6950 2GB Help.

[Tim]

Hello,

Is this video card one of the 6950's that should be able to be flashed to unlock whatever it is that's unlockable?

http://www.amazon.com/Sapphire-DL-DV...7780492&sr=8-1

Also, how does this card compare to the Gigabyte gtx 460 1gb card I have now (take into account flashed 6950/non-flashed 6950 if it will help)

Thank you in advance.

 

[Motek]

My XFX 6950 worked fine so I think this should be ok.
You may want to consider the SLI option with gtx 460 since it may outperform a single 6950.
Check some benchmarks

 

[Tim]

The gtx 460 will be sold to a friend in need for a reasonable price.

 

[Motek]

In my opinion a flashed or even unflashed 6950 will be noticeably superior to the GTX 460.
If you have the cash, then go for it! Amazon seem to have a good deal especially with rebate

If you are a bit short on cash though, I would strongly re-suggest the SLI option.

 

[jackstar7]

It looks to be a reference design, so it should flash, to answer your first question.

 

[thilanliyan]

Buy the card but PLEASE be really careful when flashing (DO NOT USE A 6970 BIOS). Or better yet don't do it at all. You get a larger performance gain from overclocking from the unlocked shaders. Read up on performance differences between a 6950 at 6970 speeds and one with an unlocked 6950 at 6970 speeds.
Read this...you will see that it isn't really worth the unlock:
http://www.overclock.net/ati/909086-6950-shaders-unlocked-vs-full-unlocked.html

 

[Tim]

Buy the card but PLEASE be really careful when flashing (DO NOT USE A 6970 BIOS). Or better yet don't do it at all. You get a larger performance gain from overclocking from the unlocked shaders. Read up on performance differences between a 6950 at 6970 speeds and one with an unlocked 6950 at 6970 speeds.
Read this...you will see that it isn't really worth the unlock:
http://www.overclock.net/ati/909086-6950-shaders-unlocked-vs-full-unlocked.html

Everything I'm seeing shows know no issues doing only the shader unlock and overclocking a little.

I'm pretty sure I'll go the with only the shader unlock, and a slight overclock just to be safe. I'm having trouble finding clear instructions on doing the shader only unlock though...

 

[brencat]

Hello,

Is this video card one of the 6950's that should be able to be flashed to unlock whatever it is that's unlockable?

http://www.amazon.com/Sapphire-DL-DV...7780492&sr=8-1

Yes, that appears to be a reference card so is flashable.

I have this one...for $4 more AR shipped and success rate of flashing is almost 100% (i.e. 49 out of 50 last count on TPU forums).

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-355-_-Product

I am using the HIS 6950 "shaders only" unlocked bios, NOT the 6970 bios on this, fyi.

 

[thilanliyan]

I'm pretty sure I'll go the with only the shader unlock, and a slight overclock just to be safe. I'm having trouble finding clear instructions on doing the shader only unlock though...

Well, if you insist on doing it:
http://www.overclock.net/ati/915716-6950-shader-unlock-voltage-control.html