For any rig to be considered above entry level at this point, it has to have dedicated graphics. Sure there are the Intel solutions and the integrated solutions from ATI and nVidia, but when it comes down to performance numbers in both professional and enthusiast applications, graphics cards matter.

In the past few years, the number of applications using dedicated cards beyond pure graphics processing duties has skyrocketed. The stream processing method used in current GPUs offers a few benefits that current CPUs just can’t touch. Highly threaded workloads found in programs within the Adobe suite and within an increasing number of video encoders thrive in the parallel processing environment provided by these new generations of graphics beasts.

XFX is relatively new to the ATI side of the field, with the 5830 they have filled the budget spectrum with regards to the 5800 series. This card is built around ATI’s 40nm process and features 1GB of GDDR5 RAM to act as a frame buffer for up to three displays utilizing the new Eyefinity technology. All of the standard features are seen here such as OpenGL support and ATI Stream technology. You can throw this card into CrossFireX and add on to it’s plethora of ports to include dual DVI adapters, a HDMI connector and a DisplayPort connector. Will this card push enough pixels for a low enough price to be on your wish list? Let’s find out!

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• READ MORE (Source): XFX Radeon 5830 Review – Overclockers Club