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Sapphire Radeon HD5450 Video Card Review
Author: Will West
Published: Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Conclusion
Gaming was a big focus in this review and while it did okay the performance really wasn't there to consider this a good gaming card despite the price range. The Sapphire Radeon HD5450 showed its ability to handle newer games to the point of being playable, at the expense of detail and screen resolution. Still the marketing spin of using DX11 features and even the awesome Eyefinity is just not right. This card does not have the power to use these kinds of new technologies properly and while it might be supported, if you can't use them why even bother mentioning it?
On the flip side for the HTPC user that wants something a little better than integrated graphics and wants to take advantage of video streaming and the HD decoding features of the HD5450 this Sapphire card might be a perfect match. The same could be said of a business application where 3D performance isn't a primary function. Instead you can use the dual monitor ability and Stream Processing to enhance your desktop and increase productivity.
The Sapphire Radeon HD5450 has many uses that can work out for lots of users. Then also take into consideration that the Radeon HD5450 can be run in CrossFire for some extra, low powered, goodness later.
On the flip side for the HTPC user that wants something a little better than integrated graphics and wants to take advantage of video streaming and the HD decoding features of the HD5450 this Sapphire card might be a perfect match. The same could be said of a business application where 3D performance isn't a primary function. Instead you can use the dual monitor ability and Stream Processing to enhance your desktop and increase productivity.
The Sapphire Radeon HD5450 has many uses that can work out for lots of users. Then also take into consideration that the Radeon HD5450 can be run in CrossFire for some extra, low powered, goodness later.
Good Things
Small form factor to work in any type of case environment
Better performance than most integrated graphics
Eyefinity for using multiple monitors at a time for gaming
Low heat and power consumption
Able to game at lower resolutions and setting
Great for budget HTPC setups
Better performance than most integrated graphics
Eyefinity for using multiple monitors at a time for gaming
Low heat and power consumption
Able to game at lower resolutions and setting
Great for budget HTPC setups
Bad Things
Claiming the ability to use DirectX 11 features
Lack of a Display Port
Claiming to us Eyefinity without the horsepower to back it up
Lack of a Display Port
Claiming to us Eyefinity without the horsepower to back it up