For the HTPC. Plug and Play

Naturally, the power consumption of the computer media increased after the card has been installed.
This is also because previously only the built-in motherboard graphics chip Radeon HD 3200 has been used.
However, the total power consumption of the system increased by only about 20 watts when viewing a Bluray, so I was after reading some reviews, where in addition to predominantly positive statements, the high power consumption have been complaints very pleasantly surprised.

But first, how to install:

First, I have adjusted in the BIOS, that when booting the first PCIe slot is checked for the presence of a graphics solution. Thanks again for pointing out in the reviews. When Manual muffle otherwise I would certainly forget it.
Then, after booting, the device manager to uninstall the old graphics chip. Shut Fahrenheit video card in, reconnected connector and power up again. At startup still fix inserted the supplied driver CD and after automatically starting driver installation, it was all over.
I was advised to use when you first install the supplied drivers, because otherwise it could lead to error messages in the Catalyst again.
As a longtime ATI users I know to sing a song about it.
I decided against a Nvidia graphics card, because the last ATI drivers worked very well. So no commitment against Nvidia, but ATI.

The hardware Beleunigung the Sapphire 6450 works as promised.
The processor load of the AMD Athlon 605e (4x2.3 GHz) languishes when playing Blurays 20-30% in tips even still under 40th

The card has no active cooling, what you should consider when moving around in small housing block.
My HTPC has been upgraded into a mid-tower, so that the corresponding cooling is ensured.
Tighten desktop housing could be problematic here.

Despite the heat sink, the Sapphire 6450 takes only the place of PCIe slots. Very important for HTPC users who like to occupy all slots with TV cards.
Since I run a dual-card on the second PCIe slot, I could do without the "big" PCIe slot together with two PCI slots.
Since this card is specifically designed for HTPCs, I think the key message.

The workmanship is perfect. Without having the bracket to solve, the card could slide cleanly into the slot. By the way is also a low-profile bracket.

Overall, more than satisfied.

5 stars