Sapphire HD 5770 FleX 1GB GDDR5, is it HDCP compliant?

[Ahh-nuts]

I'm looking fo a mid-to-high range graphics card for a build. I mostly run graphics programs, and a 3 monitor setup using Eyefinity would be great.

The specs I have on the Sapphire HD 5770 Flex 1GB card, it's loaded, but nothing said about HDCP compliance.

Is it HDCP compliant?

Does anyone have other feed back on its performance, or on comparable cards?

The planned build:
MoBo - ASUS P8H67-M EVO (Intel 1155 socket set, Intel H67 platform)
Ram - G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 133 (PC3 10666)
CPU - Intel Core i&-2600 3.46GHz 8MB L3 shared cache, 1333MHz LGA1155 Box
Card - Sapphire HD 5770 FleX 1GB GDDR5 with AMD Eyefinity (1 duo-link DVI, 1 single-link DVI, 1 HDMI, 1 DisplayPort)
Display - ASUS PA246Q (24" up to 2560 x 1600 dpi, P-IPS 178 degrees 4-viewing directions, 98% of Adobe RGB color space)
Poer - Corsair 700W

Thanks for any help.

 

[purple stain]

Are you trying to play games with eyefinity and 3D?
Cause if you are, your going to need a much more powerful card than a 5770 to manage playable frame rates.

And yes the 5770 is HDCP compliant.I'm pretty sure almost all cards are HDCP these days.

 

[Ahh-nuts]

I might get more into games later, Purple Stank. But for now, my needs are more to run major graphics software. I will be doing some video editing which I assume will lean more toward game specs for cards that render frames better. Graphic design is more about high ram to hold open large files and CPU power to render them, and display real estate.

Can you recommend perhaps a better card that would work for me?

 

[Ahh-nuts]

Also, graphic design sessions can last 10 to 12 hours at a time. And, that's a lot for cards that run hot. So, cooling on the rig is an important factor.

 

[purple stain]

I'd say the GTX560 or the 6870 would be better suited for your needs.I know those cards for sure are able to dispaly in 3D and would be much more capable to support 3 monitors.The GTX560 is slightly faster.Both cards should have plenty of muscle to support what you do and if you ever decide to game they can support that as well.

MSI GTX560 1G Twin Frozer II $250 =$230 after MIR + Free Shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127565&cm_re=GTX560-_-14-127-565-_-Product

Asus 6870 1G $200=$180 after MIR + Ftee Shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121418&cm_re=6870-_-14-121-418-_-Product

MSI 6870 1G Twin Frozer II $225=$210 after MIR + $5 Shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127545&cm_re=6870-_-14-127-545-_-Product

All these cards have outstanding cooling.Don't forget that in order for the card(s) to cool well the case must have good airflow also.What type of case do you have for this build?

 

[Ahh-nuts]

I haven't picked out a case yet, could use some good recommendations.

Do these cards have Display Port? This works well with Eyefinity for 3 monitors. With stand-alone monitor setup, the best graphics monitors have Display Port at 2560 x 1600 resolution.

 

[Ahh-nuts]

You're sure right about the cooling issue...over heating the last thing needed when running long design sessions, maybe 10+ hours. In graphics, one creates multiple files, 25 megs plus, maybe 3 to 8 of them at a time. They are revised continuously with color corrections, added components, filtering (a layer over the original), sliding around the display screen. Controlling huge amounts of RAM and peeking out the CPU is the game I play, so to speak.

In the ASUS 5800 series, the 5870 Eyefinity 6/6S/2GD5 is awesome, 6 DisplayPorts! And, also supports OpenGL (for graphics programs). But, it runs hot.

I looked at bigger cards, and read some reviews. My concerns are fan failure and running to hot too long. How would the MSI GTX560 and Asus 6870 run in my situation?

 

[Ahh-nuts]

I just read a review on the Radeon HD 6870 (at bit-tech.net). I like the ports, 2 Display Ports, 1 HDMI, 2 DVD-I! The tests show it runs about 25% +/- cooler than the 5770, as you were saying and that's also great. It uses only about 3 or 4 % more power on load, hardly worth mentioning. All-in-all, a great recommendation! Thanks. I'll try to get the full specs.

 

[Ahh-nuts]

Found the specs on the Radeon HD 6870 (I'll also look for the ASUS version):

"XFX HD-687A-ZNFC Radeon HD 6870 1GB 256-bit DDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity"

Supports Eyefinity, OpenGL 4.0, DirectX11, great! Core clock 900MHz, and a manageable 500W PSU. And, it runs cooler than most! Price is around $200, reasonable for its perks.

Thanks so much, Purple Stank, I'll check out the ASUS 6870 version, and the MSI GTX560 1G Twin Frozer II that you mentioned, next. You know your cards, yeah?

My tower, now, is an Antec 8" wide x 16" high x 18" deep, inside dimensions, 2 fans.

 

[purple stain]

Well the thing with the Asus version is that it doesn't have a mini display port only x2 HDMI's.I'm pretty sure that you need a 1.4a mini display port for 1080p 3D.
Also that XFX card is not the card you want.It doesn't have any aftermarket cooling so after time, running it at 10+ hrs under load, it won't last as long as the others.

If RAM is a big issue for you then maybe you might want to check out the 6950.

MSI Twin Frozr II 6950
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127562&cm_re=6950-_-14-127-562-_-Product

As for a case your going to need something with lots of airflow and that can support big cards.
I would suggest going with one of the HAF series case's from Cooler Master.I personally own the HAF 922 and it's a fabulous case but you might like something more liek the HAF 932 or the HAF X.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=40000007&IsNodeId=1&Description=haf&bop=And&Order=RATING&PageSize=20

 

[Ahh-nuts]

Sorry I didn't get back sooner. I worked the polls today, a city election. It's an 18-hour day when including the poll's setup and dis-assembly after closing, 4:00am to 10:00pm.

I agree, the DisplayPort port is important not only for the 3D rendering you mentioned (a plus I wasn't expecting), but also for its native 2560 x 1600 resolution easily handled by its faster new technology (an optical interface). Only Mac's Thunderbolt is faster (but as of yet, no real range of peripherals to hook up, except Mac's monitors and e-toys).

Interesting point about the life of an XFX card, but wouldn't it last long with a good cooling system? I thought only ASUS factory overclocked their version of 6870 at 10%.

I'll certainly look into the MSI Twin Frozr II 6950 as you suggested. But, it might be pushing my budget of $1600 to $1800 (more if multiple monitors) for the build. If you suggested it because I said I needed a lot of RAM, I meant MoBo RAM (working RAM). Most graphics software (Photoshop and others) cashe the work-in-progress in swop files, etc., and the RAM draws on them to make changes in the files. The graphics card needs only to render successive generations. What are your thoughts about card performance from this perspective?

The HAF Series cases sound like a good foundation for my build. Thanks, I'll check your firsthand-experience recommendation.

 

[Ahh-nuts]

gotta get some sleep after the 18 hour work day at the polls, on only 3 hours sleep the night before...ugh. I'll check in tomorrow to look for your reply. Thanks

 

[purple stain]

Yes if a compoent is cooled well it extends the life of that device compared to running it a hotter temps.That XFX card you selected doesn't have a good cooling system which is why I said it would be a bad idea.
Almost every GPU manufactur overclocks their cards in one way or another it isn't jus Asus that does it.I specificly reccomended Asus and MSI because they have the best repuations and some of the best cooling on the market.

O I see,I thought you meant video RAM not CPU RAM.Then you should be fine with the GTX560 or the 6870.

 

[purple stain]

I noticed that your using a Micro ATX board.Is their any specific reason why you chose that?

 

[Ahh-nuts]

Interesting news about most manufacturers overclocking their cards, they don't always show it in their specs. Thanks.

The Asus 6870 version seems a little shy on DisplayPorts as I remember. I liked the MSI Twin Frozr II 6950 you recommended. How does it compare in cooling and quality with the XFX 6870? Both have OpenGL support (more friendly for graphics applications).

I actually stumbled onto the Micro ATX board technology. I only need a couple of PCIe 2 slots, a graphics card and maybe later a sound card. So, I look for graphics cards requiring only one PCIe 2.0 x16 slot. Even iMac's 27" all-in-one computer only upgrades to a 5760 card. And, it's a pretty fast and powerful graphics rig.

As I understand it, the Micro ATX boards trade off PCIe slots for more onboard components. The Asus P8H67-M EVO, in this case, gives me onboard graphics as a backup with a DisplayPort, in case the card fails. In graphic design, there is typically a media materials deadline involved in the project: DL (deadline) and DDL (drop deadline). Miss one and you can loose the client. Graphic designers are as obsessed with this as gamers are with over-clocking for better frame rates.

The Asus P8H67-M EVO is also an H67 platform, more graphics supportive than a P67 platform. P67 has some graphics capabilities blocked in favor of gamming. The Z68 platform unlocks all, but I can't find any Asus Z68 motherboards with onboard graphics.

 

[Ahh-nuts]

...I appreciate your input so far...

 

[Ahh-nuts]

I reviewed the 3 graphics cards and the MSI R6950 Twin Frozr II seems to win out with the best cooling system, most ports, and best application compatibility. The extra $20 or so is worth it. Thanks for steering me to it.

I don't know what to do about cooling the Intel i7 cpu, though. The only con I read on the Twin Frozr is that while it stays cool, it blows a lot of hot exhaust across the CPU, and generally heats up the case. Maybe a 200mm fan to suck the air out of a HAF high tower case that has a side-vent window is the answer. What are your thoughts?

With the Twin Frozr II, I need a minimum 500W supply, but maybe 700W is better considering the fan and all. I don't know, you've had more experience with this than me.

There's an OC'd Twin Frozr II, OC from 800MHz to 810MHz. Do you think its worth it for my needs? Thanks again, purple stank

 

[weeweeman]

For those in the UK this has come down in Price on Amazon - http://amzn.to/knxQmc

 

[Ahh-nuts]

Thanks for the heads up, weeweeman. I'm glad to see some countries getting a price break nowadays.

At the 1/1.6 exchange rate USD/British Pound Sterling, the card at 139 Pounds (sorry, no British Pound icon on my keyboard) would cost US$222. (interesting, the British Pound is still much stronger than the Euro at 1/1.48 (USD to Euro).

In the U.S., the online sales average is currently around US$170.

I've upgraded my planned build, and I'm leaning toward the MSI R6950 Twin Frozr II for its low operating temperature, power, compatibility, portability, and dependability, based on purple stank's recommendation and reviews I've read. It averages around US$290. A lot more money, but more bang for the buck, as they say, and less down road upgrading.

 

[Ahh-nuts]

Oops sorry, please correct my figures to reflect the British eBay advertised £115, which at 1/1.6 makes it US$184, significantly better.

 

[Ahh-nuts]

hi purple stank, I checked out the Cooler Master HAF X RC-942-KKNI, ATX full tower. It's really pricey at $199, but its 4 large fans are included. Maybe it's a simply solution to any potential cooling problems, though I hate to spend that much money. The adjustable side bracket to help hold heavy graphics cards securely is a well thought out perk.

 

[Ahh-nuts]

purple stank, the considered build, based on our conversations and research I've done, looks as follows. It tops out my budget before adding two more monitors and a bigger hard drive. I value hearing your opinion on it...

-Motherboard - ASUS P8H67-M EVO - $200

-CPU - Intel Core i& 2600 3.46Hz 8MB
L3 Shared Cache 1333MHz
LGA1155 Box - $310

-RAM - G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB
(4x4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM
DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) - $210

-Graphics Card - MSI R6950 Twin
Frozr II 2GB GDDR5 - $290

-Case - Cooler Master HAF X
RC-942-KKN1 ATX Full Tower - $200

-PSI - Corsair Enthusiast Series
TX750 V2 750W ATX12V v2.31
/EPS 12V v2.92 - $105

-Display - ASUS PA246Q IPS Monitor
16:10 ratio: 1920x1200 native
up to 2560x1600 (16:10 ratio) - $500

----------------------------------------------------------
Total $1,815 before tax and shipping

 

[purple stain]

Thats a lot to read.To be honest I kinda just skimmed.Ok so thats a good choice with the 6950 Twin Frozer.You have to have good case airflow to make sure that hot air gets out.If the HAF X is to pricey you can always choose the lower models.The HAF 942 and the 932 are the exact same desgin but with less fans.
As for cooling the CPU are you using the stock cooler that it came with or an aftermarket one?I would suggest something like the Hyper 212+ if your NOT O.C.ing.

 

[Ahh-nuts]

I'll check out the other HAF's. I was just considering the stock cooler for the CPU. With all the fans on the HAF X, wouldn't that do the job?

You might want to check the ASUS PA246Q monitor for your own rig. It's a graphics production quality monitor also rated high for gaming, and that's a lot of color space (AdobeRGB) at 1920x1200 or 2560x1600, for the money. DisplayPort is a fast transfer, and with an "IPS" 178 view angle in any direction, and calibration out of the box, its hard to beat. It's not a glossy screen, it's matte. The trade off is: you see no flections on the glass, but lower contrast in the blacks. IPS monitors have a little less contrast anyway. (Amazon $488)

http://usa.asus.com/Display/LCD_Monitors/PA246Q/#overview

http://www.digitalversus.com/asus-p424_8833_93.html

Actually, an LG IPS236V monitor with 178 view angle in any direction might be a better choice for you; HDMI port, 1920x1080, good contract, 5ms response. It has the standard eRGB color space (what mass consumers and gamers usually see), with matte screen (and maybe glossy available) for half the price. And, you can download a calibration profile from digitalversus.com to make that color right on. (BestBuy.com) $239

 

[Ahh-nuts]

I'll also check out the Hyper 212+. Thanks.