For those with less enthusiasm for tinkering with expensive components, or for those who simply don't want to risk voiding the product warranty, Sapphire may have an alternative. Their Ultimate Edition ships with the Zalman ZM80HP-A pre-installed, and even features memory heatsinks.

The Sapphiere Radeon 9700 PRO Ultimate Edition - ships with the Zalman ZM80HP-A and a manufacturer's warranty.

The Sapphire board sports memory heatsinks as well.

Conclusion

The Zalman ZM80HP-A is a solid investment for anyone who wants a fast but quiet graphics card. It's important to realize that modifying hardware will automatically void the product warranty. This applies here, too! For those unwilling to take that risk, the Sapphire Atlantis Radeon 9700 PRO Ultimate Edition, a quiet, fast and stylish card with silvery memory heatsinks, may be the perfect alternative.

Obviously, a passive heatsink can't be the ultimate cooling solution - especially in a case that is already heated up. However, with good airflow, which is easily achieved through ventilation holes or case fans, it can be a viable alternative to classical cooling solutions. Overclockers have no real choice in this matter anyway - additional case fans are a must.

The impressive look of a card equipped with a ZM80HP-A may also sway potential buyers. After all, the thing is a monster, and a looker! Our only gripe with the product: the irregular yellow varnish, which detracts from the overall look and feel of quality.