5970 VS

[|Nexus|]

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150460&nm_mc=AFC-C8junctionCA&cm_mmc=AFC-C8JunctionCA-_-Video+Cards-_-XFX-_-14150460&AID=10592396&PID=3135279&SID=1266408044N82E16814150460aan

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102863&nm_mc=AFC-C8junctionCA&cm_mmc=AFC-C8JunctionCA-_-Video+Cards-_-Sapphire+Tech-_-14102863&AID=10592396&PID=3135279&SID=1266408248N82E16814102863aan

Just wanting to know if there is a major difference between these two cards, be it at stock or through overclocking capabilities? Does the XFX OVERVOLT application, which is clearly exclusive to the Black Edition, really make that much of a difference in a real world test if used properly? Does the Sapphire card have an equivalent application of any sort, and if so, how does that stack up? Oh and finally, what's the difference between the HD-597A-CNB9 and the HD597ACNF9 (both of which come from XFX)?

Would really appreciate the info as my current and long awaited build is stuck in purgatory until either an XFX HD 5970 BE comes to be by some means of unimaginable unforeseen events, or I come to the conclusion that it's not worth the wait and pick up a Sapphire as they're usually a lot more readily available. Thanks in advance, guys!

 

[PrincessFrosty]

The overvolt utility is vendor agnostic, ATI made the reference code and released it to board partners so not only does pretty much each board partner have it's own version of that, but they're often interchangeable.

I have a sapphire 5970 and didn't like sapphires OV tool so used MSI's afterburner instead, that's a really brilliant application for overvolting, overclocking, and taking temp/load/fanspeed readings from both GPUs.

I don't think theres any significant difference between any of the available 5970 cards unless you can find one with a custom cooler, the only difference is in price and added extras like extended warranty.

 

[|Nexus|]

Don't mean to downplay your post or make it seem as if I'm not grateful for the help, which I am, but I really need to know that I'm not going to be missing out on the Rolls-Royce of the GPU world for a Lincoln. In other words, is there anything concrete in terms of proof or whatnot that they're basically the same card with different logos on the front?

Edit: Just a thought, could I crossfire the Sapphire with any other branded 5970?

 

[JCDenton]

Google works.

 

[PrincessFrosty]

Don't mean to downplay your post or make it seem as if I'm not grateful for the help, which I am, but I really need to know that I'm not going to be missing out on the Rolls-Royce of the GPU world for a Lincoln. In other words, is there anything concrete in terms of proof or whatnot that they're basically the same card with different logos on the front?

Edit: Just a thought, could I crossfire the Sapphire with any other branded 5970?

As long as it's an ATI 5970 and not some other model number, it's basically the same card.

If you're not willing to take someones word on it, why are you here asking?

 

[Sikkyu]

you can also crossfire a any 5970 with any 5970 or 5870, since they all use the same chips


*The more you know!*

 

[|Nexus|]

~JCDenton: "Google works."

To some degree, yes. As for the main topics at hand, it's somewhat hit and miss. Too many opinions out there to deduce a coherent thought. That's why I brought up the question here, as I've found [H] members to be quite astute in more ways than one.

~PrincessFrosty: I am here today to form a collective thought process, if you will, on what seems to be one of the great mysteries tied to these two GPUs. I in no way intended to discredit your earlier post by my second, but rather encourage a second opinion to nudge me even closer to making a final decision. After all the damn thing is $800+, so it's no easy venture on both my wallet and conscience. Needless to say, I have appreciated your contribution. So much so in fact that I ordered the Sapphire, knowing now that I may crossfire it with whatever 5970 I want. Lets just say that fact put me at ease. So thank you, again.

~Sikkyu: Thanks

 

[ryken]

xfx for the warranty, no other difference in the cards. they are the same thing, different sticker at this point.

As far as XFire goes, any brand will do, but you are already at 2 GPU's with the 5970, so you won't see gains that are worth the cost. Would see better performance from spending the cash elsewhere (SSD!)

Edit: just saw you ordered the Sapphire. That works too, my Sapphire 5850 has been berry berry good to me.

 

[|Nexus|]

Would see better performance from spending the cash elsewhere (SSD!)

Believe it or not, but I just recently learned of the great gains of using a SSD. However I unfortunately do not really know or understand all that much about RAID, and how I'd use a SSD specifically for my OS while reserving a regular HDD for serious storage.That and whether to go SLC or MLC. Too many options IMO, but I only say that now due to my lack of knowledge. Though I guess that's why Google exists.

Thanks for the info.