HIS in the matter of fact is the best graphics solution for most ATI graphics card that ATI and AMD have ever produced, but with this type of card that I am going to review is a small change in the target of graphics solutions, rather than the 4870 graphics with RV770 GPU core architecture going to the more of the gaming oriented graphics into a more lower profile users, example of any LAN users or media PC makers that like the power and versatility of the newer HD4000 series, excluding the power hungry 4870X2.
So HIS made a few alterations in their series with the HIS Ice Q being their top of the line series with the more larger double PCI slot form factor cooler to give it an edge in cooling down the temps but still cost a while to have and the lower profile card, with an acceptable price margin in the card, so the HIS HD4870 1Gb version is a new look for high performance in a respectable price for those looking power in about $180 asking price for a card. This Blue PCB card as I said sports the 55nm RV770 core and the core clock frequency at 780MHz just about 30MHz more from the reference cards with effective speed frequency at 3600Mhz and distributed in each memory chip running at 256-bit interface and GDDR5 memory for a total of 1Gb of VRAM space. With also the design being a lower profile look with a single round GPU cooler which it spreads out the heat away from the cooler but may heat nearby components even the board can increase the overall temps of the rig, and also a plate covering the memory chips gives it a good cooling capability in both the GPU core and the several memory chip. But kept the card in a much cooler state going 34 degrees in idle mode and in 64 degrees in full load playing Crysis, and also recorded the noise level up to 45dBa in idle and 67dBA so loud noises have to endured when playing games for a while or you can change the fan setting into silent for a lower level noise.
Gaming performance is all in the good spots for this 4870 1 GB version giving it a good edge from the 9800GT in high resolution and large memory sizes. But still being a low performer in much lover res and also when you play AAF on. While this is a good card, it may be not for everyone with some specs going under the recommended specs but for media PC users have the advantage of faster card and a bonus free game bundled in the card.
 