7970 overclocks vs 7950 overclocks

[tigersty1e]

How much higher do 7970 overclock over 7950?

Can you use afterburner to extend the max core/memory/votlage on the 7950?

 

[zaydq]

In terms of MSI AB extending the core/mem/voltage ability for the 7950, the answer is yes although some members seem to have difficulty getting it unlocked. I run my OC's through afterburner on my 7950 and i maxed out at 1200/1800.

7970s vs 7950s OCing ability is a difficult question to answer. Not all cards win on the silicon lottery, but taking from the best case scenarios i've seen from both cards, the 7970 is usually 5%-8% faster clock for clock at best, meaning to match a 7970 running at 1ghz, you'd need a 7950 running around 1050mhz at best case scenario. With that also said, the lottery plays a big role since you can buy a 7970 that maxes out at 1100mhz core meanwhile you could end up buying a 7950 that maxes out at 1200 on the core. With the above math you'd end up faster with the 7950. This could also play out in terms of a role reversal where the 7950 won't OC far enough to keep up or outpace the 7970. Lottery is always a bit of a gamble. If $ is not a concern your safer best would be the 7970, if you're strapped to a budget then get a 7950 and take your chances.

I will say from my readings that 7950s tend to be insane overclockers. The Owner's Thread on this forum can attest to that. It's not uncommon to see 30%-40% overclocks on the core frequencies. 7970s tend to overclock very well as well.

 

[tigersty1e]

so unlocking the max core/mem/voltage in afterburner is not as easy as just editing a config file?

 

[zaydq]

Like I said, I had 0 issues unlocking it with MSI AB. Other members seemed to have trouble. Whether they were doing it wrong or made other errors OR if MSI AB was being problematic, that I do not know.

 

[Shmee]

I believe that sapphire Trixx can also be used. Not sure if it will unlock like MSI AB, but I know its a good alternative OC program.

 

[zaydq]

Asus GPUtweak unlocks and can be used. It also can be used to unlock Afterburner.

 

[aaksheytalwar]

7970 is 5-10% faster clock to clock an on an avg overclocks 5-10% higher as well. You are always better off with a 7970 if money is not an issue.

 

[flopper]

General note difference seems to be an average 100mhz higher OC on a 7970 vs 7950.

 

[Silverforce11]

General note difference seems to be an average 100mhz higher OC on a 7970 vs 7950.

Oc net, average 7950 seems to be around 1.15ghz, average 7970 is 1.2ghz. It takes a 7950 to run 50mhz faster to equal 7970.