Gf 760 or AMD 7950

M

Messerschmitt

Weaksauce
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Oct 9, 2009
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Trying to decide which to get. I was debating waiting for the AMD 9000 series but I am realising that even the 9950 (equivalent of 7950) will prolly cost ~400$. I believe the best performance/price is with 7950 (or the newer 760 series) for the years to come.

Now, at the moment I am a bit of an ATI fanboy.

I started with Gf 4 Ti4400, then the 8600 (which was very disappointed in). Then I got the 4870 which I still currently use. I have been very happy with the performance and driver support

My gut feeling is to stick with AMD, but I am open to suggestion. It also looks like there are quite a few sales for the 7000 series as the new 9000 are knocking to come out soon, making it slightly cheaper than the 760.

I will be gaming at 1680x1050 resolution (still using my lovely Dell 2009WA IPS monitor), but if another good deal IPS monitor will come out with 1920x1200 I wouldn't mind upgrading. Trying to get as much FPS as possible to the current titles and the next to come in the next few years.

I have looked at reviews such as these: http://gpuboss.com/gpus/Radeon-HD-7950-vs-GeForce-GTX-760

Even tho the GTX 760 is over a year newer, it does slightly performs better in games, but specs wise, it seems worst (1GB less memory, less memory bandwith, wider bus). I can only assume that the newer technology pushes the GTX 760 on top when comparing specs.
 
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if you at 1680x1050 either one is good about the same at the res, i went from a 6970 to a gtx 760 an loving it, didn't go amd again caz i was scared of the crossfire micro studder but since thats goin to be fixed very soon, its all about what one you can get cheaper, if i were you i'd get after market 7950, aswell as gtx 760, so whatever after market cooler you can get cheapest is the best offer.
 
I think they're about equivalent, seems to depend on who's reviewing them, which is odd.

But right now you can get 7950s for $180-220, and prices seem to drop every couple days, while the 760 is stuck at $260. So 7950 is the better buy right now.
 
I just upgraded from a 4870 myself, and was in your shoes. Two-ish weeks ago I bought an EVGA 760 ACX to replace my dependable 4870 for 255 dollars. That said, if I were buying today I'd be snagging a 7950 in a heart beat. I was being sorely tempted when the prices were comparable. Now, it's an easy decision imo.
 
no contest. HD 7950 all the way. even in a TWIMTBP title GTX 760(1280 mhz) can't beat HD 7950(1150 mhz). In AMD GE titles like tombraider, hitman, sleeping dogs, HD 7950 crushes GTX 760 by > 25%.

http://www.hardocp.com/article/2013/07/02/msi_n760_tf_2gd5oc_gtx_760_overclocking_review/5

at current prices HD 7950 is just unbeatable. so many good cards at USD 240 - USD 270.

Sapphire HD 7950 (925 mhz) - USD 245
www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202026

Sapphire HD 7950 Flex(925 mhz) - USD 270
www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202007

HIS HD 7950 Iceq x2 (950 mhz) - USD 245
www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161429

Gigabyte HD 7950 (1000 mhz) - USD 270
www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125414

the first card sapphire 100352-3l has no VRM temp sensors.

http://www.overclock.net/t/1367119/sapphire-100352-3l-hd7950-stripped-for-your-viewing-pleasure

Gigabyte is the fastest out of the box at 1 Ghz but with locked voltage. even at stock voltage 1100 - 1150 mhz is quite common. 3 yr warranty.

http://www.overclock.net/t/1416711/gigabyte-windforce-gold-standard

if you can fit the HIS HD 7950 iceq x2 card (311 mm long) in your case its the best . ref HD 7970 PCB. good cooler. sapphire and his have 2 yr warranty and unlocked voltage.

http://www.legionhardware.com/artic...hz_edition_7950_iceq_xsup2_boost_clock,3.html
 
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Thanks.

That was a great summary of the current 7950's. I'll mention that HIS 7950 to my friend for his LCD setup upgrade.
 
raghu78 said:
no contest. HD 7950 all the way. even in a TWIMTBP title GTX 760(1280 mhz) can't beat HD 7950(1150 mhz). In AMD GE titles like tombraider, hitman, sleeping dogs, HD 7950 crushes GTX 760 by > 25%.

http://www.hardocp.com/article/2013/07/02/msi_n760_tf_2gd5oc_gtx_760_overclocking_review/5

at current prices HD 7950 is just unbeatable. so many good cards at USD 240 - USD 270.

Sapphire HD 7950 (925 mhz) - USD 245
www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202026

Sapphire HD 7950 Flex(925 mhz) - USD 270
www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202007

HIS HD 7950 Iceq x2 (950 mhz) - USD 245
www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161429

Gigabyte HD 7950 (1000 mhz) - USD 270
www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125414

the first card sapphire 100352-3l has no VRM temp sensors.

http://www.overclock.net/t/1367119/sapphire-100352-3l-hd7950-stripped-for-your-viewing-pleasure

Gigabyte is the fastest out of the box at 1 Ghz but with locked voltage. even at stock voltage 1100 - 1150 mhz is quite common. 3 yr warranty.

http://www.overclock.net/t/1416711/gigabyte-windforce-gold-standard

if you can fit the HIS HD 7950 iceq x2 card (311 mm long) in your case its the best . ref HD 7970 PCB. good cooler. sapphire and his have 2 yr warranty and unlocked voltage.

http://www.legionhardware.com/artic...hz_edition_7950_iceq_xsup2_boost_clock,3.html
Click to expand...

Wow, that's great info, thanks! I have a $25 credit at Newegg so am trying to decide which one to get. I think I can fit the HIS in my 550D, but the Sapphire is $20 cheaper, does that have the 7970 PCB as well?
 
Varmint said:
Wow, that's great info, thanks! I have a $25 credit at Newegg so am trying to decide which one to get. I think I can fit the HIS in my 550D, but the Sapphire is $20 cheaper, does that have the 7970 PCB as well?
Click to expand...

no sapphire does not use HD 7970 PCB.
 
While one 7950 beats one 760, CF 7950 does not beat SLI 760 in 1080p and below. Also, CF 7950 means more heat and power, so bigger PSU and larger case as well. Also there are ZERO 7950 with full blowers on newegg, while most 760 have full blower fans more adequate for dual gpu builds.

Also consider that 7970 starts at USD 320, so USD 260 is close to the upper limit of price for a 7950/760.

I would say prices are almost adequate for both products: a 7950 offers more performance while the 760 uses less power and is more adequate for dual gpu systems.
 
ok, which one of you clowns grabbed the last HIS 7950 while I was waffling on it? :D
 
+1 on the 7950.

With current deals and overclocking potential, it's the best choice right now IMO.
 
Varmint said:
ok, which one of you clowns grabbed the last HIS 7950 while I was waffling on it? :D
Click to expand...

Get the MSI TF3. It's voltage unlocked and has the 7970 pcb.
They have a 3 year warranty that kicks ass. They will replace your card even if it has physical damage.

Trust me, I know.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127667
$225 after rebate with 3 games. It's definitely worth paying a little more for the great warranty and good heatsink.
 
based on price the 7950. and the possibility that the game selection may be updated to include BF4 (or other newer titles)
 
J Macker said:
Get the MSI TF3. It's voltage unlocked and has the 7970 pcb.
They have a 3 year warranty that kicks ass. They will replace your card even if it has physical damage.

Trust me, I know.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127667
$225 after rebate with 3 games. It's definitely worth paying a little more for the great warranty and good heatsink.
Click to expand...

The photo shows two 6-pin power connectors, doesn't the 7970 PCB have an 8pin connector?
 
Varmint said:
The photo shows two 6-pin power connectors, doesn't the 7970 PCB have an 8pin connector?
Click to expand...

Yes, but I'm pretty sure this is just on newegg not having accurate images on file.

UNLESS THERE HAS BEEN ANOTHER REVISION, I ordered 2 of that same item number in January, and they are 8+6 7970 PCBs (extra power phase and all). In fact, I didn't even know I was getting OC/BE 7970 PCB cards until they arrived :D

Maybe someone that has ordered more recently can say for sure, but going by the listed core clock, it should be the same card.

nto.png


img0625js.jpg
 
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I get the impression MSI is selling different versions under the same model, since I've seen reviews saying it's a custom 7950 PCB. Either way it's a solid card, I will go with either that or the HIS ICEQ.
 
I have a 760, kinda wish I'd gotten the 7950, but mainly because I recently started mining. Otherwise, meh, either one is fine.
 
Thanks for the suggestions. That MSI does look very good. Unfortunately being in Canada means I wouldn't be able to take advantage of the rebate from newegg. Checking pcpartpicker looks like us prices are roughly 40 cheaper. Ncix does seem to be having the gigabyte 7950 on sale for 245 at the Canadian Ncix. I have heard tho that the MSI RMA is significantly better, especially with all the centrers around NA including Canada. Well keep looking on pcpartpicker for more deals. It does seem the 7950 is currently the best bang for the buck
 
What is your system specs as you may need a new powersupply.. the jump from a HD4870 to a HD7950 is massive as that's 3 gens ahead and if your going do it then don't overlook the new price of the HD7970
 
7970 is still 100 $ or so more expensive. If I'd consider that, of consider waiting for the 9000 series. But I really don't want to spend more than 300$ and the 7950 will pretty much play anything I'll throw at it. I do come from a 4870 and honestly I can still play the new titles at medium or so.

As for PSU, I have my I'll trusty corsair tx650
 
After a ton of data mining i am looking with greater respect for the custom blower HIS 7950

Check this round up of 7950s.

HIS is a blower, more adequate to CF, runs cool and silent. Check the videos of the noise profile and you will realize that the HIS has a less annoying noise profile than even the ASUS DirectCu.
 
J Macker said:
Get the MSI TF3. It's voltage unlocked and has the 7970 pcb.
They have a 3 year warranty that kicks ass. They will replace your card even if it has physical damage.

Trust me, I know.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127667
$225 after rebate with 3 games. It's definitely worth paying a little more for the great warranty and good heatsink.
Click to expand...

+1, love mine, beast OCer.

Not all the MSI TF3 7950s use the 7970 PCBs (and sometimes there's no way to tell without checking the serial #), but the OC version they're shipping now seems to be the 7970 version (based on what people have been receiving).

I bought one after using a 570 for a while, (and briefly a new 770 in between). Happy with it, but already looking for upgrade options at 1080p (side effect of seeing the hit in performance after getting used to a 770); might wait for prices to come down to CF, or more likely upgrade to something like a used 770 once that hits $300-320...
 
I would've liked to be able to get that MSI for that price. Unfortunately being in Canada, the only available deal currently is on the Gigabyte Radeon HD 7950 Windforce for 245$ after 25$ mail in rebate.

Under reviews it does perform slightly better, is quieter and OC's equivalently to the MSI. I would've liked the MSI brand, and the "chance" of getting a 7970 PCB but I guess this will have to do.

So I will order this, unless there will be a new deal available by next weekend, when I am planning to have all my parts purchased and finally upgrade from my current rig. Will be using it on a MSI Z87 GD65 motherboard
 
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consider a used card. I've bought my 3570K, 560ti, 7950, and mobo used here on the forum and have only great things to say about the members and deals!
 
Thanks for the information provided in this thread... now the debate of my own becomes: buy the HIS 7950 now ($215+Tax) or wait a few weeks for the next generation and spend $300, assuming there's a card in that price range.
 
Under $200 with 3 free games us great deal. I doubt Hawaii will be able to touch this in terms of performance for dollar at release.

I'm hoping Hawaii cards have shorter PCB and at least 33% more performance than hd7950 for around $300.
 
I ended up ordering the HIS IceQ 7950 (price was good and it's supposed to be quieter). I decided on the 7950 over the 760 as I tend to use a lot of high res texture mods and thought the extra VRAM would be useful... hope my decision was the right one. I'm sure I'll be happy either way.
 
The HIS IceQ 7950 is massive... I had to take tin snips to my case to make it fit.

So far I've been able to run the card at 1140/1575MHz with load temps of 73*C. I haven't touched the voltage as the BOOST bios already bumps it up to 1.25v under load and it seems sufficient.

It's not too loud either (about equal to my last card).
 
melteye said:
I ended up ordering the HIS IceQ 7950 (price was good and it's supposed to be quieter). I decided on the 7950 over the 760 as I tend to use a lot of high res texture mods and thought the extra VRAM would be useful... hope my decision was the right one. I'm sure I'll be happy either way.
Click to expand...

It's a great card. I'm sure you will be happy with it. I've loved every build I have ever done with one and all of the people who use them are happy with their purchase.
 
as a mostly amd user too i made the switch to nvidia a few days ago mainly because i wanted physx.
was a tough change as documented in the thread here where i had some issues with the differences in video playback but i got those pretty much solved and im really liking the added realism.

amd usually have the better bang for buck ratio but nvidia do have that added feature...........
 
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