As long as they send you that card, it is a reference card, but reference cards aren't the only ones that can be unlocked. The non reference cards normally have to just alter their original bios to unlock the shaders and then you use MSI afterburner to overclock.
I used these steps to unlock my non reference card: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/316974-33-radeon-6950-shader-unlock-instructions#t2368661

Also, MSI has a special bios designed for their Twin Frozr III PE model that will unlock the overclocking limits within CCC: http://www.vortez.net/articles_pages/msi_r6950_twin_froz_iii_power_edition_unlocking,1.html
 

dhicks19

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Apr 26, 2011
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Ok thanks, I will just order 2 of those gigabyte ones and hope for the best. I just wanted a reference obv to unlock to 6970 and having the bios switch is also a plus.

thank you