Got my HD 7950 installed, is this a problem?

Page 2 - Seeking answers? Join the AnandTech community: where nearly half-a-million members share solutions and discuss the latest tech.

Binky

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
4,046
4
81
I don't have the MSI 7950, but I have a twin frozr 6950 card and the cooling on these is very good. I've also been reading up about the MSI 7950 and the cooling is reported to be very good (and I have one on order). Skimming various reviews suggests that normal temps during gaming are much lower than 80+.

You shouldn't be seeing 100% fan speed in normal games. There's something wrong - probably with the card.

Return to the vendor - don't RMA. You will be assured of a new card that way, not a refurb.
 

p_monks33

Golden Member
May 22, 2011
1,292
5
81
Yeah. Sound like its a bad card. Send it back to vendor. Msi will take a long time to return the card to you, hopefully newegg does it right and doesn't charge a restock fee.
 
Last edited:

ocre

Golden Member
Dec 26, 2008
1,594
7
81
Well now I'm not so sure it's temp related. Furmark is locking it up at 62c.

What is the stock voltage on this card supposed to be? Mine tops out at 1.13v

If it isn't temperature related what else could it be? Could my power supply not be up to the job. It isn't the best PSU in the world so I've been told, it's this one;

http://www.pcper.com/reviews/Cases-and-Cooling/XClio-GreatPower-750W-Power-Supply-Review?aid=275

I got it because it was on a Johny Gury recommended list but everybody who hears the name tells me it's junk. It has given me no problems in the past however.

i actually think it could be the PSU. Yours has four 12v rails with 18amps max. I do not like multiple rail PSUs that have separate low amps that must be combined for powerful gpus. I find the multiple 12v rails flaky and problematic. i much rather prefer a more modern type single rail PSU such as this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817171053

PSU said:
+12V Rails: Single
+3.3V@25A, +5V@25A, +12V@60A, -12V@0.5A, +5VSB@2.5A

This is just an example but of what i think matters very much when choosing a PSU. Single high amp rail over multiple additive rails any day.

What you could try doing is splitting up the power best you can. Try pulling the power from a different combination of rails by using the six pin PCIe adapter from 2 molex cables. This might could help distribute the work load across different rails.

The issues is your GPU might draw up to 40amps which your psu cannot deliver with 2 rails of 18amp (peak). This poses an issue. It cannot even supply 18+18 at full load consistently. You would need to draw power from 3 rails to have enough consistent amperage to operate your card. Using your 2 six pin PCIe connectors probably just wont cut it. If you can find a way to split the load across three of your v12 rails, your PSU might be able to handle it. Otherwise you need to buy another PSU.

try the molex to six pin adapters to try to grab power from other rails. It should be possible to get the amps you need but you may have to modify things if you know what i mean. Remember that you will need to somehow get 3 12v rails connect to your pcie 6pin/8pin power inputs if your going to try to use this PSU.

If all configurations fail I have seen ppl do extreme things like cutting wires to tie power from separate rails together. this is pretty extreme and is dangerous especially if you dont know what you are doing. I think a new PSU would be the ticket if you cant get the power from your 3 rails.
 

balane

Senior member
Dec 15, 2006
666
0
76
I wish I could try it but he has to mail it to me. I already dropped off the card at UPS this morning. Just how much more power would a stock 7950 draw over a 5870 overclocked to 900/1300? My 5870 has never skipped a beat. I'm glad I still have it to use while I wait.
 

Kenmitch

Diamond Member
Oct 10, 1999
8,505
2,250
136
I think they have similar power profiles. It's possible that the adapter was defective I guess. It's also possible the frankenstein 7950 as you call it just put your power supply over the edge.

Reading the commets about your current power supply it wouldn't hurt to pick up the Corsair if you get a good deal on it.
 

balane

Senior member
Dec 15, 2006
666
0
76
$75 for the Corsair 750 and, at a minimum, people will quit pitching me shit about my PSU when I mention the name. :)

It's on the way, a new card will be here as soon as the RMA process is completed. Also upgrading the OEM 200mm fans in my case to help with cooling, even though it wasn't bad before the new video card doesn't push everything out the back like my 5870 did.

Just hope this works. I almost asked to pay the difference for a GTX 670 but I really want to stick with the 7950 if I can get one to function well in my computer.

BTW, thanks, and that's to all, for your help.