10.
Quote from page 6:
" We disagree with this statement, though. Yes, with this design, each GPU heats up each PCB only, but they also heat up each other through the common heatsink, which negates the possible positive effect. As indirect proof of our point, the new card’s clock rates are reduced considerably relative to the GeForce 8800 GTS 512MB, let alone GeForce 9800 GTX. The achievement of a higher memory frequency through optimal PCB wiring doesn’t sound like a hefty argument, either. Yes, the memory frequency of the reference Radeon HD 3870 X2 is clocked at a lower frequency, but PowerColor’s version is this card features GDDR4 clocked at 1125 (2250) MHz, and the single-PCB design was not a problem for it."
Both chipsets in ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2 share one common heatsink too, but what I believe in is that ATI used more layers for the PCB which helped in the wiring of the card or something that made them able to raise the clocks and that has nothing to do with the HSF cooling system they used.
Also, the G92 core dissipates more heat than the RV670 but as long as the card doesn't lock up and it does its job well then there should be no worries.
You also overclocked it and it was stable, so no matter how we slice it, it just works as advertised, noise is a problem I agree but who can get this can get a water cooling solution once they are available, it's just all in the same one category, extreme gamers who can afford !
I like the design of the X2 more than the GX2 in general but anyhow they have the same driver dependency issue, so as long as 2 things have the same negatives you either avoid them both or just go for the faster, at least me think so, at least in this price category where performance is what matters only !
Note: finally an article at the same day the NDA is lifted -I'm talking about Quad SLI of course-, too bad nForce 790i Ultra/SLI couldn't made it though !
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Posted by: @DoUL

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Date: 03/25/08 05:43:23 PM]