ATI HD 3470 Review

Testing:

To test the ATI HD 3470 HTPC video card, I'll be comparing it to the onboard video of the ECS GF7100PVT-M motherboard. I'll be running the gaming benchmark suite to see if the ATI HD 3470 can perform any better than the ECS motherboard. The test systems were kept identical so that there are no unfair advantages to either competitor. Without further ado, here is the test system.

Test System:

• Processor: Intel Q6600 Core 2 Quad 266x9
• Motherboard: Gigabyte EX38-DS4
• Memory: Mushkin XP2 6400 4-4-4-12
• Video Card(s): ATi HD 3470
• Power Supply: Ultra X3 800watt Modular Power Supply
• Hard Drive: 1 x Seagate 320GB SATA
• Opticals: Sony Dual Layer Burner
• O/S: Windows Vista Ultimate Edition

Competitor:

• ECS GF7100PVT-M Onboard Video

Overclocking:

Overclocked Settings:

• ATi HD 3470 890/1040

I used ATI's Overdrive included in the Catalyst Control Center to overclock this card. I was extremely surprised at how much I was able to squeeze out of this little card. I was able to get the core clock from 800MHz to 890MHz and the memory clock from 950MHz to 1040MHz. The fan didn't make any more noise than it already was at stock so I was happy about that. This card couldn't have been easier to overclock and to be able to get that that much out of the card was impressive to say the least.

Benchmarks:

• Video:

1. Crysis
2. Knights of the Sea
3. Bioshock
4. Call of Duty 4
5. World in Conflict
6. Call of Jaurez
7. 3DMark 06 Professional