Looks like every last partner is sticking to reference design and clocks. We only saw Sapphire coming out with a passively cooled HD 3850, which will probably be branded Ultimate. MSI is no different from all others, as it has launched reference designed HD 3870 and HD 3850 cards.

The HD 3870, or RX3870-T2D512E which MSI likes to call it, comes with 512MB of GDDR4 memory clocked at 2252MHz as stated on MSI's Website. The core remained at reference clock of 775MHz. Only difference is yet again the Borg-like themed sticker and a small logo on the fan. MSI has decided to include DVI connector caps with its cards, which is a nice touch; however, it will allow dust to get into odd places.

The HD 3850, or MSI's branded RX3850-T2D256E, comes with a reference clocked core at 668MHz and reference clocked 256MB GDDR3 memory working at 1656MHz. This time the large cooler sticker is gone, but small logo and DVI caps are still there. This card is based on ATI's reference design, as well.

The Diamond and OC editions should be just around the corner and they will probably be released before the Christmas shopping spree ends.