The Board
Here are the high level specifications for the Radeon X850 XT Platinum Edition, which represents the top end configuration for R481, and of all ATI's AGP line.
The PCI Express version of this card was ATI’s first to feature a two slot cooler and with equal features and clock speeds, it’s no surprise to find the same situation in this AGP version. There are differences however: the AGP port is the obvious one which also means the PEG power connector is also replaced with a standard molex connector here. The main difference is the return to a DVI + VGA combo instead of the dual DVI Output in the PCI Express version. This decision is understandable since the card is aimed at an older system. On the other hand, it continues to have Video-In / Video-Out through the Rage Theater chip. The same yellow connector, for front panel A/V connections, present on the PCI Express board is here too.
The dual-slot cooler configuration is almost the same. There is an extra support bracer in the back side of the card, right under the R481. In operation is behaves pretty much like in the PCI Express review’s description: you’ll hear the card’s blower for a few seconds after boot-up but after that, in both 2D and playing games the card is surprisingly quiet. It is perhaps only ever so slightly noisier than the Radeon 9800 PRO in heavy 3D operations; however, it is as quiet in 2D and the fan is quick to spin down after leaving a game.
