Instead of launching another reference design, GIGABYTE has gone ahead and tweaked out ATI’s latest value GPU, the HD 5450, with their own customizations. For example, the new GV-R545SC-1GI (shown above) features a completely passive cooling solution using something called “Screen Cooling” which utilizes natural convection to keep noise and temps low vs the active solution in the reference design. The new GV-R545OC-512I isn’t passive like the reference design, and instead, uses a tweaked fan/heatsink combo and a low profile construction making it ideal for HTPC applications where space is tight and temps can be toasty.

Both cards have GIGABYTE’s Ultra Durable 2 VGA treatment which beefs up the power components and the PCB for better reliability, durability, and overclocking potential. We know this tech works because their Silent Cell HD 4850 easily blew away its reference counterpart in both cooling and overclocking and it too had this technology onboard. Topping off the customizations are gold plated connectors for better electrical contact. Read the full press release and ogle more pictures after the jump.

GIGABYTE Unleashes Next-Gen Consumer Value GPU Powered by RadeonTM HD 5000 Series Graphics Accelerators

Taipei, Taiwan, February 8, 2010 –GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co., Ltd., a leading manufacturer of motherboards and graphics cards today is pleased to launch the latest addition to its selection of value graphics cards. The GIGABYTE GV-R545SC-1GI and GV-R545OC-512I are built on the highly anticipated ATI RadeonTM HD 5450 GPU ­­­­­­­? respectively utilizing DDR3 memory architecture and are able to deliver best-in-class performance with new clock speeds and provide break-through power efficiency management for tomorrow’s demanding applications. The GIGABYTE GV-R545SC-1GI and GV-R545OC-512I are designed to give user stunning high definition entertainment from the PC, whether Blu-ray/ HD DVD discs or other HD sources. Get an amazing entertainment experience with DirectX 11 and Windows 7.

The GIGABYTE GV-R545SC-1GI and GV-R545OC-512I offers optimal performance and break-through efficiency, the GIGABYTE GV-R545SC-1GI and GV-R545OC-512I consume less than 20 watts under full load, making it the ideal choice for implementation across a large diverse install base of desktop PCs. In addition to supporting a wide range of the latest graphics technologies including dual mode software CrossFireX, ATI Stream technology, Microsoft® DirectX® 11, PCI Express 2.1 and UVD 2, the GIGABYTE GV-R5000 series are also equipped with the industry-leading GIGABYTE unique features including Ultra Durable 2 technology, and native HDMI port for HD gaming and Blu-ray movie playback.

Benefiting from ATI Stream Technology, every user can easily unleash the massive parallel processing power of GPU for physics, artificial intelligence, stream computing and ray tracing calculations, and tackle demanding tasks like video transcoding with incredible speed.

Additionally, the GV-R545SC-1GI utilizes GIGABYTE’s unique Screen-CoolingTM thermal design, which takes advantage of the thermal difference between the interior and exterior of the chassis to create a natural convection system to fanlessly cool the GPU without generating unwanted noise. The GIGABYTE GV-R545SC-1GI is ensuring stable cooling without compromising system performance.

Fantastic Graphics and Video Experience

The GIGABYTE GV-R5450 Series also provide real one-cable HDMIconnectivity to TVs and displays with HDMI with up to 2 channel 48 kHz stereo or 7.1 AC3, enabling a plug-and-play cable-less audio solution. With the ability to take full advantage of Blu-ray functionality with dual-stream, picture in picture (PIP) capabilities, dynamic contrast and enhanced DVD upscaling, GIGABYTE GV-R5450 Series provide the ultimate high definition solution for home theater systems. Furthermore, the GIGABYTE GV-R545SC-1GI and GV-R545OC-512I support DirectX 11 with support for Shader Model 5.0, delivering the most life-like 3D gaming effects. Also, both models support the hottest Microsoft Windows 7 operating system which enables users to have a more interactive and efficient GPU-accelerated environment.

Implementing Ultra Durable 2

Using Avivo HD video and display technology, the GV-R545SC-1GI and GV-R545OC-512I fully support Ultra Durable 2 for decoding processing-intensive content for digital output at all resolutions up to 1080p. The GIGABYTE UD 2 boards that guarantee outstanding cooling, lowest power loss, and longer product life. Lower RDS (on) MOSFETs have lower power consumption during the switching process, resulting in less heat generated by the GPU. Ferrite Core chokes hold energy much longer than common iron-core chokes and lower ESR Solid Capacitor are more stable and reliable than other cards on the market.

For more details of GIGABYTE GV-R545SC-1GI and GV-R545OC-512I, please visit the GIGABYTE VGA website: http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Products/VGA/Default.aspx

About GIGABYTE Upgrade Your Life

GIGABYTE, headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, is known as a global leading brand in the IT industry, with employees and business channels in almost every country. Founded in 1986, GIGABYTE started as a research and development team and has since taken the lead in the world’s motherboard market. On top of motherboards and graphics accelerators, GIGABYTE further expanded its product portfolio to include notebook and desktop PCs, digital home entertainment appliances, networking servers, communications, mobile and handheld devices, servicing every facet of people’s lives at home or business. Everyday GIGABYTE aims to “Upgrade Your Life” with the most innovative designs and impeccable quality and services. Visit www.gigabyte.com.tw for more information.





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