Does it worth to Crossfire 7970OC with reference non-OC 7970 cards?

[Guest]

I've got a Gigabyte 7970 reference design card (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125408). I decided to get a second one for crossfire, but I am not sure if I should get the same one as mine for $540 or overclocked of 7970 version also from Gigabyte for $580-620 (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125413). Will OC version make any difference compare to reference one for Crossfire? BTW I am not going to OC my reference video card.

 

[striker410]

You should try and match your cards up identically. That said, any 7970 will work with any 7970.

Here's the issue though. The clock speeds need to be the same. If you buy the factory OC version, it'll just be downclocked to match the speed of the other one. Therefore, grab the smae one you have now, without a doubt.

 

[theultimateeye]

I've been thinking about this as well. Since i can't find the original MSI R7970 for sale the only one i'm seeing now is the MSI OC 7970. But why couldn't i just overclock my original card instead of downclocking the new card?

 

[striker410]

Hi ultimate,

Yes, you could indeed overclock the original card. However the OP does not want to overclock, meaning my reply was specific to him. As long as the clocks match, you'll be in good shape.

 

[Guest]

Best answer selected by Veirtimid.