6950 vs 6970

[clewis09]

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: 2-4 Weeks

USAGE: Gaming, I play a variety of games from WoW to Metro 2033, among other FPS Games

CURRENT GPU AND POWER SUPPLY: A Radeon 4350 :lol: going to purchase a 850w PSU (off-topic but suggestions appreciated)

OTHER RELEVANT SYSTEM SPECS: i5-2500k, MSI P67-GD65, NZXT Phantom

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: www.Ebuyer.com , www.Ebay.co.uk is also good if there is a cheap deal to be had

PARTS PREFERENCES: Not fussed, if an Nvidia card is better than either of those two, suggest it with an argument as to why

OVERCLOCKING:Yes

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Maybe

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920x1080


Basically, what card is best for my needs? will the 6950 suffice for my games, or is the 6970 just overkill
If there is another card you would suggest in the £200-£290 range let me know!
Thanks!

 

[eloric]

Get this one, and unlock it to a 6970: P0w3r C0l3r HD 6950 2GB for 210 pounds Just about any other 2GB 6950 can also be unlocked, but make sure and check the feedback before you buy.

Here are the directions from TechPowerUp.

Even if you do not unlock it, a 6950 will outperform your monitor except at the most extreme settings on some games.

Edit: fixed link

re-Edit: failed to fix link, and tried again - whatever stupid feature Tom's has for inserting hyper links for advertising purposes is screwing up the links.

 

[clewis09]

Thanks for the reply, I'm a believer of the "its a 6950 for a reason" and don't wish to void my warranty anyway,

taking your point - "Even if you do not unlock it, a 6950 will outperform you monitor except at the most extreme settings on some games."

Seems to me that with the following points -

I don't wish to flash
The 6970 is overkill

I've come to the conclusion a non-reference 6950 would be best,

How is this then? http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Components/Graphics+Cards/ATI/ATI+6900+Series/MSI+ATI+Radeon+HD+6950+Twin+FrozR+II+OC+2048MB+GDDR5+PCI-Express+Graphics+Card+?productId=43820&source=googleps

Thanks for your support and feedback!

 

[eloric]

Sure, it is only a few quid more, and it is understandable about not wanting to take the risks. I think you will be delighted.