XFX 7970 Black Edition vs Sapphire 7970 Vapor-X

[vixing]

Which one is a better buy?
Sapphire HD 7970 Vapor-X GHZ Edition OR XFX HD 7970 Black Edition Double Dissipation?

The XFX got 'OCC editors' choice' and Vapor-X just 'OCC gold'.

Here are conclusions:

XFX Black Edition:

Pros:
Fastest single GPU card out
Great overclocking
High performance
Eyefinity gaming
New architecture
Zero Core power
Noise improvement
X-Factors

Cons:
Heat dumped into the case

Vapor-X:

Pros:
Cooling Performance
Overclocking
TriXX Utility
EZ OC button
Custom PCB
Black Diamond Chokes

Cons:
DisplayPort adapter needed for Eyefinity

I'm confused... Sapphire costs $564 and XFX costs $509.
Both cards are in promotion: card + far cry 3, hitman, sleeping dogs and 20% for new MoH.

 

[rolli59]

I would save the money and go with the XFX since there is not going to be any noticeable performance difference between them.

 

[vixing]

I would save the money and go with the XFX since there is not going to be any noticeable performance difference between them.

If you say so, I think I will go for it. Vapor-X just seems like it's better, sapphire etc.

Also these 2 cards was never comparised anywhere
Only one article I found is on russian website and after all it says (translated) :

Sapphire HD 7970 Vapor-X GHz Edition

Pros:
Good delivery;
Card with factory overclocked;
Switch button with backlight.

Cons:
Small exhaust hot air;
The noise of the cooling load.

XFX R7970 Black Edition 1000M

Pros:
Card with factory overclocked.

Cons:
Small exhaust hot air;
Noisy cooling system load;
Simplified design of the main circuit;
Softvoltmoda absence;
Lean delivery.

and Vapor-X gets 50Mhz more at core and memory in overclocking.

source: http://www.overclockers.ru/lab/49511_5/Obzor_i_testirovanie_videokart_Sapphire_HD_7970_Vapor-X_GHz_Edition_i_XFX_R7970_Black_Edition_1000M.html

What do you think?

 

[manofchalk]

Vapor-X, the XFX black edition is just a customized reference design rather than a fully custom solution like the Sapphire.
Also its a Ghz edition card, which the XFX isnt. Better performance from the newer BIOS.

The Sapphire Vapor-X will support three screens without using Displayport. Two DVI and a single HDMI.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202001

Is this the XFX Black edition you are referring to?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150586

Also your pricings are off by about $100 (assuming your in the US).

EDIT: Fixed the link for the Vapor-X, must have cut off the last few characters.

 

[vixing]

Yes, I'm talking about these exact models.
Thanks for info - I didn't know XFX is not a Ghz edition.
So I stay with Vapor-x
Thanks

 

[manofchalk]

Provided your running Eyefinity with uber resolution monitors.

Plus, at that massive resolution. A single 7970 would be choking on its own blood trying to keep up, you would need a 2nd (or 3rd) card to perform decently at that level. Which then gives you four (or six) possible outputs that support that resolution.

 

[vixing]

My plan was to buy card, which is the best now, so I can buy second one after a 1-2 years, when I will need it.

I have i5-3570k, AsRock Z77 extreme4, no graphic card, Patriot IEM 8GB 1866Mhz, Corsair 750W and Hyper 212 Evo