Can my computer enjoy the HD 6970?

[ionjohn]

Hello

I would like to change my gigabyte HD4890 for a HD 6970 but i want to know a few things before doing it, i want to know if my system can take it, i have a i5 750 with a P7P55D LE (if u have to know something else let me know), i also wanna know if it's a good choice, where is the best dealer to buy a gc from and the fastest (knowing that i'm in canada)

Thanks for replying

 

[bystander]

Your CPU is great for any card. However, your resolution will determine if it's a waste of money or not. What resolution do you play at?

 

[ionjohn]

I play at 1080p so thats why i wanna chane my card

 

[bystander]

I use a 6970 (modified 6950 to 6970 specs to be honest), and it works great at 1920x1200. Crysis and Metro 2033 are the only games that really push me atm, but even Crysis is playable at max settings, and Metro 2033 I have to use medium + x4 AA.

Your resolution is only slightly smaller.

 

[ionjohn]

I run crysis on high with 2xaa in 1080p with at least 25 fps so with a 6970 i guess it'd just be better, where can i purchase it on internet for the lowest price ?

 

[bystander]

When I said Crysis was playable at max settings. I should rephrase that. It's mostly over 40 FPS, with dips into the 30's when playing at Ultra settings (using a mod to increase visuals beyond normal very high) with x2 AA.

 

[ionjohn]

Wow thats awesome, how
Much did you pay yours ?

 

[bystander]

Seems that newegg has most listed at 299, I got mine for 309 at Fry's. Given how often I've recieved new cards with small to major bugs, I like to be able to return the card as soon as I try it out.

 

[ionjohn]

will i be able to make it fit in my computer ? is it hard to plug ?

 

[bystander]

You just need 10.5" of space, two 6 pin power connectors and a decent PSU with 500Watts or greater.

The actual install is pretty simple, you should be able to goodle help on it.

 

[ionjohn]

are the 6 pin power the same that are connected to my HD4890 right now ?

 

[bystander]

Yes.

 

[ionjohn]

Is there an order to plug them ?

 

[bystander]

Nope, you install it the same as any other PCIe card, except you plug in one additional plug, just like your 4890.

If you are unsure how it's supposed to look when it's finished, look at your current card. For directions, I'd do a google search on how to install a graphics card. It's actually quite easy.

 

[ionjohn]

Alright i dont wanna bother you but i want a HD6970 not a HD6950 and i just checked and HD6970 need a 8 pin and a 6 pin so what do i do ? I only got two 6 pin

 

[bystander]

What PSU do you have? There are adapters that come with most to fix that issue, but I wouldn't do that with a cheap PSU.

 

[ionjohn]

I don't know, how can i find out ?

 

[bystander]

Open up your computer, look on the PSU and there should be a sticker on it. Take a picture and post it.

 

[ionjohn]

http://img824.imageshack.us/content_round.php?page=done&l=img824/2816/94493252.jpg

 

[bystander]

There should be another sticker with Watts, volts and all the specs of the PSU, but given that it's a Crossfire certified PSU, it is likely it will meet the specs, but it would be best if we can see for sure.

 

[ionjohn]

There's only the one i showed you, is there another solution?

 

[bystander]

Did you put the computer together? Did you purchase it prebuilt, or had it built for you? There should be a reseat or box that would let you know what it is. However, if it's running a 4890 and is crossfire certified, it's hard to imagine it wouldn't have the power. I've never seen a crossfire PSU with out at least 650 watts.

The sticker with the info is likely on the side not visible.

 

[ionjohn]

I purchased it all made in a computer shop, im gonna try to see it with a lookinglass or something

 

[bystander]

Oh, I should have asked you to look at the 6 pin connecters you currently have. Does one have a little 2 pin connecter not being used dangling off to the side? If so, you just use the 2 pin connecter with the 6 pin connecter already plugged in to form an 8 pin connecter.

 

[ionjohn]

Nothing but i took a picture of the pin and where is the unplugged pin supposed to be plugged ? http://img440.imageshack.us/content_round.php?page=done&l=img440/1086/13947537.jpg