XFX HD 6850 Black Edition Review

Testing:

Featuring all-new game tests, this benchmark is for use with Vista based systems. "There are two all-new CPU tests that have been designed around a new 'Physics and Artificial Intelligence-related computation.' CPU test two offers support for physics related hardware." There are four preset levels that correspond to specific resolutions. 'Entry' is 1024 x 768 progressing to 'Extreme' at 1920 x 1200. Of course, each preset can be modified to arrange any number of user designed testing. For our testing, I will use the four presets at all default settings.

Settings

• Settings (each preset): Default Testing
• Entry: 1024 x 768
• Performance: 1280 x 1024
• High: 1680 x 1050
• Extreme: 1920 x 1200

Higher = Better

In the Vantage testing, the Black Edition 6850 shows a performance over the stock 6850 in all resolutions, as it should. Against the overclocked GTX 460, the Black Edition fell short but, to be fair, it's not competing in the same price bracket.