AMD Radeon HD 6850 1GB DDR5 256-Bits Gaming Graphics Card

The AMD Radeon HD 6850 is a mid-range graphics card. It is based on the Barts architecture and built on the 40nm process. This card was designed to provide a balance between performance and price, making it a popular choice for gamers looking for solid performance without breaking the bank.

Key Specifications

• GPU Architecture: Barts
• Manufacturing Process: 40nm
• Stream Processors: 960
• Core Clock: 775 MHz
• Memory Clock: 1000 MHz (4.0 Gbps effective)
• Memory Type: 1GB GDDR5
• Memory Bus: 256-bit
• Bandwidth: 128 GB/s
• TDP: 127W

Performance

The Radeon HD 6850 offers decent performance for its time, capable of handling most games at 1080p resolution with medium to high settings. It supports DirectX 11, which allows for more detailed and realistic graphics in supported games. The 960 stream processors provide sufficient processing power for gaming and some light computational tasks.

Gaming Experience

In games like Crysis 2, Battlefield 3, and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, the HD 6850 performs admirably, delivering smooth gameplay at medium to high settings. While it might struggle with newer, more demanding titles, it remains a solid choice for older or less graphically intensive games.

Connectivity and Features

The card comes with multiple output options, including two DVI ports, one HDMI port, and one DisplayPort, allowing for flexible multi-monitor setups. It also supports AMD Eyefinity, which lets users connect up to three monitors for an immersive gaming or productivity experience.

Power Consumption and Cooling

With a TDP of 127W, the HD 6850 is relatively power-efficient compared to its contemporaries. It requires a single 6-pin PCIe power connector, making it compatible with a wide range of power supplies. The cooling solution typically includes a single or dual-fan setup, ensuring the card remains cool and quiet under load.

Conclusion

The AMD Radeon HD 6850 1GB DDR5 256-Bits Gaming Graphics Card remains a noteworthy option for budget-conscious gamers looking for reliable performance. While it may not compete with modern GPUs, it offers a great balance of performance and value for older gaming systems or for those who don’t require cutting-edge graphics. Its support for DirectX 11, multiple output options, and power efficiency make it a versatile choice for various gaming and multimedia tasks.