Which 6950 Model is best for price

[reignsupreme11]

Hey guys I'm just building a gaming system for 1920 x 1080 resolution and I've stretched my budget on some other parts so I have to keep it lower for my graphics card but still a 2GB version. I plan to crossfire in the future. I also want to try to unlock the bios.

System:

Core i5-2500K (will overclock)
MSI P67A-GD80 mobo
2 x 4GB Patriot RAM
OCZ 120GB Agility 3 SSD
Corsair TX750W Power Supply

rest isn't important.

here are the models i've found:

HIS: $230 after MIR http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161368
Powercolor: $230 after MIR http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131393
HIS Ice Q: $275 http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161372
Sapphire: $232 after MIR http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102928


which is best for the money?

thanks in advance!

 

[fpotus1]

Take a look at the TPR ratings on Overclockersclub.com, TechPowerup.com and HardwareSecrets.com. They all have good reviews, the best i've seen in the 6950 family for price/performance is the AMD HD 6950 2GB as it overclocks and cools as well as the Ice Q without the price bump of the Ice Q sticker. Also, have you considered a NVidia model? The Gigabyte GFX 560ti OC edition out performs the 2 gb HD 6950's on almost all games and in SLI is actually higher rated than the dual 6950's.

Just a suggestion

 

[reignsupreme11]

Take a look at the TPR ratings on Overclockersclub.com, TechPowerup.com and HardwareSecrets.com. They all have good reviews, the best i've seen in the 6950 family for price/performance is the AMD HD 6950 2GB as it overclocks and cools as well as the Ice Q without the price bump of the Ice Q sticker. Also, have you considered a NVidia model? The Gigabyte GFX 560ti OC edition out performs the 2 gb HD 6950's on almost all games and in SLI is actually higher rated than the dual 6950's.

Just a suggestion

1. link for gtx 560 model you recommended.
2. i do plan to overclock my 6950, and even a moderately overclocked 6950 would outperform any gtx 560ti that is overclocked, plus the 2GB VRAM on the 6950 will allow for Eyefinity or a 30" while still getting high FPS especially if CF'd.
3. i have not seen an AMD HD 6950 2GB, i assume this is the original reference model you are referring to?

 

[cronos177]

I personally like the Sapphire Flex edition, because you can have eyefinity right out of the box. But, I'd get this one cuz is the cheapest: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161368&cm_re=6950-_-14-161-368-_-Product

 

[reignsupreme11]

I personally like the Sapphire Flex edition, because you can have eyefinity right out of the box. But, I'd get this one cuz is the cheapest: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161368&cm_re=6950-_-14-161-368-_-Product

how will that HIS card be for overclocking? is the cooler good? i don't want togo to a huge OC but i want to hopefully break 880MHz (from 800).

also, what is customer service/coverage like for both powercolor and HIS. i haven't bought either of them before. it may influence my decision if there is no difference between cards.

 

[cronos177]

Well, I have a HIS 5770, and I really like it a lot, the rebate came in a timely manner. The card itself, runs very cool 34-37C at idle. I am not sure specifically on the 6950, but my 5770 is stock @ 850/1200 and I easily manage to get @ 950/1340 while the max temperature reached 67C. For what I have read on reviews and my personal experience, HIS make some quality Cards at a decent price. The Replacement, I have read its pretty easy, BUT I have read it might take up to a month and a half to get it fixed under manufacturer's warranty. According to this review, their overclocking did not go to 880mhz rather 860mhz, But if you see memory overclocked very well, and the performance attained was pretty impressive. http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/HIS/Radeon_HD_6950/32.html
It is the cheapest 2gb version. Let me know which one you decide to get.

 

[megamanx00]

I'd go with the dual fan Power Color model, but that's just me.

 

[kss207rc]

I suggest a non reference design because the generally have better cooling and performance so you need those if you are planing to oc.I would look for something a little bit more expensive like the msi twin frozr ii or asus solution.From those you give links a suggest the sapphire.

 

[Bigmac80]

Whichone is best in price? The one thats the cheapest one..Usually the 6950 1gb is cheaper and you can find Sapphire 2gb versions cheaper also on newegg...

 

[chumly]

I've heard the unlocked 6950's are having VRAM corruption issues. Also read this in its entirety: http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1575238

According to the site's benches, a 560 ti at 1GHz will perform on par with a 570 or 6970, however, an unlocked 6950 is only grabbing you 1-2 FPS. MSI's afterburner program will easily take the card to 950 MHz. You can pick up one now for $200. PhysX is nice as well. Save some money and get a better card that you aren't going to turn into a paperweight.

I have a 2500k homebuilt that i have overclocked to 4.6GHz and cool with a 560 ti @ 950MHz if you want my build I can link you my stuff.

 

[reignsupreme11]

looking at some pricing online, the cheapest 560ti is about 210$ after rebate and that is the both basic model. The 6950 2GB cards that i identified are scarcely any pricier than that and they come with a whole other gig of VRAM. This will allow me to future proof my system for a 30" or Eyefinity setup.

Also, I would likely not flash the entire bios i would do as outlined in the article listed by chumly i would only flash the shaders and then overclock which in the reviews I read grabbed about 8-10 FPS of performance.

Now, what is powercolor's customer support like and does anybody have any experience with that custom dual fan cooler on the powercolor card?

 

[kss207rc]

If you planing seting u an eyefinity roject go with the 6950 the extra gb or vram is a must.And with the nvidia cards you need two to have there 3d vision so the price goes to the roof.My opinion is to go for something like sapphire because they have very good support,very good quality and theyre prices are usually lower than the others,also the have good non reference solution(which i suggest you buy) offering great cooling.

 

[reignsupreme11]

Ok, so my choice is now between the Sapphire and the Powercolor cards:

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131393 - Powercolor
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102928 - Sapphire

Both cards have 2 year limited warranties and both have custom coolers. Two questions:
1. Are there any quirks about either brand, card or cooler that I should know about?
2. Which cooler will be better for overclocking as well? I understand there are cards with better coolers but I don't think they are worth 40 or more $ than these 2 cards. My case/room is also quite cool.

I've also decided not to flash the bios (i don't think either of these can anyways), so no worries.

thanks for all the advice so far!

 

[cronos177]

I'd go with the Powercolor, double fan should be better for cooling and noise.

 

[reignsupreme11]

any other opinions on powercolor vs sapphire?

 

[kss207rc]

I would go with the sapphire,as i told very good support,ussally come with a lot of staff in the box and i haven't heard so good things about powercolor.I was very satisfied with my 5870 vapor-x.As far as the coolers go i think the difference is going to be small with the powercolor the winner because it has dual fans but you should have in mind that it might also be a little louder.

 

[reignsupreme11]

thanks for the advice. i've owned an asus and a gigabyte card and to tell you the truth i haven't been that impressed. my first 9600gt (asus) died after 3 days and my gigabyte 5830 couldn't handle more than a 20MHz overclock on the core. that's why i'm being so finicky over which of these 6950s to buy.

also, is an a custom cooled card such as the MSI Twin Frozr II, Sapphire Flex or HIS IceQ be worth the extra money. They are all from $275 to $280 which is basically 50$ more than the Sapphire card after rebate.

 

[cronos177]

Well, like I wrote before, my suggestion is the Flex just because you have eyefinity out of the box. Nothing else necessary. That is my recommendation, based on gaming only. I would guess they are worth it, if they are priced accordingly just look at verified owners reviews at neweeg.

 

[reignsupreme11]

Well, like I wrote before, my suggestion is the Flex just because you have eyefinity out of the box. Nothing else necessary. That is my recommendation, based on gaming only. I would guess they are worth it, if they are priced accordingly just look at verified owners reviews at neweeg.

Thanks for the advice but I won't go eyefinity until I crossfire so the Flex loses its value there. The powercolor sold out so I will get the sapphire for 263$ then $30 MIR.

Thanks all!

 

[cronos177]

The cheapest card would always do the job just fine. I personally think is not worth getting an expensive card, unless it's is a know overclocker such as the 560 ti. But, that's a good deal a 6950 2gb for $230.

 

[cjtex]

I have XFSX 6950 2gb, black version with single fan in middle. I used MSI afterburn and can bring up clock to 1ghz. I am also going to install a arctic cooler accelero plus II liquid onto it to keep it cool as hell yo!