Radeon HD 7950 Owner's Thread

[stylez777]

Received my Sapphire 7950 Boost version card today. Just un-boxed it and installed 12.11 beta 4.

Powered up GPU-Z and got an ASIC % of 63.9%. Going to play around it for a little and report back with some overclocks benchies etc

***Update***

So couple hours with the card. Had a feeling something would not be right form the get go when i got the package and the little sticker on the box was already opened and the box was dented on the bottom.

Installed it an messed with over clocking was able to run some benchmarks at 1100/1400 most were stable other times it stuttered. tried to mess with voltage increases but with the boost edition cards makes it more difficult. The card will not boot with any other 7950 non boost bios but will boot with a 7970 bios but then it seems voltage won't go past 1.170v which should be fine to get a decent 1150/1500 overclock (or one would think not with this card) Worst of all...Coil whine! omg I used to think what the heck are people talking about coil whine they have to be crazy. well no they not crazy as I sit here this card is wing wing wing wing loud as heck that my wife in the next room came out asking what the hell is that!! Suffice to say Newegg getting a call form me tomorrow take this back and I'm getting the MSI or Gigabyte. I really hope Newegg didn't pull a shaddy move on me try and send me a returned card cause even the inside packaging seemed off.

***Update #2***
So RMA'd that sapphire card cause if it was even possible the coil whine was even louder today. Something was just not right. I picked up the MSI 7950 TF3. I may one day start a water cooling project so nice to have the option of a reference 7970 pcb. Hope my luck is a bit better 2nd time around. Will report back when it comes in (if anyone even cares lol)

[zaydq]

Originally Posted by stylez777

Received my Sapphire 7950 Boost version card today. Just un-boxed it and installed 12.11 beta 4.

Powered up GPU-Z and got an ASIC % of 63.9%. Going to play around it for a little and report back with some overclocks benchies etc

***Update***

So couple hours with the card. Had a feeling something would not be right form the get go when i got the package and the little sticker on the box was already opened and the box was dented on the bottom.

Installed it an messed with over clocking was able to run some benchmarks at 1100/1400 most were stable other times it stuttered. tried to mess with voltage increases but with the boost edition cards makes it more difficult. The card will not boot with any other 7950 non boost bios but will boot with a 7970 bios but then it seems voltage won't go past 1.170v which should be fine to get a decent 1150/1500 overclock (or one would think not with this card) Worst of all...Coil whine! omg I used to think what the heck are people talking about coil whine they have to be crazy. well no they not crazy as I sit here this card is wing wing wing wing loud as heck that my wife in the next room came out asking what the hell is that!! Suffice to say Newegg getting a call form me tomorrow take this back and I'm getting the MSI or Gigabyte. I really hope Newegg didn't pull a shaddy move on me try and send me a returned card cause even the inside packaging seemed off.

***Update #2***
So RMA'd that sapphire card cause if it was even possible the coil whine was even louder today. Something was just not right. I picked up the MSI 7950 TF3. I may one day start a water cooling project so nice to have the option of a reference 7970 pcb. Hope my luck is a bit better 2nd time around. Will report back when it comes in (if anyone even cares lol)

Thanks for the feedback man. Looks like the Sapphire cards aren't coming with binned chips. The boost edition also is just one more step to overcome if you're overclocking which is . Also, we all care, it helps those that may be considering buying a 7950 make their decision. If you read through the pages, many members bought a 7950 because of the proven overclocking from myself and other early adopters.

I think you'll be more than happy with the MSI TFIII. Keep us posted

[zaydq]

Originally Posted by tigersty1e

I'm stable to 1850mhz with my ram. error detection (decreased performance) doesn't kick in until 1900. 1.5v is supposed to be stock but my card came in at 1.6v. I want to run my ram at 1600 and tighten down the voltage.

so do you know how the answer to my question?


Posted from Anandtech.com App for Android

Sapphire, or whoever you got your card with, may not have used the same memory as the reference models in the review. They may have also changed manufacturers. If the card comes at 1.5v i would leave it there unless you really don't mind the added risk.

I don't think lowering the voltage will do harm, but I also don't see why you would want to lower it for a 1600 mem OC. You might as well leave it where its at. Focus on the GPU vcore and tweaking that more so than the memory.

[Endymion FRS]

I just got my Gigabyte 7950 WF, and I love it already. Small question though. I tried to OC in Trixx, and just to goof off I set it at 1000/1400. I got a driver crash when starting Sleeping Dogs. When I went to reset it, I noticed I had a VDDC setting in Trixx. Is that my core voltage? Right now it is at its default 1090mv, but it was at 933mv when I tried it earlier. Is that too low? It's been a while since I overclocked my 6950 in this so I don't remember if that is the voltage control. Should the power target be set at max.

[stylez777]

Originally Posted by Endymion FRS

I just got my Gigabyte 7950 WF, and I love it already. Small question though. I tried to OC in Trixx, and just to goof off I set it at 1000/1400. I got a driver crash when starting Sleeping Dogs. When I went to reset it, I noticed I had a VDDC setting in Trixx. Is that my core voltage? Right now it is at its default 1090mv, but it was at 933mv when I tried it earlier. Is that too low? It's been a while since I overclocked my 6950 in this so I don't remember if that is the voltage control. Should the power target be set at max.

Each card varies in it's overclocking ability. Conceivably you should be able to hit 1000/1400 with 1.1v. VDDC setting in trixx is the core voltage. Also the power target slider most people say to put this to +20 before messing with voltage and seeing what you can get with the stock voltage.

I am curious in GPU-Z what is the asic % of your card? Can you run it let us know (it located by clicking the green card in the upper left corner if you didn't know).

[Smartazz]

Boost can be disabled by forcing constant voltage in msi afterburner and setting powertune limit to 20%. I'm sitting at 1.2 volts and 1120/1400 and the clock speeds never change while gaming.

[Endymion FRS]

Originally Posted by stylez777

Each card varies in it's overclocking ability. Conceivably you should be able to hit 1000/1400 with 1.1v. VDDC setting in trixx is the core voltage. Also the power target slider most people say to put this to +20 before messing with voltage and seeing what you can get with the stock voltage.

I am curious in GPU-Z what is the asic % of your card? Can you run it let us know (it located by clicking the green card in the upper left corner if you didn't know).

ASIC is 78.9%. Is that good? I'll try later increasing power target and then bumping the clocks.

[Smartazz]

Originally Posted by Endymion FRS

ASIC is 78.9%. Is that good? I'll try later increasing power target and then bumping the clocks.

Yes that's good. Mine is around 60% and needs a lot of volts to hit over 1100MHz.

[stylez777]

Originally Posted by Endymion FRS

ASIC is 78.9%. Is that good? I'll try later increasing power target and then bumping the clocks.

Yes that is pretty good. It is actually right inline from what I heard. Gigabytes cards are falling in the 72-79 range Sapphire boost cards are coming in under 70 and most msi tf3 cards are in the 80's.

All it really means is that the higher the asic the lower the voltage it should take to hit the a higher overclock. Of course with technology nothing talked in absolutes

[mablo]

Hey all

I'm picking up a 7950, and was thinking about the Sapphire boost clock edition with the dual-x fans as ts on sale.

http://www.komplett.no/k/ki.aspx?sku=761887

What I'm wondering is if its worth paying 500NOk extra for the Vapor-X version. That's almost 90$, or I guess relatively speaking with our prices and currency compared to the US more like 50. Still, is it worth that much more? I would rather get the Gigabyte or MSI versions, but unfortunately they don't come with the Never Settle bundle.

[Smartazz]

Originally Posted by mablo

Hey all

I'm picking up a 7950, and was thinking about the Sapphire boost clock edition with the dual-x fans as ts on sale.

http://www.komplett.no/k/ki.aspx?sku=761887

What I'm wondering is if its worth paying 500NOk extra for the Vapor-X version. That's almost 90$, or I guess relatively speaking with our prices and currency compared to the US more like 50. Still, is it worth that much more? I would rather get the Gigabyte or MSI versions, but unfortunately they don't come with the Never Settle bundle.

The Vapor X is not worth that much more in my opinion.

[mablo]

Originally Posted by Smartazz

The Vapor X is not worth that much more in my opinion.

Thanks. I'll probably pick up the dual-x then. The other option at the same price is the XFX Dual Dissipation. I'm not a fan of their coolers though, I have a XFX 7850 with a single fan now. It's quite noisy and hot. Think the dual fan is much better?

[Smartazz]

Originally Posted by mablo

Thanks. I'll probably pick up the dual-x then. The other option at the same price is the XFX Dual Dissipation. I'm not a fan of their coolers though, I have a XFX 7850 with a single fan now. It's quite noisy and hot. Think the dual fan is much better?

I have the Sapphire 7950 you're looking at and it's very quiet. Only problem is that it can't reach really high overclocks without insane voltage.

[mablo]

Originally Posted by Smartazz

I have the Sapphire 7950 you're looking at and it's very quiet. Only problem is that it can't reach really high overclocks without insane voltage.

Well I guess I can live with that. How far can you go without voltage increase? 1050?

[Smartazz]

Originally Posted by mablo

Well I guess I can live with that. How far can you go without voltage increase? 1050?

Stock voltage is 1.1 volts and stock boost voltage is 1.25 volts. Using the stock boost voltage, I can run 1175MHz on the core, but I scaled it back to 1.2 volts at 1120MHz.

[mablo]

Originally Posted by Smartazz

Stock voltage is 1.1 volts and stock boost voltage is 1.25 volts. Using the stock boost voltage, I can run 1175MHz on the core, but I scaled it back to 1.2 volts at 1120MHz.

Wow didn't realize stock boost voltage was that high. Seems like a lot for only 950MHz. Thank you for your help, I'll just order the boost edition.

[stylez777]

Originally Posted by mablo

Hey all

I'm picking up a 7950, and was thinking about the Sapphire boost clock edition with the dual-x fans as ts on sale.

http://www.komplett.no/k/ki.aspx?sku=761887

What I'm wondering is if its worth paying 500NOk extra for the Vapor-X version. That's almost 90$, or I guess relatively speaking with our prices and currency compared to the US more like 50. Still, is it worth that much more? I would rather get the Gigabyte or MSI versions, but unfortunately they don't come with the Never Settle bundle.

That is weird that the MSI or Gigabyte doesn't come with the never settle bundle because it should. I'd call them and ask why it doesn't before you order or argue a bit and get them to give it to you if you buy the MSI or Gigabyte.

[RussianSensation]

HD7950 tested with latest Cats 12.11s.




Review

Looking good.

[mablo]

Originally Posted by stylez777

That is weird that the MSI or Gigabyte doesn't come with the never settle bundle because it should. I'd call them and ask why it doesn't before you order or argue a bit and get them to give it to you if you buy the MSI or Gigabyte.

Yeah I agree it's weird. I ordered the Sapphire card though, the price was great. I wanted to buy Hitman and Far Cry anyway, so the value is amazing for me.

[Rikard]

I finally settled for a 7950 Sapphire Vapor-X OC today. I got it for 265 euro + Dirt Showdown + Nexuiz + Deus Ex + Sleeping Dogs + Far Cry 3 + Hitman Absolution. That should keep me busy for a while! Only problem is parents in law are coming the same day as the card... I will post back here once I have some OC results to share. Cant wait

[Face2Face]

Originally Posted by RussianSensation

HD7950 tested with latest Cats 12.11s.



Looking good.

Wow! With the new 12.11's the 7950 is even more of a powerhouse. It's the card to get this generation Price/Performance wise. I am very happy with mine. Every game I play @ 1080 is a joke, it just gobbles everything up. Looking at the 2560X1440 Monitor @ Microcenter. That may changes things....

[hungloww]

Unfortunately the memory on my MSI TF3 sucks, it can't even hit 1300MHz without artifacts. GPU-Z shows Asic rating of 84.8%... The TF3 I have is 2 6pin connectors and I can get it stable at 1160 on core with a Vcore of 1.16. From what I have seen and heard, memory overclock doesn't improve FPS as much as core, so I guess I can't complain .

[stylez777]

My MSI TF3 7950 just arrived today. I cannot wait to get home and get it installed and see what I can get out of it. Will report back with my results.

[mablo]

Just installed my Sapphire. Asic rating of 58.6. Lowest yet?

Edit: I tried overclocking the card slightly(1050mhz), but my screen started flickering in games. Reverting to stock seems to have fixed it. Never encountered anything like this before.

[Face2Face]

Originally Posted by mablo

Just installed my Sapphire. Asic rating of 58.6. Lowest yet?

Edit: I tried overclocking the card slightly(1050mhz), but my screen started flickering in games. Reverting to stock seems to have fixed it. Never encountered anything like this before.

That is pretty low. I guess it would be a great overclocker under water. Try 1000Mhz and see if it will hold? I can do 1050Mhz on stock voltage but it's not needed for the games I play.