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Lightning BE vs Matrix Platinum

A

Anytime

n00b
Joined
Jun 19, 2012
Messages
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I've just built a new rig that I'd like to last for a solid 2-3 years. I'm avoiding multi-gpu - been there done that, got really sick of the hassle. I've built the rig but I'm still without a GPU. I've decided 7970 instead of the GTX 680 as I believe it to be as of now quicker and more overclocking oriented. I want a high end model with excellent cooling as I have no plans to ever go water, and I'd like as much OC headroom as possible.

I narrowed it down to the Lightning BE, the Matrix Platinum and the Sapp Vapor-X but ruled out the Sapphire due to the 2 year warranty (on a high end card? Really?) and the fact you need to buy a 6GB model in order to not have a hideous blue pcb (aesthetics matter to me a little).

Which one would be the better option? I know the Matrix is 3 slots, will this lead to ridiculous sag or is there proper support? I know both are very overbuilt, I guess I'm just wondering if either has any significant issue that would make the other a better choice. I want to make a decision this weekend so I any input will be taken into consideration and is much appreciated.
 
Resale wise I would imagine someone would be looking for a 2 slot card verses a 3, especially if they are trying to do SLI. Lightning BE is also far more easier to find for sale, a quick google shopping search shows 50 stores selling it verses 5 for the MATRIX. It also comes slightly higher clocked stock too. I have had several MSI video cards and they are absolutely fantastic. Maintenance wise I hear the Twin Frozr IV is pretty good on making sure dust stay out.
 
Anytime said:
I've just built a new rig that I'd like to last for a solid 2-3 years. I'm avoiding multi-gpu - been there done that, got really sick of the hassle. I've built the rig but I'm still without a GPU. I've decided 7970 instead of the GTX 680 as I believe it to be as of now quicker and more overclocking oriented. I want a high end model with excellent cooling as I have no plans to ever go water, and I'd like as much OC headroom as possible.

Which one would be the better option? I know the Matrix is 3 slots, will this lead to ridiculous sag or is there proper support? I know both are very overbuilt, I guess I'm just wondering if either has any significant issue that would make the other a better choice. I want to make a decision this weekend so I any input will be taken into consideration and is much appreciated.
Click to expand...

the MSI HD 7970 lightning boost edition has 1150 mhz boost while the ASUS HD 7970 Matrix Platinum has 1100 mhz boost. so stock speeds are higher on msi card. the ASUS card has 20 phase power while the MSI has 17 phase power. the ASUS cooler is better and keeps the chip at lower temps than the MSI Twin Frozr IV cooler. Both cards have a backplate. So you do not need to be concerned about sag.

http://www.legitreviews.com/article/2068/1/

"At the end of the PCB you'll see that ASUS has placed their ''TweakIt' technology on the actual PCB, so you can adjust hardware voltage in real-time as well as turning the fan speed up to 100%. By pressing the '+' or '-" button you adjust the GPU core voltage up to +0.125V in 10 jumps ranging from 1.270V to 1.335V. This is great for overclocking as you can be running a benchmark and if you start to see artifacts or issues you can just click these buttons for more or less power.

The 'safe mode' button is one that is seldom used when things are going right, but saves your butt when crap hits the fan. By pushing this button it resets the graphics card back to the default clock frequencies and voltages! Think of it like a clear CMOS button for a motherboards BIOS. This switch is a life-saver as it keeps you from possibly bricking the card during an extreme overclock. Enthusiasts and overclockers will certainly appreciate this feature as it takes some of the worry out of overclocking, so you can focus on having fun. Above those three buttons you have the 100% fan speed turbo button. This button puts the fans at 100% power with just a click of a button. There are also 10 LED lights to show you how far you've increased the voltage."

Overclocking wise you are at the mercy of the silicon lottery. there are ASUS HD 7970 Matrix users who have failed to cross 1200 Mhz while few others have gone to 1325 to 1350 Mhz. The reviews would have got hand picked samples because almost every review showed the matrix doing 1300+ Mhz.

http://www.legitreviews.com/article/2068/13/
http://www./forum/hardware-canucks-...70-3gb-matrix-platinum-edition-review-20.html

the ASUS HD 7970 Matrix has the extra bit needed by enthusiasts for extreme overclocking and the cooler is better. so go for it.
 
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