Which HD 6950 should i buy?

[KryptikPanda]

Here are my Pc specs:

Windows 7 64bit ultimate
12gb ram
AMD Phenom II X6 1090T 3.2ghz
GTX 550 ti
Corsair 700gs PSU - 700W

So im trying to play games like Battlefield 3, MW3, Skyrim, etc. Ive been researching the 6950 and it fits well into my below $300 budget. I dont plan to use dual monitors. Ill just be playing at 1920x1080. I was just wondering which one should i buy. Also ive heard that you an unlock it into a 6970. It apparently works 100% on "reference" models but some poeple have done it with non-reference models.

So if anyone could help and reccomend a good one for me it would be much appreciated.

 

[Gordon Freeman]

To run MW3 takes very little power any mid range card and dual core from 09 and up have no problem with MW3 and BF3 can be played @ a mix of high/ultra settings on 6950 and Skyrim is a stickler for CPU horse power but you will max it out albeit with some dips here and there but that's a problem game for everyone because of Bethesdas buggy Creation engine. Try OCing your CPU for better performance in SKyrim.

 

[Gordon Freeman]

Msi Twin Frozer III 6950 is the crème de la crème and well within your budget. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127604

 

[festerovic]

I really like the asus Direct CU models of the latest batch of ATI/AMD cards. The cooler is fantastic, and the software over volting is good. It lets you OC the hell out of the card if you want to. Also the MSI twin Frozr is a good one. The bundled software may make a difference so check out the other cards and see if there is something you want that would influence the value.

 

[festerovic]

hmm I guess newegg doesn't have the 6950 in Asus flavors. Guess I vote Twin Frozr now then.

 

[KryptikPanda]

now with the twin frozer III can it be unlocked to a 6970? Or is that just not a possibility without a reference model.

 

[KryptikPanda]

Best answer selected by KryptikPanda.

 

[festerovic]

1. You probably won't see a big dif between the 6950 and 6970 in games.
2. If you want extreme OC, the 6970 is the way to go.
3. Some people have issues with the flashing, and I can't find anything on the Frozr card specifically. Can't guarantee it.

If I was you, I would either get the 6970 right off the bat, or get a good 6950 and OC the hell out of it.

 

[Gordon Freeman]

now with the twin frozer III can it be unlocked to a 6970? Or is that just not a possibility without a reference model.

I think what I have read is that the newer 6950s don't allow for unlocking to 6970 but i am not 100% for sure so maybe someone can chime in. The real value of the Msi Twin Frozer III edition 6950 is that you should easily be able to overclock it to the same speeds as a stock 6970 and beyond.

 

[Gordon Freeman]

1. You probably won't see a big dif between the 6950 and 6970 in games.
2. If you want extreme OC, the 6970 is the way to go.
3. Some people have issues with the flashing, and I can't find anything on the Frozr card specifically. Can't guarantee it.

If I was you, I would either get the 6970 right off the bat, or get a good 6950 and OC the hell out of it.

I believe the consensus generally is that 6950 is the way to go because it is so close to being the same card/performance of 6970 and for over $100 less I would have to agree.

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been closed by Mousemonkey