Amd 7870 vs 7950

[DistortionGamer]

Hi.
So I've recently decided to upgrade my graphics, an amd 6870 XFX, and I had both of these in mind, the amd 7870 2Gb and the 7950 3Gb.
I currently play at a 1680x1050 resolution but would like to upgrade to 1920x1080 later, 1 monitor only, and mostly games like Battlefield 3 (yes my goal is to run it on ultra).
Currently the difference between the 7870 and the 7950 is 50 euros.
Is it worth it?
(Keep in mind that for me money is pretty hard to come by)

EDIT: I've also been told to simply get another 6870 and crossfire and I'd get around the same performance, but I've read online that crossfiring for 1 monitor is a "gimmick", what do you think?

 

[Termie]

These benchmark results might be helpful: http://www.hardocp.com/article/2012/11/12/fall_2012_gpu_driver_comparison_roundup/4

You'll see that the 7950 Boost is about 20% faster in this game at the same settings, which would allow you to hold 4xAA instead of 2xAA at 60fps. That's on the high-side of the difference between these two video cards - a 7950 is usually about 15% faster, so it's up to you whether that difference is worth paying 50 Euros for.

That being said, if you're on a serious budget and can pick up an inexpensive HD6870, the performance will be practically the same as a 7950 Boost, but you won't be able to run ultra textures. If you're looking for a long-term solution, the 7950 is better for more game compatibility, and its VRAM is going to become increasingly important, but if you just want to play BF3 on the cheap, 6870 Crossfire is a very potent setup.

 

[DistortionGamer]

These benchmark results might be helpful: http://www.hardocp.com/article/2012/11/12/fall_2012_gpu_driver_comparison_roundup/4

You'll see that the 7950 Boost is about 20% faster in this game at the same settings, which would allow you to hold 4xAA instead of 2xAA at 60fps.

That being said, if you're on a serious budget and can pick up an inexpensive HD6870, the performance will be practically the same as a 7950 Boost, but you won't be able to run ultra textures. If you're looking for a long-term solution, the 7950 is better for more game compatibility, and its VRAM is going to become increasingly important, but if you just want to play BF3 on the cheap, 6870 Crossfire is a very potent setup.

Can you explain more about the vram? I've heard that it's only useful for when using more than 1 monitor, and I'm only planning on using one?
Still, I am looking for long term so I'm tipping towards the 7950.

 

[Termie]

Can you explain more about the vram? I've heard that it's only useful for when using more than 1 monitor, and I'm only planning on using one?
Still, I am looking for long term so I'm tipping towards the 7950.

That's incorrect. More VRAM is necessary whenever using settings that push beyond the memory buffer. While larger resolutions (as when using dual monitors) are one cause, many games today use more than 1GB VRAM even at 1080p, including BF3 ultra, and in particular, Skyrim. But there are others, so a forward-looking solution is a card with at least 2GB of VRAM, budget allowing.

 

[bigsnyder]

At 1920x1080, I personally think the 7870 is enough, especially if it is Tahiti LE (revised 7900 series) based core. 2GB is also plenty at that resolution.

 

[3DVagabond]

At 1920x1080, I personally think the 7870 is enough, especially if it is Tahiti LE (revised 7900 series) based core. 2GB is also plenty at that resolution.

+1 Excellent perf/$, especially if you O/C Sapphire 7870XT is $250 shipped @ Newegg.

 

[guskline]

I have a Gigabyte 7870OC in a 8150 rig and it plays BF3 well. What are your other specs? You will obviously notice a bigger difference upgrading to the 7950 but at a greater price. Crossfire might be the cheapest but what PSU do you have? Is your mb equipped for it? Here is the link from AnandTech Benchmarks for the 6870 vs the 7870:
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/540?vs=548

Here is the link for the 6870 vs the 7950:
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/540?vs=550

Hope this helps.

 

[DistortionGamer]

My motherboard is an MSI Z77A-G45, my CPU is an i5 3570 (non k), I have 8Gb of RAM, and my case is an Anandtech 300 (which I was told that it will be a tight fit with the 7950)

 

[AtenRa]

Get the 7950

 

[guskline]

Most noticeable change 7950. It should fit. I have the same case for one of my rigs and it should be ok. Measure your clearance and check on the specs for the specific 7950 gpu.

 

[guskline]

These benchmark results might be helpful: http://www.hardocp.com/article/2012/11/12/fall_2012_gpu_driver_comparison_roundup/4

You'll see that the 7950 Boost is about 20% faster in this game at the same settings, which would allow you to hold 4xAA instead of 2xAA at 60fps. That's on the high-side of the difference between these two video cards - a 7950 is usually about 15% faster, so it's up to you whether that difference is worth paying 50 Euros for.

That being said, if you're on a serious budget and can pick up an inexpensive HD6870, the performance will be practically the same as a 7950 Boost, but you won't be able to run ultra textures. If you're looking for a long-term solution, the 7950 is better for more game compatibility, and its VRAM is going to become increasingly important, but if you just want to play BF3 on the cheap, 6870 Crossfire is a very potent setup.

Termie: I see you still have your EVGA gtx670 FTW. Great card.

 

[DistortionGamer]

I was looking to get the Sapphire version. I think it's 11" not sure, but I've seen pictures and it fits by about 1mm.

 

[guskline]

I was looking to get the Sapphire version. I think it's 11" not sure, but I've seen pictures and it fits by about 1mm.

Should be fine. The Antec 300 is a good case designed for most gpus.

 

[bigsnyder]

It may technically fit an 11" card but will be tight. Check the pics in the following post (this a MSI card though):

http://www.overclock.net/t/1196856/...0-7970-7990-owners-thread/18590#post_18783671

 

[HellsAce]

If your torn between those two get the Radeon 7870 LE Tahiti Edition.....its pretty much and underclocked 7950, and it OCs a little bit hight then it on high overclocks. In all actuality it should be called the radeon 7890 or radeon 7930, dont know why AMD didnt do that this time around.

Heres one on NewEgg for $240- $219 after rebate.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...on%207870%20le

Trust me....best bang for you buck, that has 7950 performace for 7870 price tag

 

[DistortionGamer]

If your torn between those two get the Radeon 7870 LE Tahiti Edition.....its pretty much and underclocked 7950, and it OCs a little bit hight then it on high overclocks. In all actuality it should be called the radeon 7890 or radeon 7930, dont know why AMD didnt do that this time around.

Heres one on NewEgg for $240- $219 after rebate.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...on%207870%20le

Trust me....best bang for you buck, that has 7950 performace for 7870 price tag

Where I live the 7950 is about 35 euros more expensive. I don't think it's that much a difference, is it worth it?

 

[Jstn7477]

I would prefer the 7950 over the Tahiti LE. The only real advantage a Tahiti LE has over a 7870 seems to be 256 more stream processors, so unless it overclocks like crazy, I'd rather vouch for a 7870. Having 25% of some parts laser locked on a chip doesn't seem to bode well for chip quality IMO, but you never know.