VTX HD5850 a reference design?

[iNoXiouZ]

Hello all, I'm planning on purchasing a HD5850 from Aria. I need a reference design card because I plan on replacing the stock cooler with a EK FC waterblock.

This is the card: http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Components/Graphics+Cards/ATI+5800+Series/VTX+ATI+Radeon+HD+5850+1024MB+GDDR5+PCI-Express+Graphics+Card+?productId=40733

The picture shows a reference design and the title says VTX and as far as I'm aware VTX only produce reference design cards, ...But someone has brought one and reviewed it saying they received a non-reference card.

Is there any way to make sure I get a reference design HD5850? Aria has always been really helpful, I'm hoping they can help a loyal customer out once again :)

Any help is much appreciated. :thumb:

[NickCPC]

VTX also do their own designs - I've had a non-stock VTX 5870 before. However, you should still be able to rip a heatsink off a non-stock card and install a waterblock without trouble - the only changes are usually to do with the number of power phases and power delivery systems/pre-overclocks, the core design of the GPU (apart from on the 5830) and RAM chips is usually consistent (at least in my experience).

However, I'm sure Aria will be able to check for you :)

[iNoXiouZ]

Thanks for your answer Nick, I didn't know VTX did there own design.

On the EK website is states that the waterblock is compatible with reference design HD5850's AIB's sometimes change the PCB layout so I'd like to get a reference card so I know its compatible with my waterblock.

Can Anyone that works at Aria help me out? I'd really appreciate it.

[theelusiveyoda]

you would probarbly be better of ringing up sales and asking if they can check the stock for you to see if it is reference or not.

[redrooster303]

when i bought and had to send mine back a few weeks ago i phoned and they were not reference cards they had in stock. could have changed now though.