In the area of graphics display cards, MSI had great success with its Lightning series during last year's CeBIT, on offer this year is a brand new evolution of the product line, represented by the R5870 Lightning. This new product not only inherits the same high performance of its predecessors but also adopts a number of unprecedented initiatives in graphics display technology. It is a marvel of craftsmanship that has been engineered exclusively for overclocking.
Power SupplyIn terms of the power supply subsystem, which the overclockers are most concerned about, the new R5870 Lightning has improved on the 10-phase design of the previous model to include an upgraded 15-phase power design. It has strengthened PWM for not only GPU but memory. Meanwhile, compared with ordinary products, the input power supply of the new R5870 Lightning has adopted a dual 8-PIN configuration, which allows a maximum of 375W of input power to boost its overclocking potential.
In addition, in order to provide a steadier power supply, a dedicated power supply layer LPL (Lightning Power Layer) has been introduced to allow the exclusive power transmission channels of GPU and memory. This not only increases electrical stability but also reduces interference in the power supply process, as well as lowering the PCB's operating temperature, an outstanding design that serves multiple purposes.
The LPL (Lightning Power Layer) provides better electricical quality and stability.
The 15-phase PWM design provides sufficient power supply in an overclocked environment.
Best-quality, Military Class ComponentWith respect to system components, which are essential to power users, the new model is not only in full compliance with MSI’s highest quality military class specifications (Solid CAP (solid-state capacitors) & SSC (Solid State Choke) inductor design), but it also utilizes Hi-c CAP tantalum capacitors in the major PWM design. This provides longer life as well as low operating temperatures, and is an indispensable component in a high-end graphics card.
The R5870 Lightning uses the capacitor design of Proadizer in addition to its military class components. This allows sufficient power supply to the GPU as well as reduced ESR interference and transmission response time, thus greatly enhancing the overclocking capability of the unit.
The advanced Proadizer meets the GPU's power requirements when in overclocking mode.
Compared with ordinary solid-state capacitors, Hi-c CAP has a longer lifespan with its lower operating temperature.
In the area of cooling, the R5870 Lightning continues to adopt the Twin Forzr II heat-sink, which uses two eight centimeter fans and four heat pipes to reduce overall temperature of the graphics adaptor by twelve degree celcius. This not only helps to prolong the graphics card's life but also enhances its overclocking performance.
The R5870 Lightning also supports Afterburner, MSI's overclocking software, which is not only capable of adjusting the GPU and memory's clock speed and the GPU’s voltage, but is also equipped with the built-in Kombustor's burn-in function so there is no need to look for additional software.
The Kombustor burn-in function is integrated in Afterburner version 1.5.0 and later.
With Twin Frozr II's dual fan design, issues arising from the large amount of heat generated by overclocking can be effectively resolved.
Auxiliary FunctionalityWhat’s more, the R5870 Lightning is equipped with other thoughtful designs, such as APS (Active Phase Switching) technology, capable of switching the power supply state based on the graphics card's current load. This not only helps to reduce energy waste but also effectively lowers the operating temperature and extends the product's lifespan. There is also a V-check Point voltage detection mechanism. With a multimeter connected, users can immediately learn power supply status of the GPU and memory, and there is no need to make any hardware modding to the graphics card. This is a great design for the overclocker who enjoys challenging the extreme overlcokcing.
The V-check Point voltage detection mechanism provides the overclockers with real-time GPU and memory voltage information.
Source: MSI
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