ASUS Ares ATI Radeon 5870 X2 Limited Edition Graphics Card 3D Mark Vantage Test Linus Tech Tips

This video documents a benchmarking session of the ASUS Ares ATI Radeon 5870 X2 Limited Edition graphics card, installed in a high-end test rig centered on an Intel Core i7 980X platform with 6 GB of RAM. The host demonstrates the setup, power connections, and cooling behavior, noting that the fan initially runs quietly and that the power connectors include two 8-pin and one 6-pin PCIe plugs with some cables left loose at the edge. He struggles briefly with software detection using Asus Smart Doctor, then uses Afterburner for monitoring and overclocking due to driver detection issues. The first major test runs 3DMark Vantage at stock speeds, reporting a rough score around 30,000 and peak GPU temperatures near 67°C for GPU 1, with GPU 2 running cooler thanks to airflow differences caused by the backplate obstructing venting on one side. The video also captures noise levels at 20% versus 100% fan speeds, describing audible but not unbearable sound under typical desktop use, and highlighting how ambient room temperature affects the readings. After the initial benchmark, the presenter signals plans to push the overclock further and re-run tests to quantify performance gains, while providing context on airflow, temperature, and power delivery under load. The overall takeaway is that the Ares card delivers substantial performance for its era, with noteworthy cooling behavior and a pathway for performance gains through overclocking, all while offering a peek into real-world thermal and acoustic characteristics during benchmarking.

Topics · computer_hardware · graphics_cards · benchmarking · tech_review