ASUS unveils non-reference graphics cards with new coolers

ASUS has released two new graphics card series using non-reference designs. Dark Knight is the name of the new series that is profiled by the new, more efficient cooler. On top of the unique cooler, ASUS has equipped the first Dark Knight series (EAH4870 DK and EN9800GTX+ DK) with high-quality capacitors, EMI shielding and other performance related components. These optimizations are said to enable ASUS to increase performance by 9% and 6% with each respective card. More information on the cards can be found the press release below;

Enjoy Extreme Cooling and 9% Higer GPU Clock with
ASUS Designed Graphics Cards
ASUS Launches Self-designed Graphics Cards with
Dark Knight Fansink and Luxurious Components

In order to cater to users who require excellent graphical performance boosts and exceptional cooling from their graphic cards, ASUS, world-leading producer of top quality graphic solutions, has today introduced a range of self-designed version graphics cards comprising the latest EAH4870 DK and EN9800GTX+ DK Series. These ASUS designed graphics cards will come equipped with the Dark Knight Fansink that delivers extreme cooling and low noise-levels—greatly enhancing gaming enjoyment. The inclusion of the EMI Shield, DIP Spring Chokes, LF PAK MOS, and Japan-made Solid Capacitors will allow users extreme performance and peace of mind at the same time; and furthermore, users will enjoy up to 9% performance improvements for gaming experiences with the ASUS EAH4870 DK TOP and EN9800GTX+ DK TOP.

 

Extreme Cooling with Dark Knight Fansink
The ASUS designed EAH4870 DK and EN9800GTX+ DK Series come equipped with the specially designed Dark Knight Fansink. This innovative fansink is equipped with 4 heatpipes and a large heatsink surface area; and is made of aluminum alloy to deliver extreme cooling while retaining operating levels at only 32dB—almost imperceptible in a quiet room—catering to users who require maximum cooling without excessive fan rotation noise.

Enjoy Exceptional Gaming Fun with 9% Extra GPU Clock
With the EAH4870 DK TOP/HTDI/512M, gamers can expect GPU and memory clock performance boosts from 750MHz up to 815MHz and from 3.6GHz up to 3.7GHz respectively. This generates an astounding 3DMark Vantage Extreme Preset score of 3733 to provide an astonishing 9% improvement in terms of GPU performance for the EAH4870 DK TOP when compared to any other reference designed board**. While with the EN9800GTX+ DK TOP/HTDI/512M, gamers can expect GPU, shader, and memory clock performance boosts from 740MHz up to 775MHz, from 1836MHz up to 1950MHz, and from 2.2GHz up to 2.36GHz respectively. Such unprecedented performance upgrades help elevate the EN9800GTX+ DK TOP’s 3DMark High Preset score from 4573 to 4848—an astounding 6% improvement in terms of speed when compared to any other reference designed board**. Gamers can now truly feel the adrenaline rush of superb gaming performance—only with the ASUS EAH4870 DK TOP and EN9800GTX+ DK TOP.

Unprecedented 1GB Onboard Memory for Ultimate Graphics
Memory size is very important for performance, as even a powerful GPU can suffer from bottlenecks due to slow and insufficient video memory. The more memory installed on a video card, the more data it can store—eliminating the need to access PC RAM and providing faster graphical performance. With most current and upcoming games requiring increasingly high video memory requirements, the ASUS EAH4870 DK/HTDI/1G, with its unprecedented 1GB of built-in memory, will provide greatly enhanced performances, and allow users to fully enjoy games or movies without lag or stuttering even at very high resolutions and maximum quality settings.

Ultimate Armaments
Keeping in line with ASUS’ Rock Solid promise for quality, the upcoming version of the EAH4870 DK and EN9800GTX+ DK Series will come with several solutions to provide top quality graphic performances. With the EMI shield, 66% EMI Interference can be reduced for more stable signals. The DIP Spring Chokes can also lower temperatures by 5–10°C in comparison with traditional Toroidal Coil Chokes. Additionally, the LF PAK MOS guarantees more efficient power and less heat. On top of all this, the Japan-made Solid Capacitors can lower power loss for more stable operations even under long-term use. Therefore, users will be able to enjoy extreme performance and have peace of mind—only with ASUS EAH4870 DK and EN9800GTX+ DK Series.

Note:
* Testing Platform
CPU: P4 3.0G
M/B: P5B Deluxe
RAM: 1.0G
O.S.: Windows XP
Test Program: 3D Mark ’03 (repeat GT4/Mother Nature)
**Performance Configuration
PCI-Express 16X :
MB: MaximusExtreme Rev:2.00   BIOS:0802
CPU : Intel Core(tm)2 Extreme 3.00GHz (QX9650)
Memory : 2048MB( DDR3 APACER 1333 1024M*2)
HDD : WD SATAII 300  1600AAJS
DVD-ROM : LG DVD-GSA-H55N
Overclocking capabilities may vary when using different cards

Specifications

• Specifications are subject to change without notice.
• PCB color and bundled software versions are subject to change without notice.
• Brand and product names mentioned are trademarks of their respective companies.

About ASUS
ASUS is a leading company in the new digital era. With a global staff of more than eight thousand and a world-class R&D design team, the company’s turnover for 2007 was 6.9 billion U.S. dollars. ASUS ranks among the top 10 IT companies in BusinessWeek’s “InfoTech 100”, and has been on the listing for 11 consecutive years. ASUS was also selected by the Wall Street Journal Asia as No.1 in quality and service in Taiwan.