Several users of the recently released Sapphire HD 5770 Vapor-X graphics cards were surprised to find that GPU-Z showed the shader (stream processor) count of their graphics cards to be 720 (instead of the advertised 800). A disgruntled user then submitted a sample of the graphics card BIOS (BIOS Version: 012.014.000.004, dated 2009/12/03) to TechPowerUp. Our using the BIOS on an actual HD 5770 Vapor-X sample confirmed the issue. The affected cards continue to have the device ID corresponding to the HD 5770 model (68B8), have the advertised clock speeds (860/1200 MHz core/memory), and yet have only 720 operational stream processors enabled by the video BIOS.

When one of the users contacted Sapphire tech-support, it responded with:

"I just tested one of the cards I have here, and yes it does have the 720 shaders, the if you are comparing the stream process which is at 800, it is different the GPUZ software does not tell you the stream process the GPU unit has."

Subjectively, the response doesn't seem satisfactory or working towards solving the problem. GPU-Z displays the actual number of shaders (stream processors) available to the operating system, not how many are physically present on the GPU-die. With this issue being reported by users spread across various markets, it is clear that Sapphire may have an entire lot/batch of HD 5770 Vapor-X graphics cards carrying the BIOS which enables only 720 stream processors. Affected users are advised to contact Sapphire support to resolve the issue. Expert users can find the corrective BIOS which enables all 800 stream processors (VER012.013.000.001.034705) in our VGA BIOS Database here.Update: Sapphire has notified me that they are looking into this, a BIOS update will be available "shortly".

Update 2: Statement from Sapphire: "SAPPHIRE Technology has determined that a small batch of the recently launched HD 5770 Vapor-X graphics cards was shipped with a BIOS that enables only 720 stream processors instead of the full 800 stream processors available on this model. Other performance parameters are to the correct specifications. This issue can be rectified with a BIOS update. The correct BIOS code can be downloaded from www.sapphiretech.com [Graphic Card -> PCI-E -> Sapphire HD 5700 Series -> Sapphire Vapor-X HD 5770 1 GB GDDR5 PCIE -> Submit -> BIOS] and some partner websites. We regret any inconvenience caused to end users."

Global leading motherboard and graphics card brand-manufacturer, MSI, today unveils R5770-PMD1G graphics card with over voltage function of GPU after introducing hot selling R5770 series graphics cards. MSI R5770-PMD1G adopts 40nm manufacturing process Radeon HD 5770 GPU, 800 units of stream processors, and high speed GDDR5 1GB memory. Also, it supports DirectX11 and ATI Eyefinity three-screen output technology, so that users can enjoy the latest DX11 games and use multi monitors to enlarge the view in games. MSI R5770-PMD1G is bundled with MSI overclocking utility "Afterburner" which supports over voltage function of GPU and tuning the fan speed based on different temperature triggers, becoming one of the most attractive HD 5770 cards in the market.

With the recent spurt of non-reference design Radeon HD 5770 graphics cards, ASUS seems to be ready with its EAH5770 CuCore, where "CuCore" stands for copper (Cu) core, used in the GPU cooler. Speaking of which, the GPU cooler consists of a GPU base which has 5.8 oz (164.5 g) of copper, for better transfer of heat, to the rest of the heatsink which has radially-projecting aluminum fins. The PCB designed by ASUS seems to be slightly longer than the reference AMD PCB, yet it only makes room for one CrossFire connector, meaning its can pair with only one more card of its kind (or up to three more cards with two CrossFire connectors).

The 40 nm Juniper GPU has DirectX 11 compliance, and is powered by 800 stream processors, and connects to 1 GB of memory across a 128-bit GDDR5 memory interface. Despite the swanky cooling the card sticks to reference AMD clock speeds of 850/1200 MHz (core/memory), but comes with the ASUS VoltageTweak feature that allows software voltage adjustments. The rear-panel is redesigned too, with one of the slots making for a large vent, with the lower slot holding one each of DVI-D, D-Sub, and HDMI. The ASUS EAH5770 CuCore is expected to be priced under 130 EUR.

TUL Corporation, a leading manufacturer of AMD graphics cards, introduced an upgraded addition into the HD5700 series: the PCS+ HD5770. Part of the award-winning PCS series, the PCS+ HD5770 features outstanding factory overclocked ability with core and memory clocks at 875 MHz and 1225MHz respectively and GDDR5 onboard memory. Memory data transmission rates are enhanced up to 4.9Gbps, easily boosting gaming performance.

The PCS+ HD5770 also features an ultra quite 92mm cooling fan which is made of a low-noise impeller, easily dissipating heat from the copper base that fully covers the GPU at lower fan speed and efficiently cools down the temperature up to 10°C compared to that of reference board design. This allows more headroom for overclocking giving gamers maximum performance of their rig.

Sapphire expanded its Radeon HD 5700 series with the Sapphire HD 5770 Vapor-X. This release comes around a month after the HD 5750 Vapor-X, and resembles it in having the same GPU cooler: a GPU contact block with a Vapor chamber acts as a large heatpipe, uniformly conveying heat to the heatsink above it, which is cooled by a fan. Unlike the HD 5750 Vapor-X which comes with a blue reference PCB, this one retains the black reference one, with the cooler being the only noticeable change.

The Radeon HD 5770 is based on the 40 nm Juniper GPU. It is DirectX 11 compliant, and has 800 stream processors, along with 1 GB of memory installed across a 128-bit GDDR5 interface. It also supports the ATI Eyefinity technology that allows users to scale a display head across three physical displays. Connectivity includes two DVI-D, and one each of HDMI and DisplayPort. Sapphire also gave it a modest factory overclock, with the core running at 860 MHz (vs 850 MHz reference), while the memory stays at 1200 MHz (4.8 GHz effective). It is priced around 145 EUR.

PowerColor is yet another AMD AIB partner to slip in a newer cost-effective ATI Radeon HD 5770 graphics card without making much noise. The new HD 5770 V2 model from PowerColor (AX5770 1GBD5-MDHGV2) uses the simpler (cost-effective) GPU cooler, while retaining the original design for the rest of the card. It includes a coupon for the popular PC game BattleForge.

The rest of its specifications are standard. The Juniper GPU packs 800 stream processors, DirectX 11 compliance, and the card features 1 GB of memory across a 128-bit wide GDDR5 interface. It draws power from one 6-pin power connector, and supports ATI CrossfireX. Display connectivity includes two DVI-D, and one each of HDMI with 7.1 channel audio, and DisplayPort. The GPU is clocked at 850 MHz, and memory at 1200 MHz. It is expected to be priced slightly lower than the original reference design model (AX5770 1GBD5-MDHG).

MSI is readying a new redesigned ATI Radeon HD 5770 1 GB graphics card. The new R5770-PM2D1G probably replaces the existing one with the same model number, which uses the AMD reference design PCB and cooler. The new design is also looking like a reference design since other board partners are also opting for it, albeit it looks to be simpler. This could also be cheaper to manufacture, and could help bring down prices of the Radeon HD 5770.

The new cooler design consists of the round GPU cooler often spotted on design prototypes from AMD. From its base arise two copper heatpipe that form a circular frame, holding a densely-packed aluminum fin array that projects radially from the center. An 80 mm fan is nested within, blowing air onto these fins, dissipating heat. A plastic shroud sits on top of it, holding the manufacturer graphic. The PCB appears to have remained the same. With this cost cutting, the new MSI HD 5770 1 GB could be had for 130 EUR.

ASUS launched the new ASUS EAH5000 Series, a lineup of three graphics cards that cater to a wide spectrum of needs including extreme overclocking, fast-paced gaming and daily computing. Equipped with ASUS' exclusive Voltage Tweak technology, the ASUS EAH5970/G/2DIS/2GD5 and EAH5770/2DI/1GD5 graphics cards enable users to boost GPU voltages via the SmartDoctor application to enjoy up to a 31% improvement in performance. The ASUS EAH5770/2DI/1GD5 and EAH5750 FORMULA/2DI/1GD5 feature highly effective cooling solutions capable of up to 13% better heat dissipation, and boast ASUS' exclusive Xtreme Design-an effective marriage of hardware, software, and material choices-that delivers the performance, reliability and safety DIY users need to enjoy stable and smooth daily computing.

TUL Corporation, a leading manufacturer of AMD graphics cards, today announces a new flavor to HD5700 series: PLAY! HD5770. PLAY! HD5770 features full digital output solution with Display Port / HDMI/ DVI onboard design; delivers an incredible visual performance at all resolutions. And with the support of ATI Eyefinity technology, PLAY! HD5770 can run up to three displays from one single card and give all gamers a surreal gaming experience.

PowerColor PLAY! HD5770 clocks at 850MHz core speed and 1200MHz of memory speed; with an ultra 92mm cooling fan, PLAY! HD5770 is able to increase air flow in low fan speed, yet still dissipates heat easily from the cooper base, which covers the GPU entirely. This cooler also reduces fan noise and enhances cooling ability to deliver the ultimate gaming performance in a low-noisy, and cool operating environment.

HIS unleashed the revolutionary new HIS Radeon HD 5770 & HD 5750 1GB GDDR5. Loaded with innovative DirectX 11 and Eyefinity support, these GPUs have the power and premium features you need for fully immersive gameplay.

HIS Radeon HD 5770 1GB GDDR5 accelerates PC gaming with 1 teraFLOPS computing power! Running at 850MHz core clock speed and 4.8 Gbps memory clock speed, the HIS Radeon HD 5770 ensure extreme game play at high resolutions and maximum settings. The HIS Radeon HD 5750 supplies with the same 1GB GDDR5 with memory running at 4.6Gbps and core clock at 700MHz. You can now experience the speed, responsiveness and performance of ultra-high bandwidth GDDR5 memory.

After launching the powerful R5800 series graphics card which successfully get global overclocking enthusiasts' attention, MSI, leading graphics cards and mainboard brand-manufacturer, today introduces the latest R5700 series graphics card, MSI R5770-PM2D1G and R5750-PM2D1G. With the advanced 40nm GPU, DirectX 11 support, high speed GDDR5 video memory, and ATi Eyefinity technology, the MSI R5700 series graphics card can fully provide stunning gaming experience by DirectX 11 to gamers. In addition to better performance/power ratio compared to popular HD 4870 of last generation product, MSI R5700 is the premium high performance graphics card that you must have! Now get it with a free DirectX 11 support racing game "Dirt2" and MSI exclusive VGA overclocking utility "Afterburner"!

The brand new MSI R5700 series is the same as its R5800 series, using the advanced 40nm GPU to implement decisively more transistors within the same amount of space and thereby reaching a new level of performance. In addition the modern 40nm process reduces power consumption and brings about a more efficient overall electrical utilization. Compared to popular HD 4870 of last generation product, the power consumption of MSI R5770-PM2D1G is significantly improved. The performance per watt result is 20% better than last generation.

TUL Corporation, a leading manufacturer of AMD graphics cards, today releases the latest gaming video cards: the HD5700 series. Designed for demanding DirectX 11 games at HD resolutions and high settings, PowerColor HD5700 series offers the intense gaming performance and unrivaled image quality.

PowerColor HD5700 series supports ATI's exclusive Eyefinity Technology, with dual DL-DVI / HDMI / Display Port onboard design, it can run up to three displays from a single card and let all gamers enjoy the "wrap-around" gaming experience like never before. Also, the latest HD5700 series is compatible with ATI Stream technology, enables demanding data parallel compute tasks from the CPU to GPU, accelerate the daily application and do more with your PC.

Following the storming success of the recently introduced SAPPHIRE HD 5800 series, SAPPHIRE Technology now introduces the HD 5700 series, setting new standards for performance, value for money and features.

Only the second product line to fully support the forthcoming DirectX 11 from Microsoft, the new HD 5700 series brings many of the exciting architectural and performance features of the HD 5800 series to users on lower budgets. The HD 5700 series is based on a new GPU from the ATI division of AMD built in low power 40nm technology. This new series includes support for the new instruction set of DirectCompute 11, hardware tessellation, accelerated multi-threading capability, support for ATI Stream and the ability to display across up to three monitors simultaneously with ATI Eyefinity.

AMD today released its ATI Radeon HD 5700 series of mid-range graphics processors aimed to increase the company's competitiveness in the sub-$200 market, and present a mainstream graphics card series compliant with the DirectX 11 API. The series makes use of AMD's 40 nm Juniper graphics processor, that packs 1.04 billion transistors, 800 stream processors, 40 texture units, and 16 raster operation units. The 128-bit wide GDDR5 memory interface provides up to 76.8 GB/s of memory bandwidth.

The higher-end product of the two on offer, Radeon HD 5770 is priced around the $150 mark, and has all its 800 stream processors and 40 texture units enabled. It comes with clock speeds of 850/1200 MHz (core/memory), while the Radeon HD 5750 looks to cash in on the $120 point. It has 720 stream processors, 36 texture units enabled from its kitty, with clock speeds of 700/1150 MHz (core/shader). While the Radeon HD 5770 comes with 1 GB of memory, the Radeon HD 5750 comes in variants of 1 GB and 512 MB. Some of the other big selling points of these cards are low rater power consumptions of 16~18 W at idle, and 86~108 W at load. The connectivity options include two DVI-D, and one each of DisplayPort and HDMI. The cards support AMD's Eyefinity technology which allows combining three 2560x1600 pixel display-heads for a single large display head. Each of these can pair with up to three more of its kind for 4-way CrossFireX multi-GPU performance upscaling.

All major AMD board vendors, such as ASUS, Sapphire, HIS, PowerColor, Gigabyte, MSI, VisionTek, XFX, among others, have their offerings based on these GPUs ready to sell from today. Pictured below (in order) are Radeon HD 5770 and Radeon HD 5750.

Following a recent exposé of pictures and performance figures of the Radeon HD 5750, another one covering that of the ASUS Radeon HD 5770 has surfaced. Using a test bed powered by an AMD Phenom II X4 945, 4 GB of DDR3-1333 memory, and Windows 7 64-bit, a member of the Chinese PC enthusiast portal community MyMyPC.com put an ASUS Radeon HD 5770 accelerator through 3DMark Vantage Performance preset (to yield its GPU score), 3DMark06, and FurMark (to check temperatures). It was compared to other popular graphics accelerators in (or around) the sub-$200 league, including Radeon HD 4890, GeForce GTX 260, and GeForce GTX 275. While in the 3DMark06 test the Radeon HD 5770 edges past the GeForce GTX 260, with 3DMark Vantage (GPU score), it lags behind the rest of the league, by at least around 1000 points. This gives an indication that as far as performance goes, the Radeon HD 5770 could be comparable to the Radeon HD 4870, at least in these applications.

The beans are spilled on the final specifications of AMD's "Juniper" mid-range GPU architecture, and the two SKUs based on it, namely the ATI Radeon HD 5770 and Radeon HD 5750. Leaked alleged company slides on XtremeSystems Forums, reveal exactly how Juniper is a 50% downsizing of Cypress' machinery, in having half of nearly all its vital-statistics, if you may. Juniper features 10 SIMD engines physically, amounting to 800 stream processors. It holds 40 texture memory units (TMUs), and 16 raster operation units (ROPs). With a 128-bit memory interface churning out up to 76.8 GB/s of memory bandwidth by utilizing 4.8 GT/s GDDR5 memory chips, the fact that Juniper is half of what Cypress stands for specs-wise, becomes clear.

In the next two slides are pictured and detailed the two SKUs based on the GPU. The ATI Radeon HD 5770 is the top-end implementation, which makes use of all the components present on the GPU. With a core clock-speed of 850 MHz, and memory speed of 1200 MHz, the GPU churns out a shader compute power of 1.36 TFLOPs. The idle and max board powers are rated by AMD at 18W and 108W, respectively. It becomes clear that AMD is eying the US $150 price point with this part. The Radeon HD 5750 on the other hand, has one SIMD engine disabled, and eds up with 720 available stream processors. It comes with 1 GB or 512 MB of GDDR5 memory, and clock speeds of 700 MHz core, and 1150 MHz memory (4.6 GT/s). With these, the Radeon HD 5750 manages a shader compute power figure of 1.008 TFLOPs. The rated board power consumption figures have also come down on this one, with 16W idle, and 86W max. This one targets the $109 (512 MB) and $129 (1 GB) price points. Both accelerators are DirectX 11 compliant, and support ATI Eyefinity technology supporting up to three 2560 x 1600 pixel display heads. According to the slides, they should be unveiled this Tuesday the 13th.

Here's the first sighting of what the reference-design AMD Radeon HD 5770 could really end up looking like. Unlike a previous set of pictures of the engineering sample showing a cooler design that resembles that of the Radeon HD 4770 (AMD reference), and Radeon HD 3870, this accelerator by Gigabyte is retail-grade, as it was pictured at a store, and carries an AIB's branding. The card design in many respects looks like a further shortened version the Radeon HD 5800 series owing to essentially the same cooler design. It retains the black PCB pictured earlier, and the connectivity cluster of two DVI, and one each of DisplayPort and HDMI. This picture follows a recent photo-shoot of the Radeon HD 5750, and its reference design, showing a simpler GPU cooler design which is loosely based on that of the Radeon HD 4770 (AIB popular reference design).

Less than a week away from launch, graphics cards based on AMD's newest ATI Radeon HD 5700 series mid-range GPUs have began to surface on European retailers, only to be retracted hours after being listed. Such acts from retailers isn't particularly new, but what it does is give away the price, and sometimes pictures and specifications. One such set of listings from German retailer Mindfactory.de, pits the price of the upper mid-range PowerColor Radeon HD 5770 at 149.99 €, including 19% applicable tax, and the mid-range PowerColor Radeon HD 5750 at 119.99 €, including 19% tax. Both cards, as listed by the retailer, feature 1 GB of GDDR5 memory. AMD is expected to unveil the Radeon HD 5700 series this October 13. With it, it plans to expand its lineup of next-generation DirectX 11 compliant graphics cards, and breach the mainstream market segment. What is also planned is to establish performance leadership over competing products at those price-points.

Earlier talked about as being a mere speed bump over RV740 that probably locks horns with Radeon HD 4850 or even HD 4870 512 MB in terms of performance in today's applications, Juniper, codename for AMD's newer mainstream GPU that is looking to handle things under the $200 segment, is looking stronger than thought about before on paper, according to recent publication by Anandtech. Breaking away from the previous conception of a GPU with 800 stream processors, a 128-bit GDDR5 memory, and most other vital-stats resembling its ancestor, the report suggests something that's at least 75% as powerful as Cypress.

It is said to feature 14 SIMD blocks, which going by Cypress' architecture would imply 1120 stream processors (14 x 80 SPs). The report also hints at a stronger memory sub-system to keep up. Instead of a 128-bit wide interface, it hints at 192-bit, GDDR5 at that. This part doesn't seem convincing, as earlier pictures of the card showed it to be holding four memory chips on the reverse side of the PCB, with no fuses to show memory chips that aren't sharing memory channels. Accelerators with 192-bit wide memory interface, should have 6 or 12 memory chips typically. Other numbers include 56 texture memory units (TMUs), and 24 raster operation units (ROPs), if there is a 192-bit memory interface. Two accelerators based on the GPU, Radeon HD 5770 and Radeon HD 5750 should be out around the same time Windows 7 hits retail. Both target sub-$200 price points.