6850 board length [SOLVED]

[mjrpes3]

EDIT: Sapphire card came today. The board length was 8.5" long.

I am trying to figure out if the 6850 will fit my current system.

I have exactly 9" of space for a card; and by card I mean just the board itself, not the metal bracket.

Manufacturers give the 6850 a length of 9.25", but I can't tell whether they include the metal bracket in the measurement.

9.25" board length would not fit my system.

Thanks.

 

[Arkadrel]

Time for a new case ^-^

future cards will probably get even bigger/longer, both from nvidia and amd.

 

[jvroig]

Only 9" according to Hardware Canucks

They also note that it is a little bit shorter than a 5850 due to the different shroud used.

 

[blastingcap]

Do you have space for the PCIe connector as well? Boards can vary but I think some of them have the power connector going out the rear, which means you need clearance for that as well.

 

[Peridium]

Don't forget to account for the extra length required for the 6-pin PCI-E power connector at the end of most boards.

According to many reviews, if it is using the 6850 reference PCB then it will be 9". But most of the cards coming out are using non-reference PCB's like the Sapphire or Gigabyte cards which are actually 8.5" in length for the PCB. However, you may have to account for the extra length of cooling solutions used like in the case with the Gigabyte card and the Windforce cooler which adds extra length (~1").

 

[Lonyo]

Can anyone compare the length to the HD4850? (Pictures or something), because I am interested to know.
Apparently the 4850 is 9.25" as well (and has a rear power connector).

To the OP, what card do you currently have? (If you have one that is).

 

[mjrpes3]

Hey guys, thanks for the replies. I spent probably half an hour yesterday looking for this info on review, manufacturer, and retail sites before giving up and posting here. It sounds like I'll be OK because the board will be at or less than 9", unless using an unusual cooling solution.

The PCIe cable isn't a problem, since it's located at the top of the card. The problem I have it right at 9.2" at the base of the board is the second and only available SATA port on the board (my current graphics card prevents me from using the first).

The current card I have is a PNY GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB. My computer is a Dell Vostro 220 Minitower. I upgraded the PSU so that it can support these beefier graphics cards.

 

[mjrpes3]

Got this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102908

If for some reason it doesn't work, I'll just use that as an excuse to get a new i7 based system

 

[betasub]

A right-angle SATA connector should solve the problem of access to your SATA ports. It's pretty common for older boards to have SATA ports obscured by even medium-length (~9") cards, but fortunately many newer boards have re-positioned the ports away from the shadow of the PCIe slots.

 

[mosox]

Stop. Hammertime.

 

[Xzyrus]

The PCIe cable isn't a problem, since it's located at the top of the card. The problem I have it right at 9.2" at the base of the board is the second and only available SATA port on the board (my current graphics card prevents me from using the first).

Only the 6870's connect is located at the top. Look at the 4th pic in your own newegg link and you'll see the PCIe at the very end.

 

[mjrpes3]

Only the 6870's connect is located at the top. Look at the 4th pic in your own newegg link and you'll see the PCIe at the very end.

Sorry, I meant on the side, at the top, away from the pins. As opposed to on the side, at the bottom closest to the pins.

 

[Rezist]

Alot of 4850's had shorter PCB's then reference boards. Mine was only 7.5".

 

[mjrpes3]

OK. Card came today. Board length was 8.5". This fits great; in fact, I now have access to my second SATA port... can finally do that SSD upgrade!