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The Sapphire Radeon X850 XT PE is the Platinum Edition AGP version of ATI’s 2005-era Radeon X850 XT family. Sapphire’s cited AGP reference lists it with 256 MB of GDDR3, video-in/video-out (VIVO), and 540/590 MHz clocks. Those are family-reference specifications, not proof of the identity or condition of any individual used card, so check the board and label before buying.
How to identify the AGP Platinum Edition
“PE” means Platinum Edition in the contemporary coverage. Sapphire’s AGP listing separates the Platinum Edition from both the standard X850 XT AGP model and PCI Express versions. Its cited part-number family is 102-A47504-0*-AT. See Radeon.Ru’s X850 XT reference for the variant listing.
The reference gives these specifications for the Sapphire X850 XT Platinum Edition AGP:
| Specification | Listed detail |
|---|---|
| Interface | AGP; the X850 XT family reference lists AGP 8x/4x |
| Memory | 256 MB GDDR3 |
| Clock listing | 540/590 MHz for the Platinum Edition; the standard X850 XT AGP entry is 520/540 MHz |
| Video features | VIVO (video-in/video-out) |
| Part-number family | 102-A47504-0*-AT |
The reference also notes that external power is required in its family specification block. It does not establish the exact connector or accessories included with a particular board. The Register’s Jan. 13, 2005 coverage describes the X850 XT PE as having a 16-pixel-pipeline and six-vertex-pipeline VPU with 256 MB of GDDR3; that is a period publication’s description, not a fresh inspection of a card being sold (The Register’s review).
#1 Best Overall
- Memory Size: 20 GB
- Memory Interface: 320-bit DDR6
- Form Factor: 3 slot, ATX
- Output: 1 x HDMI, 2 x DisplayPort, 1 x USB-C
- PCI-Express 4.0
What the 2005 benchmark results show
HotHardware’s Marco Chiappetta reviewed the card on May 19, 2005. In that review’s test suite, the Sapphire Radeon X850 XT Platinum Edition performed strongly across much of the comparison, but results varied by game: Doom 3 and Chronicles of Riddick were exceptions against some comparison cards. The review therefore supports a period-specific conclusion about that test system and those games, not a universal ranking or a claim about performance in current software. Read the HotHardware review for its benchmark context.
That review’s description of the card as among the fastest AGP cards available, like its price discussion, belongs to the 2005 market. It does not establish how this card compares with other retro hardware available today, and the cited material supplies no present-day benchmark measurement.
Driver history is not the same as current compatibility
AMD’s Radeon X8xx legacy driver archive lists old packages, including Catalyst 10.2 for Windows Vista 64-bit dated 2010-02-24 and ATI Catalyst 9.3 for Linux x86 dated 2009-03-26. ATI Catalyst 6.2 release notes, dated Feb. 9, 2006, also list the Radeon X850 series among supported desktop product families (release notes).
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThese records document historical driver support; they do not show that a current operating system supports the card or that VIVO will work on a particular system. Confirm support for the intended OS and any capture or playback workflow separately before planning a restoration around them.
Rank #3
- Boost Clock: Up to 2450 MHz
- Game Clock: Up to 2075 MHz
- Memory Size/Bus: 20GB/320 bit DDR6; Memory Clock: 20 Gbps Effective
- Output: 2 x HDMI, 2 x DisplayPort
- Form Factor: 2.7 slot, ATX; Dimension: 313(L) X 133.75(W) X 52.67(H) mm
What to verify before buying a used card
A model-family listing cannot confirm that a particular board is the PE, works, or includes its accessories. Ask the seller for evidence tied to the actual item:
- Clear photos of the board and product label, including visible part markings where possible.
- Confirmation that the card is AGP, not a PCI Express X850 XT variant, and evidence that it is the Platinum Edition rather than the standard XT.
- Photos or documentation of the board’s markings and configuration; compare them with the cited family reference rather than relying on the listing title alone.
- Evidence of operation, such as a dated test photo or video showing the card recognized and functioning. Treat seller-provided evidence as specific to that card, not a guarantee of future reliability.
- Photos of the cooler and fan, and a clear description of any damage, unusual noise, or missing parts.
- Confirmation of the required power connection and whether any adapter or cable is included.
- Whether VIVO accessories are present if you need the video-in/out functions; the feature listing does not mean cables or breakout hardware are included.
- For motherboard fit, check the motherboard’s AGP support, voltage/keying, BIOS, power supply, available case clearance, and intended operating system. The family reference’s AGP 8x/4x label alone cannot establish compatibility with your system.
No specific replacement cooler, fan, or adapter is established as compatible across this board family. Before sourcing a part, match board revision, physical dimensions, mounting points, connector, and system requirements. The cited sources do not establish current stock, prices, or the condition of any listing.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
- Composite heatpipes are tuned for each individual cooling design with optimal heat flow, efficiently and evenly distributing heat throughout the cooling module.
- Angled velocity provides a double layer of downward air pressure that when with the air pressure on the outer ring of the axial fan results in up to 44% more downward air pressure and up to 19% more airflow for quieter, cooler operation when compared to previous generations.
- To protect your board, SAPPHIRE boards feature fuse protection built into the external PCI-E power connector circuit to keep components secure.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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