| Test Hardware | |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i7-2600K (Sandy Bridge), 3.4 GHz, 8 MB Shared L3 Cache, 95 W, Overclocked to 4.5 GHz |
| CPU Cooler | Prolimatech SuperMega + Noiseblocker Multiframe |
| Motherboard | Gigabyte Z68X-UD5 B3, Z68 Express, LGA 1155 |
| Memory | 2 x 4 GB Kingston HyperX DDR3-1600 |
| Hard Drive | Kingston V100+ 256 GB SSD |
| Power Supply | Corsair AX1200 |
| Operating System And Graphics Driver | Windows 7 x64 SP1 Catalyst 12.4 |
Here in the U.S., we're in the habit of testing with high-end X79 Express-based platforms that give multi-card configurations enough PCI Express connectivity to circumvent any possible bottlenecks. Our European editorial teams often take a more power-friendly approach, given the price of electricity over there.
Previously, they were using an older Core i5-based setup for testing graphics cards. But, not surprisingly, that started to inhibit performance. The latest round of 28 nm-based GPUs pushed them over the edge, and they upgraded to a Core i7-2600K-based machine overclocked to 4.5 GHz, which yields plenty of speed without the gratuitous consumption of our Sandy Bridge-E-based machine.
The motherboard and memory in the German lab remain the same as they were last year. Their power supply is newer, though, now able to handle four graphics cards in four-way CrossFire or SLI arrangements. Also, the new build employs a 256 GB Kingston SSD, to which all games and benchmarks are installed.
The whole setup is installed on a rolling table, so that it can be moved between a climate-controlled room, which is kept at 72° Fahrenheit (22° Celsius), and our noise-dampened room, eliminating the need to take out the graphics cards and put them in a second system. Our climate-controlled room is not suitable for noise measurements below 32 dB(A) due to the proximity of several other machines in it.
- Six Radeon HD 7950s, Rounded-Up
- HIS HD 7950 IceQ Turbo
- Sapphire HD 7950 OC
- Asus HD 7950 DirectCU II
- MSI HD 7950 Twin Frozr III
- PowerColor HD 7950 PCS
- HIS H795F3G2M (Reference Design)
- How We Test
- Power Consumption
- Temperatures
- Noise
- Noise Comparison Videos
- Benchmark Results And Overclocking
- Which Radeon HD 7950 Is Right For You?

WOW.
how is it cheating? it is cheating only if the average user will not use the "GPU boost" feature, but reviewers are using it.
and, the card is faster, cheaper and cooler than the competition. so if you are better, you cheat?
Fanboi.
But everyone who is comparing stock clock benchmarks should keep in mind that these cards most likely wont overclock as much over their gpu boost frequency as a card without boost overclocks over its stock frequency (assuming both cards have the same overclocking capability). Especially since the gpu boost on non-reference cards sometimes already is 200mhz over their base frequency.
This can make a precise comparision more difficult. Particularly if you compare cards which are very close like the 7970 and 670 for example.
also, gtx580 seems to be missing in the crysis2 charts.
As well, what kind of memory overclocks did you get? Did you have to change the voltage of the GPUs to get said clock speeds?
This article was missing a bit too much info there to really be able to get the full picture of these GPUs. The HD7970 6 card shootout is how it should have been done for the HD7950s. Each cards overclocking ability (core/memory) and what they got with stock voltage and overvolted.
WOW.
how is it cheating? it is cheating only if the average user will not use the "GPU boost" feature, but reviewers are using it.
and, the card is faster, cheaper and cooler than the competition. so if you are better, you cheat?
Fanboi.
You know what this is like? Imagine yourself as a concert prompter, trying to put a lineup together. You have Megadeth, White Snake, Poison, Guns -n- Roses, AC DC, you think you're doing just fine...What? Metallica wanted nothing to do with that roundup of Who's Who? Did they turn you down, or did you guys turn them down?
Because XFX matters. XFX always matter! And I'm pretty sure they weren't scared to step into the ring and beat some heads in with a comparo with the best in the biz. You guys need to get in touch with them and test their HD7950 and see if their card has the potential to blast that "elephant in the room" and hang it's head on the wall.
This is Tom's Hardware after all...
You want to add 7970 OC into the crowd ? Just ask ...
But everyone who is comparing stock clock benchmarks should keep in mind that these cards most likely wont overclock as much over their gpu boost frequency as a card without boost overclocks over its stock frequency (assuming both cards have the same overclocking capability). Especially since the gpu boost on non-reference cards sometimes already is 200mhz over their base frequency.
This can make a precise comparision more difficult. Particularly if you compare cards which are very close like the 7970 and 670 for example.
Dear Sonny73N,
Why? Because the translation is slower than a crappy GT 430
The 7950 roundup was published in Germany: May 12, 2012
The GTX670 roundup was published in Germany: May 22, 2012
http://www.tomshardware.de/Nvidia-Geforce-GTX-670-Roundup,testberichte-241027.html
As well, what kind of memory overclocks did you get? Did you have to change the voltage of the GPUs to get said clock speeds?
So you read the 2nd sentence of the overclocking but not the first?
sorry couldnt help myself. the fact they all hit 1025Mhz is relevant. Doing it at stock voltage is the "safe" way. and a way to show what the "average Joe" can do safely with just the sliders in CCC.
Its clearly just a puff piece for these cards and nothing to do any real comparison with when its only game benchmark is crysis 2