However, the X1800 series is more than just speed boost over the previous generation. The new R520 core uses 90nm-manufacturing process, which helps to squeeze more features on a smaller die while reduces heat dissipation. As we can see, a small fan on a copper heatsink is sufficient to keep the card cool, unlike those large and noisy blower fans we usually found on high-end graphic cards.

Overclockers will be delighted that the R520 is highly overclockable, thanks to the 1.4ns Samsung GDDR3 that is capable of 1400Mhz. We manage to overclock the core speed by 9%, from 500Mhz to 545Mhz. At the same time, the memory was overclocked by 33%, from 990Mhz to 1314Mhz with rock stability! However with a single slot design, heat may trap around the card if there isn't proper ventilation.



Link: Hardware Zoom