be much different, just need to be sure of a decent finish on the heatsink and plenty of heatpipes I guess!

[hotpurple]

Well, I have a Gigabyte HD4850 1gb that's passively cooled and actually runs cooler than stock so I don't think there's a problem with the concept. The cooler is quite mad though.

Chris

[Aden]

Isn't it slightly overpowered for a HTPC, which would be it's main use, I presume?

Depends some people like to watch 1080p movies or game from the couch.. depends really what you decide to do with your HTPC. I know people who use the HTPC as an alternative to a games console while still keeping it silent, discrete and easy to use.