ROG MATRIX HD 7970 Preview

[Don Karnage]

Source

http://rog.asus.com/forum/showthread.php?17532-Preview-ROG-MATRIX-HD-7970&country=&status=

Features specifically designed for overclockers include VGA Hotwire, which syncs up with the current Extreme boards: Rampage IV Extreme and the upcoming Maximus V Extreme, that have the receptive connectors. This is then used in conjunction with the OC Key that’s bundled with the Extreme boards also. While current DirectCU II cards can also be VGA Hotwire’d via soldering, the MATRIX goes one better to include actual plug sockets, so the soldering is no longer required. This is a small privilege reserved for ROG users.

 

[Dark Shroud]

This is why I no longer buy video cards at launch.

 

[jacktesterson]

This is why I no longer buy video cards at launch.

Why? This card will likely not Overclock much better than the original DCII. Just my initial opinion. (not worth a premium anyways)

 

[Elfear]

Voltage measuring points with sockets is a major bonus in my eyes. Having to solder on a $500+ video card is not for the faint of heart.

 

[lifeblood]

As you’d expect for MATRIX card, both GPU and memory will have factory overclocks, although the final clock speeds won’t be stated until closer to the retail launch date.

I wonder if they're waiting for the new 7970s with increased clocks to come out? It would be embarrassing if a few weeks later AMD introduces a new 7970 with higher clocks then their new MATRIX card.

 

[borisvodofsky]

Voltage measuring points with sockets is a major bonus in my eyes. Having to solder on a $500+ video card is not for the faint of heart.

When I had my x1900xtx at $600 launch (years ago), I soldered on the volt mods even before putting the card in the computer

 

[chimaxi83]

Yea, my 680 DC II was soldered after I plugged it in to make sure it works. Results have been pretty good. It's not a Matrix though, curious to see how high these clock. My 680 needs an upgrade

 

[Elfear]

I wanted to volt-mod a pair of 7800GTs years ago and took them to a friend of mine whose job consisted of soldering circuit boards. Apparently the components on a video card are a lot smaller than the stuff she was working on because she melted some traces on one of the cards. Had to send it to a modder named Viper John to fix it. Cards overclocked well with the extra volts but it cost me $200 to get pots soldered on and $50 to fix my mistake.

I really like the trend lately of software voltage mods. Much easier on the pocket book.