5970 OC to 580 3gb SLI or 6970 Xfire

[ui]ICEMAN · 1 Oct 2011 at 15:47

Hi guys,

I think it's about time to retire my 5970, especially given the vram limitations I run into at 2560x1600. I've held off this upgrade for a while since I was so disappointed with the 6990 and 590 but at this resolution it's just starting to show its age.

I had planned to wait for the new cards but it appears the 7000 series and NV's next card aren't going to be here until at least Q1 with the high end parts perhaps even further behind. So with that in mind, unless anyone knows something I don't, I think it's time to make the move.

Now, there is no budget constraint here, I could happily do 2x6990's or 3x580's if it was necessary but due to me not wanting to water cool the cards, I feel two would be the better idea.

I've read many reviews as always but I just wanted to hear your thoughts and reasoning on which would be the better choice between the SLI 580 3gb or the xfire 6970's.

Thanks

ChrisD. · 1 Oct 2011 at 15:49

Don't fancy a second 5970?

[ui]ICEMAN · 1 Oct 2011 at 15:50

MilanoChris said:
Don't fancy a second 5970?

Doesn't solve the VRAM issue if I go that route. 1gb per core just isn't enough at 2560x1600 for some of the more recent games.

Surveyor · 1 Oct 2011 at 15:51

Firstly what motherboard do you have to see if SLI or Crossfire are options?

[ui]ICEMAN · 1 Oct 2011 at 16:13

Surveyor said:
Firstly what motherboard do you have to see if SLI or Crossfire are options?

My system is capable of both. I'm no stranger to multi gpu settle believe me

Masterdeadly · 1 Oct 2011 at 16:17

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/308?vs=298

And if you're going to buy 2 6970's you may as well buy one 6990.

And 580's are going to be 100-200 quid more. But do have 3gb VRAM for future but then the 6990 has 4GB VRAM for future it's entirely up to you. Personally I would go for two 580's if you can add another one later.

Surveyor · 1 Oct 2011 at 16:20

Purely in terms of performance SLI'd 3GB GTX 580's will be better than Crossfired 2GB HD 6970's.

The GTX 580's will cost more and use more electricity but if they're not concerns then you have your answer.

You'll also require at the minimum a high quality 850W PSU for SLI'd GTX 580's. Preferably something more than 850W to allow some headroom.

[ui]ICEMAN · 1 Oct 2011 at 16:20

Masterdeadly said:
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/308?vs=298

And if you're going to buy 2 6970's you may as well buy one 6990.

And 580's are going to be 100-200 quid more. But do have 3gb VRAM for future but then the 6990 has 4GB VRAM for future it's entirely up to you. Personally I would go for two 580's if you can add another one later.

The 6990 was a huge let down for me, especially given a pair of 6970s are faster and quieter.

Surveyor · 1 Oct 2011 at 16:21

Masterdeadly said:
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/308?vs=298

And if you're going to buy 2 6970's you may as well buy one 6990.

And 580's are going to be 100-200 quid more. But do have 3gb VRAM for future but then the 6990 has 4GB VRAM for future it's entirely up to you. Personally I would go for two 580's if you can add another one later.

The 6990 physically has 4GB of VRAM but it's 2GB per GPU so effectively only 2GB.

Masterdeadly · 1 Oct 2011 at 16:22

I'm aware of that as it's basically two 6970's but ICEMAN what was wrong with the 6990? And I think you have your answer 2 580's

.

Surveyor · 1 Oct 2011 at 16:25

Masterdeadly said:
I'm aware of that as it's basically two 6970's

The wording of your post suggested otherwise

[ui]ICEMAN · 1 Oct 2011 at 16:28

Masterdeadly said:
I'm aware of that as it's basically two 6970's but ICEMAN what was wrong with the 6990? And I think you have your answer 2 580's .

The 6990 performs slightly slower than a pair of 6970's and is outrageously loud. While I prefer the single card dual core solutions in general, I was thoroughly disappointed with this generation, even more so with NV's effort the 590.

Masterdeadly · 1 Oct 2011 at 16:31

You still have your 6990 As I was thinking about buying one but I only have a 650W PSU

[ui]ICEMAN · 1 Oct 2011 at 17:17

Masterdeadly said:
You still have your 6990 As I was thinking about buying one but I only have a 650W PSU

Never had one, I have a 5970 at the moment which will be for sale in the MM later today I expect for a great price.

Masterdeadly · 1 Oct 2011 at 17:20

As I'm quite nervous about two 6950's on my TX650W I might buy a 1000W from MM good luck with your sale.

JeffyB · 1 Oct 2011 at 18:48

The 6990 has to be watercooled unless you play with headphones, it's a noisy card. Also the cost of buying 2 blocks for a crossfire setup is greater than just the 6990 block. On another note the 6990 comes with very highly binned cayman chips to keep the voltage needed down, meaning they are overclocking monsters. A 6990 will also consume less power than cf6970, around the same consumption as cf6950's while being quicker then them.

http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/foru...ws/41404-amd-radeon-hd-6990-4gb-review-2.html
"AMD’s Antilles card uses a pair of AMD’s Cayman cores which have been specifically binned for low power consumption and heat output."

Masterdeadly · 1 Oct 2011 at 18:55

So my TX650 would power a 6990? As I'm thinking about getting one.

JeffyB · 1 Oct 2011 at 18:57

I wouldn't run a 6990 on a 650w psu, a quality 850w is plenty though. I just got my AX850 to replace my HX620.

Masterdeadly · 1 Oct 2011 at 19:21

Be honest on your experience with computers was it a 20 minute job to replace PSU or 3 hours?

ChrisD. · 1 Oct 2011 at 19:23

Masterdeadly said:
Be honest on your experience with computers was it a 20 minute job to replace PSU or 3 hours?

I'd say about an hour to do it properly.

I've changed them a few times in the past diagnosing parts etc so have a fair idea.