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Best GPU upgrade path? Currently have one 7950.

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  • GPUs
  • Monitors
  • Graphics
Last response: in Graphics & Displays
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a b C Monitor
March 21, 2014 9:33:04 AM

I just got a 144hz monitor and I am looking to upgrade my GPU to take full advantage of the new monitor. I currently have a HD 7950, which is definitely the weakest part of my build (or maybe PSU). I have been trying to find out if I should get another 7950 for crossfire, or just drop it and go to a EVGA 780 ti superclocked, or perhaps 290X of some sort?.

Specs:
Motherboard: ASUS Maximus V Formula
CPU: Intel i7 3770k @ 4.5GHz
RAM: 16GB GSkill TridentX 2400mhz
GPU: HIS IceQ Radeon HD 7950
SSD: Samsung 840 series 500GB
PSU: Corsair HX750
Dual monitors (only one used for gaming @ 1080p 144hz)

A couple concerns I have is my 750W power supply, and also random issues when using a crossfire setup. I would prefer to go with the single card, but that route is also much more expensive. Another 7950 wouldn't be so bad, cost wise. Also, as far as I know NVidia is the only card that supports 3D gaming, which my new monitor supports. I'm not very interested in 3D, but I suppose having the ability would be nice if I ever change my mind. Going for the NVidia card would also allow me to use the LightBoost hack on the new monitor, which is a plus.

What are your recommendations? Thanks in advance!

More about : gpu upgrade path 7950

a b C Monitor
March 21, 2014 12:18:21 PM

I think crossfire 7950 makes the most since for your rig. I would expect 2 7950 would beat a 780ti or 290x and will come at a cheaper price. Also, reaching 144 hz shouldn't be a problem and your power supply should be able to handle it. Random issues occur with any high end equipment so I would not be too concerned. If 3D gaming is important to you, definitely go with a 780ti.
a b C Monitor
March 21, 2014 1:09:08 PM

ak47jar3d said:
I think crossfire 7950 makes the most since for your rig. I would expect 2 7950 would beat a 780ti or 290x and will come at a cheaper price. Also, reaching 144 hz shouldn't be a problem and your power supply should be able to handle it. Random issues occur with any high end equipment so I would not be too concerned. If 3D gaming is important to you, definitely go with a 780ti.


My current 7950 is from HIS, and ideally I wanted two of the same card, but I actually can't find my model anywhere online. There are 3 on amazon but they are used.

Will it matter if the second card is a different brand? Should I try to find one with the same clock speed, or go for whatever deal is best?

Edit: Now that I am actually looking for 7950's I'm not seeing many options.. Most are used on amazon. Do you have a recommendation of how/where to buy a 7950? I guess since the newer tech is out they aren't available on the sites that I usually shop on.

Thanks
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a b C Monitor
March 21, 2014 1:43:46 PM

As long as the card is a 7950 the make is unimportant, they'll all mix.
Clockspeeds are slightly different, Crossfire will make both cards run at the speed of the slowest. Most 7950s overclock well beyond the stock 800/1250 speeds so if the HIS is running faster you should, probably, be able to boost the speed of a slower partner card to match it.
Power should not be a problem and the HX already has enough PCI-E leads to run a Crossfire 7950 setup.
Cooling is a different matter, the HIS is the only decently cooled 7950 with a single fan design, avoid the others. Sapphire, MSI and Gigabyte made some decent, cool running, quiet kit.
If you live in the USA you're in something of a cleft stick: AMD prices are high, so even a used 7950 will probably be quite expensive, on the other hand if you sell it, you'll get a fair amount against the cost of a more expensive, single card solution.
I'm not a fan of multi GPU setups but in terms of bang-per-buck Crossfiring is the way to go.
a b C Monitor
March 21, 2014 2:26:52 PM

coozie7 said:
As long as the card is a 7950 the make is unimportant, they'll all mix.
Clockspeeds are slightly different, Crossfire will make both cards run at the speed of the slowest. Most 7950s overclock well beyond the stock 800/1250 speeds so if the HIS is running faster you should, probably, be able to boost the speed of a slower partner card to match it.
Power should not be a problem and the HX already has enough PCI-E leads to run a Crossfire 7950 setup.
Cooling is a different matter, the HIS is the only decently cooled 7950 with a single fan design, avoid the others. Sapphire, MSI and Gigabyte made some decent, cool running, quiet kit.
If you live in the USA you're in something of a cleft stick: AMD prices are high, so even a used 7950 will probably be quite expensive, on the other hand if you sell it, you'll get a fair amount against the cost of a more expensive, single card solution.
I'm not a fan of multi GPU setups but in terms of bang-per-buck Crossfiring is the way to go.


Yes, now that I am looking into it, 7950's are expensive and the available options are very low. Did they go up just because of miners? This is crazy.

I'm now leaning towards selling my 7950 and just going with a single 290X or 780ti.
a b C Monitor
March 23, 2014 1:40:14 PM

Not sure of the reason, but miners seem to be getting the blame, it's odd because over here in the UK prices seem to be dropping, with R9 280X's falling below £200 for the first time-less than I paid for MY 7950 last year! :( 
There's no rush, prices aren't likely to change overnight so take your time and look into the options-Crossfire is not without its issues-and follow a few Ebay auctions to see what 7950s are actually SELLING for, not many lots reach their 'buy it now' or asking prices. And remember, auction sites will take a cut out of the selling price-as will PayPal.
Personally, and despite my dislike of multi-GPU setups, I still think Crossfiring another HD7950 is the way to go, but then again, it's not my rig. Or money.
March 23, 2014 4:54:31 PM

Crossfire is the best option and fairly inexpensive. You already have everything you need, so no hidden fees.

A lot of people complain about stutering, but I have been using crossfire since 4800 and it is fairly unoticeable. I never knew about it until I read about it on Tomshardware. Also, the gain is really important, about 80-90% over your actual card.
March 23, 2014 4:57:47 PM

Kekoh said:
ak47jar3d said:
I think crossfire 7950 makes the most since for your rig. I would expect 2 7950 would beat a 780ti or 290x and will come at a cheaper price. Also, reaching 144 hz shouldn't be a problem and your power supply should be able to handle it. Random issues occur with any high end equipment so I would not be too concerned. If 3D gaming is important to you, definitely go with a 780ti.


My current 7950 is from HIS, and ideally I wanted two of the same card, but I actually can't find my model anywhere online. There are 3 on amazon but they are used.

Will it matter if the second card is a different brand? Should I try to find one with the same clock speed, or go for whatever deal is best?

Edit: Now that I am actually looking for 7950's I'm not seeing many options.. Most are used on amazon. Do you have a recommendation of how/where to buy a 7950? I guess since the newer tech is out they aren't available on the sites that I usually shop on.

Thanks


Your two cards are going to match the weaker stats of your card BIOS. It's what is beautiful about crossfire, you don't have to match two identical cards for making it work.

!