Which 7950 ?

[you2]

I presume that 7950 is THE card to upgrade (currently have 6950). I've been looking at this one:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

(Gigabyte AMD Radeon HD 7950 GV-R795WF3-3GD) which @ 299 is not the absolute least expensive but seems to have a good combination of positive user reviews/prof reviews and is below $300.
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[Face2Face]

I presume that 7950 is THE card to upgrade (currently have 6950). I've been looking at this one:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

(Gigabyte AMD Radeon HD 7950 GV-R795WF3-3GD) which @ 299 is not the absolute least expensive but seems to have a good combination of positive user reviews/prof reviews and is below $300.
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I guess the main question is - Do you plan on overclocking the 7950? If you are not, then this Gigabyte card would be my first choice. Great cooler and 1000Mhz core out of the box.

If you plan on overclocking then I would recommend this card.

http://www.amazon.com/MSI-R7950-TWIN...&keywords=7950

 

[Xarick]

How come everyone says 1000mhz.. The ad clearly says 900mhz.

 

[Face2Face]

How come everyone says 1000mhz.. The ad clearly says 900mhz.

Everyone that has buying them lately has reported 1000Mhz core speed. I guess it's a bios change?

 

[GrantMeThePower]

I have that card and am returning it. It does come to you @ 1000mhz core. it also comes with 1.25v. But it is locked. You can't change the bios, and it doesn't overclock as well as the older gigabyte cards or other vender cards. I was able to only get 1050 with any stability.

Go with a Sapphire or MSI card.

 

[you2]

I do not intend on overclocking; my biggest concerns are reliability and noise. Also I'm a bit concern because it is longer than the 6950.

 

[Face2Face]

I do not intend on overclocking; my biggest concerns are reliability and noise. Also I'm a bit concern because it is longer than the 6950.

If this is what you are looking for then I would go with the Gigabyte. It will be the fastest one out of the box and be the quietest as well.