4870 physical size.....

[spathotan]

How much longer do you guys expect the 4870 to be compared to the 8800GT? Looking at the pictures of the card, it SEEMS to fall between the 8800GT and the 9800GTX in length, but I dunno. I have about an inch and a half of space left before the hard drive bay gets in the way, and with the 4870 having the power ports in the traditional spot instead of taking a number from nvidia and putting them on the side, it seems im gonna be screwed over.

 

[SirCrono]

I'm guessing the 4870 will be as long as the 9800 GTX (maybe one inch less, maybe), but I can't say for sure, it's just a guess.

And yhea, they should put the power ports in the side of the card so they are easier to reach, but hey, as long as it performs I can live with that.

 

[rgsaunders]

http://www.techpowerup.com/61265/First_ATI_Radeon_HD_4870_and_HD_4850_Pictures_Emerge.html judging by these photos here, and measuring the PCI card edge, this card illustrated, RV770, is 8 7/8" from the PCI slot to the back edge of the card. Notice that is for the HD 4850, single 6 pin power connector. Judging by the photo of the 4870 engineering sample, the 4870 has 2x 6 pin power connectors, and is approximately the same length as the 4850. For comparison to a current card, it is exactly the same length as an XFX7900GTX.
Of course, when calculating clearance, allow another inch for power connections.

 

[yipsl]

Well if the 4870x2 (or the 4850x2) isn't any bigger than my current 3870x2, then I'll be happy. One of the reasons I got an Antec Nine Hundred case is to handle these cards.

My interest is seeing a CrossfireX review with the following configurations:

4870 + 4870x2

4850x2 + 4850x2

4850 + 3870x2

4850x2 + 4850x2.

ASUS came out with the only 3850x2, but ATI said that partners are free to release a 4850x2, so I'm hoping. If it's clocked at 850 (like my MSI card), and has GDDR3, then it will be compatible in a CrossfireX configuration down the line.

I just wonder if it will be worth it vs. simply getting a 4870x2.

 

[spathotan]

Well, since it seems the 4870 is longer than the 8800GT, I probably wont be able to fit it in espically with the power cables. I guess ill Crossfire 4850's once I replace my P35 board with my P45 which gets here today, 8x/8x crossfirex ftw Just hope my 580W Muskin PSU can handle it, it can handle two 3850's so I guess it should be fine.

 

[mactronix]

Im more worried about the twin power connectors personally. I guess it could be like the 2900 cards and one is only needed if you intend to overclock. After all the fuss about the low power consumption of the 3 series cards I thought the 4 series would follow suit. I guess that if you want performance you have to put the power in to get the power out.
Mactronix

 

[crusoe74]

Looking at the pictures, it looks to be the same size as the HD 3870.

 

[derek85]

All HD48xx cards will be the same size as their predecessors.
i.e. size wise HD4870=HD3870, HD4870 X2=HD3870 X2.