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The HIS Radeon HD 4850 IceQ4 TurboX 512MB was a factory-overclocked 2008 graphics card distinguished by its dual-slot, rear-exhaust cooler. In bit-tech’s test, the fan was effectively inaudible over other system noise, temperatures reached about 63°C under load, and the particular sample ran stably at 765MHz core and 2,420MHz effective memory. Those are historical review results, not promises for every card now offered second-hand. Whether it makes sense today depends on the condition of the individual card and the requirements of the older PC it would go into.
What the HIS Radeon HD 4850 IceQ4 TurboX is
This is the 512MB version of HIS’s Radeon HD 4850, reviewed in 2008. Its factory settings were a 685MHz GPU core and 2,200MHz effective GDDR3 memory, compared with the 625MHz core and 1,986MHz effective memory reference figures cited by bit-tech. The card uses a 256-bit memory interface and PCI Express 2.0. Overclock3D lists 800 stream processors, 956 million transistors on a 55nm process, and DirectX 10.1 support.
HIS advertised it as “The World’s fastest HD4850,” but that is marketing language rather than a universal performance finding. Its modest factory overclock does not change the card’s generation or make it suitable for modern games and software that require newer graphics features.
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How well did the IceQ 4 cooler work?
Noise and airflow
The IceQ 4 is a dual-slot cooler with a radial fan, fins and heatpipes. It directs heated air out through the rear of the case, which can be useful in a compact or warm build because less GPU exhaust is released directly inside the chassis. The trade-off is occupying two expansion slots.
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- 【2GB GDDR3 Memory】AMD Radeon HD 5450 graphics card is with 650MHz core frequency, up to 1066MHz memory speed,80 Stream Processors,perfect for working,video and photo editing,allows good fluency,which can effectively meet your needs.
- 【Low Profile Design】The computer graphics cards is small in size,saves more space and plug and play.Small Form Factor design fits in today’s low profile desktops and workstations (with half height bracket).
- 【Multi-monitor Support】Supports up to two monitors for the video card including DVI,VGA,HDMI, and for flexibility of use(the VGA Interface is removable),This low profile, low power consumption card will improve multimedia performance, extend the desktop, and accelerate apps.
- 【Fanless Design for Zero Noise】The HD 5450 is a budget video card with silent passive fanless cooling system.Using high performance heatsinks,it is small enough to provide fanless operation and comfortable to use with zero noise.
- 【Independently Power】No external power supply, about 19W full-load power consumption.Works with Windows 10 as well as 7, 8 and 8.1(NOT compatible with windows 11).
In bit-tech’s test system, the reviewer described the cooler as effectively inaudible above the other system noise. That is a qualitative result from one test environment; fan wear, dust, case airflow and the rest of a PC can change how a used card sounds.
Measured temperatures
Bit-tech measured about 49°C at idle and approximately 63°C at peak in its 2008 test. These figures describe that review sample and setup, not an expected temperature for every surviving card. A card bought used may need dust removal or attention to its fan and thermal interface before its behavior can be judged.
Clocks, performance and overclocking
The 685MHz core and 2,200MHz effective memory settings gave the TurboX a factory overclock over the reference-clocked HD 4850 figures in bit-tech’s comparison. This is a small, clearly defined advantage over a reference model, rather than evidence that the card can meet current gaming requirements.
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- Interface: PCIe x16
- Memory: 1GB
- Memory type: DDR3
- Connectors: 1 x DVI, 1 x DisplayPort
- Thermal Solution: Fan with Heatsink
In bit-tech’s sample-specific stability testing, including repeated benchmark runs and Crysis stability loops, the card reached 765MHz core and 2,420MHz effective memory. An overclock that passed on one 2008 review sample is not a guaranteed limit for another card, especially one that has aged. Raising clocks also increases instability risk, so a used card should first be checked at its factory settings.
Power draw and the original value proposition
Bit-tech’s chart recorded whole-system draw of 176W on average at idle and 290W under load with the HIS card installed. The reviewer reported that its sample used 5W less under load than a stock-clocked HD 4850. These are system-level readings from that test setup, not the card’s standalone power consumption or a prediction for a different PC.
At review, the UK price was about £135 and the US review price was $189.99. The value argument in 2008 was the quieter-seeming cooling, rear exhaust, factory overclock and retail bundle, balanced against a premium over cheaper custom-cooled HD 4850 cards. Those historical prices do not indicate present used-market value.
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- 1GB GDDR3 Memory: Radeon HD 6570 graphics card, 650MHz core frequency, up to 1066MHz memory speed, allows good fluency, which can speed up your PC multimedia experience very well and enjoy ultra-fast web browsing and incredible photo and video editing experience. It can effectively meet your needs
- Dual HDMI Video Cards: The computer graphics card supports dual HDMI displays (single audio only), expansion or extension, can be used at the same time, and 1GB video memory capacity, lower working temperature and higher efficiency, low noise and quiet work
- Low Profile Design: This low profile graphics card with single cooling fan is suitable for slim or full sized systems (with low profile bracket), easy to install, plug and play, 480 stream processor chip (CUDA), PCIe single slot design, compatible with HTPC platform,great for those looking to build a low end pc
- Durable Construction: All solid capacitors provide lower temperature, higher efficiency, integrated thickened heat dissipation module, strengthened PCB materials, make games and works performance more stable. And the maximum resolution can up to 2K, support DirectX 11, OpenGL 4.5
- Independently Powered: No external power supply, about 60W full-load power consumption. Works with Windows 10 as well as 7, 8 and 8.1 (NOT compatible with Windows 11)
Can it work in a retro gaming PC?
It may suit a period-correct or otherwise compatible older PC where Radeon HD 4850-era performance and DirectX 10.1 support meet the games being played. Before buying, check the actual listing and the target system rather than relying on the model name alone:
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- Platform compatibility: verify the motherboard has a compatible PCIe graphics slot and that the system firmware and operating system support the card.
- Power and condition: confirm the power supply and any required connections suit the specific card, and ask for evidence that the fan and display outputs work.
- Software needs: check that the drivers and graphics features available for this older GPU support the operating system and games you intend to use.
The historical review does not establish current driver support for a particular operating system, compatibility with a specific retro build, or the condition of any second-hand example. Check those details for the exact system and listing. A modern PC intended for recent games or current graphics workloads is a poor match for a 512MB card from this generation.
Is the HIS HD 4850 IceQ4 TurboX worth buying used?
It is worth considering only when its age and limitations suit the build and the individual card is demonstrably functional. Its review-era strengths were a rear-exhaust cooler, low reported noise in bit-tech’s setup and a factory overclock; the review cannot establish today’s stock, sale price, warranty coverage or the condition of a used unit. Compare the seller’s price and return terms with other compatible options, and do not pay a premium based solely on the historical review.
Bit-tech listed a three-year parts-and-labour warranty at the time of review. That historical warranty detail does not establish coverage for a card bought now; confirm any remaining transferable warranty directly with the seller or manufacturer.
Quick Recap
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