Sapphire vs. Asus x1950 pro

[AndeeG]

I'm gearing up to buy an x1950 pro and just noticed that both the ASUS and Sapphire versions are available on zipzoomfly. The Sapphire is 5 bucks more. Which one should I get?

 

[winste]

You have to buy a processor as well to get the keyboard.

Also, it appears the Asus fan is much larger than the Sapphire. I'm looking to upgrade to the X1950Pro as well but I don't think the Asus is going to fit since I have a BTX board that is a little cramped and only has on PCI-E x16 slot.

 

[AndeeG]

Originally posted by: winste
You have to buy a processor as well to get the keyboard.

just realized that, i'll fix it.

 

[Snakexor]

get the asus, better cooler

 

[Corporate Thug]

asus, better cooler and 3 yr warrenty (vs 2 on the sapp)

 

[Captante]

The Asus is the better card aside from the cooler taking up two slots vs Sapphire only one, but if you plan on Crossfire at some point down the road make sure you get on that includes the required internal bridge connecter because not all of them do.

 

[AndeeG]

Are there any reviews comparing the two cards and actually stating that the Asus is significantly cooler?

 

[Captante]

Heres a link to a decent test of the Asus card ... I'm too lazy to read through it again, but I do seem to recall some mention of temps compared to the ATI reference cooler.

http://www.elitebastards.com/cms/index....com_content&task=view&id=187&Itemid=27

 

[Vortex22]

CCC says my Sapphire 1950pro is running at 44C right now. It's in a "silent" antec case with only a single rear 120mm fan, so I suppose it's decent.

 

[a123456]

Originally posted by: Vortex22
CCC says my Sapphire 1950pro is running at 44C right now. It's in a "silent" antec case with only a single rear 120mm fan, so I suppose it's decent.

Random question, but how do you get CCC to display temps? I have pretty much the same setup except it's the ASUS model, and I'm using the 6.10b Catalyst package. I can get it fine with ATT, but not the CCC. I went through all the tabs on "Advanced" mode. I also don't see any of the Overdrive stuff either.

 

[Vortex22]

Its in the overdrive tab for me. I'm using the drivers that came with the card since I thought the newest cat drivers didn't support the x1950pro.

 

[a123456]

Originally posted by: Vortex22
Its in the overdrive tab for me. I'm using the drivers that came with the card since I thought the newest cat drivers didn't support the x1950pro.

Hm, the drivers (driver version 8.300) that came with my card didn't have it, but then again, I don't/can't use them since I need the 6.10b drivers for FAH. Oh well. I'll stick with ATT for the time being. Thanks.

Hopefully, 6.11 in a few months will support the Pro.

 

[mikek753]

Originally posted by: Captante
Heres a link to a decent test of the Asus card ... I'm too lazy to read through it again, but I do seem to recall some mention of temps compared to the ATI reference cooler.

http://www.elitebastards.com/cms/index....com_content&task=view&id=187&Itemid=27

Very good review ;-)

However, they compared x1950PRO against 7900GS that cost less.
Also, EVGA 7900GT KO is at $200 price range AR that can't be OC to 600 Mhz and as result would lead with 10-20% or even more range of x1950PRO at the same cost.

If only 7900GT would be better QC card ...

 

[CrystalBay]

Originally posted by: a123456

Originally posted by: Vortex22
CCC says my Sapphire 1950pro is running at 44C right now. It's in a "silent" antec case with only a single rear 120mm fan, so I suppose it's decent.

Random question, but how do you get CCC to display temps? I have pretty much the same setup except it's the ASUS model, and I'm using the 6.10b Catalyst package. I can get it fine with ATT, but not the CCC. I went through all the tabs on "Advanced" mode. I also don't see any of the Overdrive stuff either.

For the Asus card , install the Asus Smart Doctor utility for VGA temps and OCing...

 

[CupCak3]

if it wasn't for the price, I"d buy the HIS Hightech card. I really like how the cooler blows the hot air directly out of the case. If you have great airflow through your case it's probably no big deal but i've been looking for this card for a box or two of mine which have air flow problems

 

[CrystalBay]

My Asus idles at about 43 and loads around 60, and is silent for all practical purpose...

Also it is barely longer than my BFG 6800gt, maybe half an inch.

 

[a123456]

Thanks, Crystalbay. Although I don't really like the SD interface and setting the fan there doesn't really seem to be that great compared to the control given by ATT. What fan speeds are you running?

I can't quite get it down to 43 except during one fluke measurement. Then I opened my case and started messing with things and now it's around 48. Oh well.

I got the ASUS to around 620 core where it was relatively stable, but it ran a bit too hot there and I don't really trust the cooler, so it's back at the 581 stock.

 

[CrystalBay]

I'm just using the smart cooling default settings. Some drivers like MSI's appear to be better optimized , I just cant find the link right now..