AMD has been expanding their 6000 series offerings with a growing list of high and midrange cards, the same can be said for their partners. ASUS has released several versions of the 6870 with a new high performance model dubbed DirectCU. This is a custom direct-contact heat pipe cooler for better heat dissipation combined with ASUS Super Alloy Power components that provide a 15% performance increase and longer life/cooler operation. The components include MOS, chokes, capacitors, and a hybrid engine. The fan design is dust- and particle-proof thus expanding its lifespan by a claimed 25%. This card design also comes equipped with GPU Guard, a full length backplate that stiffens and protects the video card from awkward pressures caused by the cooling system and sagging caused by installation, and also increases damage resistance to drops and shocks. Another safeguard are thermal fuses designed to protect the card from damage if the temperatures get out of hand. GPU core voltage is also adjustable which should allow end users to achieve a solid overclock. With all of these features, it is no surprise that this 6870 is already factory overclocked as well!