ASUS is preparing a brand new graphics card based on Radeon HD 7850. Actually it has a lot in common with other, already released, DirectCUII models.

The ASUS HD 7850 Dragon Edition (DRAGON HD7850-DC2O-2GD5) has in fact lower clocks lower than DirectCU II Top model. Card arrives with 910/5000 MHz clocks for core and memory respectively. This is 65 MHz slower than Top model.

Probably the most distinctive part of this card is its protection back plate. A large copper heatsink is covered by dual 80mm fan DirectCU II cooling solution. What is worth noticing, is the fact that other DirectCU models have two heatsinks connected by heatpipes, while this model comes with a single one, with external heatpipes. Additionally, model is based on modified PCB with supper alloy power design, including 6+3 phases. It features a similar durability frame, known from Matrix HD 7970 model, which is basically the extra cover for components.

Card is equipped with the same memory size as all reference models – 2GB of GDDR5 chips. ASUS HD7850 Dragon requires two 6-pin power connectors. It features four display outputs, including DVI-I, DVI-D, HDMI and DisplayPort.

ASUS Dragon HD 7850 is already available in China for $361. There no information when will this model be released worldwide.

ASUS HD 7850 Models

UPDATE: Added high-resolution pictures from Expreview

This metal cover doesn’t seem to be a finger friendly.