Supremely pleased with Sapphire 7950 OC!

[Stuka87]

That looks very disappointing. I'm looking at 1080p since that's what I have. BF3 same as 580 and Skyrim same average fps as the 7950 an 7970.

BF3 is not one of the 79x0 series strong points, them using in game AA doesn't help matters.. With any luck drivers will help over time. As the 580 does have pretty mature drivers now. Only time will tell there.

Although in my own experience with BF3 and my 7950 running at 1050/1350 with vsync on it very rarely drops below 60fps. One of the keys is to NOT use the in game AA, as it does not play well with AMD cards. If you turn on AA via control center the performance is quite a bit better.

For Skyrim, I think thats the CPU limiting it. Yes they are using a 5GHz 6 core i7, but the fact that all 4 chips almost all have the same average FPS makes me think the CPU is playing a part. Which is what we have seen with Skyrim in many other reviews.

 

[wand3r3r]

That looks very disappointing. I'm looking at 1080p since that's what I have. BF3 same as 580 and Skyrim same average fps as the 7950 an 7970.

I agree. I was hoping to go 3D but it looks like you'd really have to sacrifice the settings to get anything playable much less 120 fps.

What I did find interesting was the 7970 was still a frame or 2 faster at these settings.

Sapphire Radeon HD 7950 OC 3GB @ 1075/1470
vs
Radeon HD 7970 OC 3GB @ 1000/1425

So essentially at these settings you need +100Mhz core with +50MHz memory to match a 7970.

 

[aaksheytalwar]

A 7970 stock is on an average 10-20% faster than a stock 7950, usually 10-15%, so it is worth the price difference.

 

[aaksheytalwar]

http://www.tomshardware.com/charts/2012-vga-gpgpu/compare,2938.html?prod[5384]=on&prod[5381]=on

Acc to them usually 15-20% faster, most of the times

And with similar clocks, Anywhere from 3-10% faster

http://www.tomshardware.com/charts/2012-vga-gpgpu/compare,2938.html?prod[5384]=on&prod[5383]=on

 

[Absolute0]

anything > 1200 core and 1500 mem is a pretty above average overclock for 7950. Very nice!

My 7970 does 1250/1800 but I do have it on water. I don't know how anybody can tolerate these fans above about 30% or so they drive me crazy.

 

[railven]

I'm not finding many articles or posts with HD 7950's clocking much higher than 1150mhz on the core.

This Sapphire card would be very interesting if I knew it could reach, at least into the 1100mhz+ range without having to go insane on volts.

Must find more info!

 

[superjim]

I think 1025 is the baseline that most all 7950s can hit. I've heard some "bad" ones topping out at 1050 but that's still pretty good. Anything over this is gravy.

Anyone else notice that Newegg is now showing the Sapphire OC as deactivated? Out of stock, yeah sure, but deactivated? Do they make a habit of bringing back deactivated SKUs or did Sapphire send them a slightly different version? I know AIBs love to make multiple cards that are nearly identical and change the SKU.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102963

 

[Stuka87]

I'm not finding many articles or posts with HD 7950's clocking much higher than 1150mhz on the core.

This Sapphire card would be very interesting if I knew it could reach, at least into the 1100mhz+ range without having to go insane on volts.

Must find more info!

Mine is currently at 1050/1400 with no voltage changes at all. Rock solid thus far. Will be going for 1100/1450 tonight.

 

[railven]

I think 1025 is the baseline that most all 7950s can hit. I've heard some "bad" ones topping out at 1050 but that's still pretty good. Anything over this is gravy.

Anyone else notice that Newegg is now showing the Sapphire OC as deactivated? Out of stock, yeah sure, but deactivated? Do they make a habit of bringing back deactivated SKUs or did Sapphire send them a slightly different version? I know AIBs love to make multiple cards that are nearly identical and change the SKU.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102963

I'm not sure if they'll restock the same model, but I'll make sure to keep an eye out if I do pick that model.

So, 1050 is the norm for the OCing? I think I'd just go with the HD 7970 and pay the premium. If I can hit 1200mhz on it, I'll be happy for my 2 years, hell even 1150mhz will make me happy.

I'll look into the Sapphire version, I believe they had a similar version as the 7950, correct?

 

[rageofthepeon]

I'm not sure if they'll restock the same model, but I'll make sure to keep an eye out if I do pick that model.

So, 1050 is the norm for the OCing? I think I'd just go with the HD 7970 and pay the premium. If I can hit 1200mhz on it, I'll be happy for my 2 years, hell even 1150mhz will make me happy.

I'll look into the Sapphire version, I believe they had a similar version as the 7950, correct?

Sapphire has the reference 7970 out now, but not a 7970 OC dual fan version. I'll personally be going for a Sapphire 7970 and running the fan profile aggressively until I can setup watercooling for my case.

 

[railven]

Sapphire has the reference 7970 out now, but not a 7970 OC dual fan version. I'll personally be going for a Sapphire 7970 and running the fan profile aggressively until I can setup watercooling for my case.

Yeah, I saw that. Sapphire also has the best included accessories from what I've seen, and they are often referred as the best AMD AIB.

I'll probably go with a Sapphire stock, and then see what aftermarket kits are available. Or maybe not OC to the Sun, maybe I'll settle with Venus

 

[superjim]

So, 1050 is the norm for the OCing? I think I'd just go with the HD 7970 and pay the premium. If I can hit 1200mhz on it, I'll be happy for my 2 years, hell even 1150mhz will make me happy.

I'll look into the Sapphire version, I believe they had a similar version as the 7950, correct?

1050 on stock volts, yes. From the limited reading I've done, upping volts will get you to 1100, possibly 1200 if you push it to 1.2v. At 1.2v I'd be running water for 24/7 use I think.

A user with both a 7970 and 7950 from HardForum:
"I have a DC II 7950 in my AMD comp.
If I lock the fan @ 25% and loop the heaven bench I hit 70C @ 1125|1575.
My particular 7950 doesn't do better than 1150MHz @ 1.2v.
My Diamond ref 7970 will do 1200MHz and I don't run that due to fan speed I need to manage it.
@ the same clocks the 7970 is typically around 5FPS faster. 7950 performance is like -25MHz on the 7970. So 1150MHz performs like a 7970 @ 1125."

Another user getting their 7950 to 1260/1787 @ 1.25v
http://hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1038404243&postcount=33

 

[railven]

1050 on stock volts, yes. From the limited reading I've done, upping volts will get you to 1100, possibly 1200 if you push it to 1.2v. At 1.2v I'd be running water for 24/7 use I think.

A user with both a 7970 and 7950 from HardForum:
"I have a DC II 7950 in my AMD comp.
If I lock the fan @ 25% and loop the heaven bench I hit 70C @ 1125|1575.
My particular 7950 doesn't do better than 1150MHz @ 1.2v.
My Diamond ref 7970 will do 1200MHz and I don't run that due to fan speed I need to manage it.
@ the same clocks the 7970 is typically around 5FPS faster. 7950 performance is like -25MHz on the 7970. So 1150MHz performs like a 7970 @ 1125."

Another user getting their 7950 to 1260/1787 @ 1.25v
http://hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1038404243&postcount=33

Well, for the first scenario, he's comparing a stock cooler to a decent custom cooler. I'd imagine the sound/temps would be in favor of the custom.

As for the second user, that is impressive. I wish he elaborated more on his temps. 1250/1600 OC would be my goal. Anything above that would be dessert. 1150-1200/1500-1550 would be my "not going to RMA this card" range.

Man, maybe I should have bought that Sapphire before they pull an XFX on us.

Thanks for the info Superjim

 

[JBT]

Anyone Ocing with a single card but dual monitor config? I use to have issues on the second monitor flickering on multiple AMD cards when it was OCed. This happened on older 4850's 4890's, and 1900XT's. It would only do it on the desktop when the cards when Overdrive was enabled. I thought I remember it happening because once you OCed it would set the 2D core clock even lower than normal. Is this still the case? I recently picked up a 560Ti and am not seeing any issues, but honestly I'd like to pick up one of these 7900 series cards soonish.

 

[Absolute0]

Anyone Ocing with a single card but dual monitor config? I use to have issues on the second monitor flickering on multiple AMD cards when it was OCed. This happened on older 4850's 4890's, and 1900XT's. It would only do it on the desktop when the cards when Overdrive was enabled. I thought I remember it happening because once you OCed it would set the 2D core clock even lower than normal. Is this still the case? I recently picked up a 560Ti and am not seeing any issues, but honestly I'd like to pick up one of these 7900 series cards soonish.

7970 here, dual monitors, no issues.

i was also concerned about moving to ATI because I've always liked nVidia drivers better. Only driver issue I've had is the CCC resetting my saturation a couple times, but this occurred when I had overclocked something too far and BSOD'd the computer so I can't really blame CCC. So far it has been OK.

Quite pleased with 7900 series... I love my 7970 but for most users I would recommend 7950, save yourself a hundred bucks, and buy two extra games

 

[wahdangun]

I'm not sure if they'll restock the same model, but I'll make sure to keep an eye out if I do pick that model.

So, 1050 is the norm for the OCing? I think I'd just go with the HD 7970 and pay the premium. If I can hit 1200mhz on it, I'll be happy for my 2 years, hell even 1150mhz will make me happy.

I'll look into the Sapphire version, I believe they had a similar version as the 7950, correct?

Go premium !!!!!!!!!

 

[3DVagabond]

I think 1025 is the baseline that most all 7950s can hit. I've heard some "bad" ones topping out at 1050 but that's still pretty good. Anything over this is gravy.

Anyone else notice that Newegg is now showing the Sapphire OC as deactivated? Out of stock, yeah sure, but deactivated? Do they make a habit of bringing back deactivated SKUs or did Sapphire send them a slightly different version? I know AIBs love to make multiple cards that are nearly identical and change the SKU.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102963

Usually it's deactivated when discontinued. It's very early on though to be discontinued. It probably means they are going to raise the price, or there are a lack of 6950 chips that meet the binning requirements. The way I've seen this SKU O/C in reviews it seems to be a very magic chip.

 

[railven]

Go premium !!!!!!!!!

Go Premiums!


I was browsing parts and noticed that the hD 7950 wasn't listed as deactivated - had the notify option. I check today, and it isn't even listed anymore when searching 7950.

That is such a bummer. Since I don't game as hardcore anymore, I've finally decided what to go for my build. Guess I won't be ordering this weekend, see if that card pops up again.

On the side note, Microcenter is charging $580 for a 3GB EVGA GTX 580 and around $610 for an MSI ref HD 7970

Go Premiums!

 

[realjetavenger]

Go Premiums!


I was browsing parts and noticed that the hD 7950 wasn't listed as deactivated - had the notify option. I check today, and it isn't even listed anymore when searching 7950.

That is such a bummer. Since I don't game as hardcore anymore, I've finally decided what to go for my build. Guess I won't be ordering this weekend, see if that card pops up again.

On the side note, Microcenter is charging $580 for a 3GB EVGA GTX 580 and around $610 for an MSI ref HD 7970

Go Premiums!

ygpm

 

[superjim]

I was browsing parts and noticed that the hD 7950 wasn't listed as deactivated - had the notify option. I check today, and it isn't even listed anymore when searching 7950.

Here's the direct link since it no longer appears in search results:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102963

Edit - Newegg JUST changed it back to OOS, no longer deactivated.

 

[hdfxst]

http://www.hardocp.com/article/2012/02/21/sapphire_radeon_hd_7950_oc_video_card_review

 

[Jhatfie]

Squeezed a little more out of my Sapphire 7950 OC, love this card.

1270/1790 @ 1.27v (No, not my 24/7 clocks)

http://3dmark.com/3dm11/2813675 - P9517

 

[railven]

Squeezed a little more out of my Sapphire 7950 OC, love this card.

1270/1790 @ 1.27v (No, not my 24/7 clocks)

http://3dmark.com/3dm11/2813675 - P9517

How are your temps and fan noise when gaming with those settings?

At those speeds, it be around a HD 7970 running 1225/1700, right? Thats a nice OC.

What games do you run that profile for? Just curious.

 

[Absolute0]

Here is my comparison

http://3dmark.com/3dm11/2807353

7970 @ 1250/1800 and 2500K @ 4.8 ------> 9712

first run, haven't optimized, haven't done much benching recently

 

[railven]

Here is my comparison

http://3dmark.com/3dm11/2807353

7970 @ 1250/1800 and 2500K @ 4.8 ------> 9712

first run, haven't optimized, haven't done much benching recently

What card do you run? And if you mind me asking, what are your normal gaming clocks, temps, and fan noise?

Thanks.