Unfortunately with no response on my previous thread (http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2253832) I chose to return the card. I didn't really want to return the card as I was looking forward to overclocking the crap out of it. From what information I have unearthed on the web it appears that the problem occurs with 7000 series cards plugged into an HDTV with an HDMI cable when using an ASUS or Asrock mobo. I don't suppose anyone else has had these problems before?
Anyway I need to get a new card to replace the one I returned. My specs are as follows:
CPU: Intel i5 3570k Stock
RAM: Patriot Gamer G2 1600MHz 1.65V 4x4GB
Motherboard: Asrock Z77 Extreme 4
PSU Corsair: HX650 650W
Case: Fractal Design Define R3
Monitor: Panasonic VIERA TH-L42E3A LED TV
Given that my gaming will be done on my HDTV the resolution I will be running at is 1920x1080. From what I have read the 7850 I originally had would have done me well but given the problems I decided to return and re-evaluate. Given the recent price drops of the 7900 series cards I am tempted to risk having the problems I had previously and pay a bit more for the extra muscle of a 7950. My gut says that this is probably just going to lead to frustration if the problems do happen again so I am also considering the GTX 670 despite it costing quite a bit more at the moment.
I live in Australia so my options for purchasing are buy local and pay more or look at getting something from Amazon.
Options for HD 7950
http://www.amazon.com/HIS-GDDR5-2xMi...words=his+7950
http://www.amazon.com/Gigabyte-Mini-...407997&sr=1-52
Options for GTX 670
http://www.amazon.com/Galaxy-GeForce...407981&sr=1-43
http://www.amazon.com/MSI-N670GTX-PM...407981&sr=1-44
I wish that either of the Gigabyte or ASUS GTX 670's for $400 or MSI 7950 for $340 at the moment shipped internationally but alas.
I know that both the 7950 and 670 are overkill for 1080p but money is not really that much of an issue and I wouldn't mind a bit more future proofing that these cards will give me over a 7800 card.
Of the cards I listed which is the best option? Despite the issue I had with the 7850 I am still brand agnostic and would pick whatever card gave me the best value/performance/power usage. Also I play a wide range of games some of which benefit either of the brands so I am after overall performance.
Anyway I need to get a new card to replace the one I returned. My specs are as follows:
CPU: Intel i5 3570k Stock
RAM: Patriot Gamer G2 1600MHz 1.65V 4x4GB
Motherboard: Asrock Z77 Extreme 4
PSU Corsair: HX650 650W
Case: Fractal Design Define R3
Monitor: Panasonic VIERA TH-L42E3A LED TV
Given that my gaming will be done on my HDTV the resolution I will be running at is 1920x1080. From what I have read the 7850 I originally had would have done me well but given the problems I decided to return and re-evaluate. Given the recent price drops of the 7900 series cards I am tempted to risk having the problems I had previously and pay a bit more for the extra muscle of a 7950. My gut says that this is probably just going to lead to frustration if the problems do happen again so I am also considering the GTX 670 despite it costing quite a bit more at the moment.
I live in Australia so my options for purchasing are buy local and pay more or look at getting something from Amazon.
Options for HD 7950
http://www.amazon.com/HIS-GDDR5-2xMi...words=his+7950
http://www.amazon.com/Gigabyte-Mini-...407997&sr=1-52
Options for GTX 670
http://www.amazon.com/Galaxy-GeForce...407981&sr=1-43
http://www.amazon.com/MSI-N670GTX-PM...407981&sr=1-44
I wish that either of the Gigabyte or ASUS GTX 670's for $400 or MSI 7950 for $340 at the moment shipped internationally but alas.
I know that both the 7950 and 670 are overkill for 1080p but money is not really that much of an issue and I wouldn't mind a bit more future proofing that these cards will give me over a 7800 card.
Of the cards I listed which is the best option? Despite the issue I had with the 7850 I am still brand agnostic and would pick whatever card gave me the best value/performance/power usage. Also I play a wide range of games some of which benefit either of the brands so I am after overall performance.