Which 6950 Should I Buy?

[XxH34dshotxX]

Hi! I'm building my first gaming RIG and I can't get decide which of these Radeon 6950's to purchase. I'm leaning towards the MSI since it is 5-8% better out of the box and it has very good cooling says the reviews. I would love a second opinion though!

1st:MSI R6950 Twin Frozr III PE/OC Radeon HD 6950 2GB
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127575

SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 6950 2GB
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102914

Use:
- Gaming (CoD, Combat Arms, MMORPGs)
- *Frapsing Game play* <- VERY Important to me :3
- Sony Vegas/Adobe After Effects

Factors:
- I want a card that will last me along time (at least 2-3 years!)
- I've never over clocked before and my case doesn't have extreme cooling
- For $25 more I get a 5%+ performance boost!

Case: HAF 932
Cooling: Thermaltake Frio

Thanks!

 

[wikiwikiwhat]

I'm worried about those reviews for the Sapphire one. Really does blow if you cannot RMA or they take an extra long time.

The MSI one seems to be great but can't flash the BIOS to 6970, which I don't think you might mind.

I think the 2GB version is overkill for your gaming preference, but works well for the after effects.

I'm probably going to get this card despite it being from Sapphire:

SAPPHIRE FleX 100312FLEX Radeon HD 6950 2GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102929

The FLEX part is helping me with Eyefinity (3 1080P screens).

 

[andrews013]

A used one that was in the first run. (unlock). Or if you want new then a Sapphire Dirt 3 edition: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102945&cm_re=dirt3-_-14-102-945-_-Product

Be warned: no new cards can be unlocked.

 

[browsingtheworld]

Why not save $100 on a case and get a HD 6970. It won't look as good but will have better gaming performance.

 

[r3xx3r]

wtf is a gtx 6970??? browsingtheworld, stop posting. you have no idea what you are talking about

@OP get the MSI TWIN FROZR III 6950. it is a great cooler, and very easy overclocking with MSI Afterburner

 

[andrews013]

@r3xx3r where did you get that from? no one said gtx 6970.

 

[randomkid]

^It must have been edited by browsingtheworld. But in any case, its not reason to shun anyone from posting if they make mistake about labeling. Forum's are places to learn... and you learn best by participating.

TO OP:
The MSI really looks grand. I'd like it for myself but its too expensive from where I come from. I got the Sapphire 6950 2GB Flex Edition instead which is cheaper & provide out of the box Eyefinity capability ( no need for active display port adaptor ).

 

[lil_besho]

i have the msi one it is great, temperature never over 67c' runs the games easy, have a high quality compenets, 3 years warranty (in my country), can work on very high temps and can be overclocked to be future proof, i got it to last five years , it can reach 900 Mhz!!!!! with only the click of a button with msi afterburner, unlike the sapphire ones that can only reach 800 Mhz, and the fans are pretty quiet too, i think it is superior to the sapphire one