Ordering a 7950 tomorrow...

[ExperimentalHDX]

And I can't wait! But, is this really what I want? I have no doubt in this card but this is a decision that will have to make my gaming experience for the next 3 years at least a good one (solid 60fps on most, if not all games with close to maxed out graphics (I don't bother with shadows, MSAA, motion blur or ambient occlusion).

In the future I will definitely consider buying a second 7950, but the slots on my mobo are extremely close together so I don't think another HIS HD 7950 IceQ would fit(?), and I don't really plan on upgrading anything else any time soon.

But yeah, if you think I am making the right decision for 1920x1200 gaming that would meet the standards I previously stated, please simply say yes If you think there is another alternative below £200, please don't hesitate to tell me about it along with reasons.

Thanks in advance!

 

[TonyTurbo78]

there simply is no better card than the 7950s at the moment, huge bang for buck. Crossfire them and you have the performance of a Titan for a fraction of the price.

I've just Crossfired mine recently, the cards sit about 10mm apart (GB WF3 and a IceQ Boost) temps get to a maximum of 65oC with fan around 50% on both cards under full load so not to bad.

 

[eddyhall]

7950 is a beautiful card. Xfire 7950s are beasts.

For £200 without going 2nd hand I cant think of a better alternative.

 

[ExperimentalHDX]

there simply is no better card than the 7950s at the moment, huge bang for buck. Crossfire them and you have the performance of a Titan for a fraction of the price.

I've just Crossfired mine recently, the cards sit about 10mm apart (GB WF3 and a IceQ Boost) temps get to a maximum of 65oC with fan around 50% on both cards under full load so not to bad.

After watching a video and looking at a few reviews it seems that on my mobo cards are literally right next to each other with extremely minute to no spacing.

Either way I'll still be getting the 7950 Xfire may not happen though...

7950 is a beautiful card. Xfire 7950s are beasts.

For £200 without going 2nd hand I cant think of a better alternative.

The 7950 it is

Thanks for the replies!

 

[Uncle Petey]

After watching a video and looking at a few reviews it seems that on my mobo cards are literally right next to each other with extremely minute to no spacing.

Either way I'll still be getting the 7950 Xfire may not happen though...

Sounds like a good excuse to squander more cash on watercooling if you ask me

 

[Panos]

To solve the airflow issue when the cards are next to them, maybe try to see if you can fit near where the cards end (inside the case) a 200-230mm fan

Like this
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FG-019-BX&groupid=701&catid=57&subcat=1816

Some 120mm fan will do also, to blow air at the gap. Or make a hose from thin plastic sheet (from model shop) to direct the air to the "gap" if you do not want to loose airflow and want a smaller fan.

At least on my motherboard, they have 1 "slot" free between them, and the layout of the case is upside down (Lian-li) so the cards are close to the top of the case and have no such issues with fitting some big fans


And you cannot go wrong with 2 7950s or that R9 280X toxic that showed it's head today. (and pair it sometime early next year when price drops).

 

[ExperimentalHDX]

Sounds like a good excuse to squander more cash on watercooling if you ask me

Soon

To solve the airflow issue when the cards are next to them, maybe try to see if you can fit near where the cards end (inside the case) a 200-230mm fan

Like this
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FG-019-BX&groupid=701&catid=57&subcat=1816

Some 120mm fan will do also, to blow air at the gap. Or make a hose from thin plastic sheet (from model shop) to direct the air to the "gap" if you do not want to loose airflow and want a smaller fan.

At least on my motherboard, they have 1 "slot" free between them, and the layout of the case is upside down (Lian-li) so the cards are close to the top of the case and have no such issues with fitting some big fans


And you cannot go wrong with 2 7950s or that R9 280X toxic that showed it's head today. (and pair it sometime early next year when price drops).

I don't think my case allows the fitting of fans of those sizes unfortunately

 

[nitram100]

7950 is the best card you're going to get right now. I've had mine since August 2012 and it has run everything flawlessly, it even runs BF4 absolutely fine, 60fps most of the time with everything on ultra (except AA).

 

[TonyTurbo78]

you have a side panel though yes? If your not particularly happy with your case and you have had it for a while, just do a DIY mod job. Cut a large hole in the side of your case right where the GPUs will sit, either by chain drilling a hole then filing the roughness smooth or dremel out the hole. Then just screw a 120mm/140mm fan to the side. Easily done and you can get some lovely fresh air directly on to both cards

 

[ViRuS2k]

it does not matter as long as the cards fit in the slots, i had my 2 extremly close they where actually touching lol but they worked awesome and the best thing about it the coolers are beveled so even though they are touching plently of air is getting to them both.

then i upgraded to z87 chipsets but they do work albet touching but still work... as long as you have the first card in slot 1 and the 2nd card in slot 2 put up a pic of your motherboard and i can tell you if they will fit...

 

[Stas823]

i would have gotten two 7950's too if there wasnt a gtx 690 for £439.

 

[Jamezinho]

I got a 7950 back in March and haven't regretted it at all. It ticks so many boxes - price, performance, overclocking ability and importantly, 3gb vram which should see you good for a while yet.

The oft-overused expression 'best bang for your buck' really does apply here.

 

[ExperimentalHDX]

Ordering it now and I'll reply to all of the comments tomorrow when I get on my PC. Thanks for the feedback guys!

 

[ExperimentalHDX]

you have a side panel though yes? If your not particularly happy with your case and you have had it for a while, just do a DIY mod job. Cut a large hole in the side of your case right where the GPUs will sit, either by chain drilling a hole then filing the roughness smooth or dremel out the hole. Then just screw a 120mm/140mm fan to the side. Easily done and you can get some lovely fresh air directly on to both cards

I imagine causing a thermonuclear explosion when attempting DIY work... That's a great suggestion, although I'd rather get a new case with large fans pre-installed.

it does not matter as long as the cards fit in the slots, i had my 2 extremly close they where actually touching lol but they worked awesome and the best thing about it the coolers are beveled so even though they are touching plently of air is getting to them both.

then i upgraded to z87 chipsets but they do work albet touching but still work... as long as you have the first card in slot 1 and the 2nd card in slot 2 put up a pic of your motherboard and i can tell you if they will fit...

I will do when the card comes

 

[Steveocee]

You will love your 7950 and when you crossfire you'll be over the moon.

I bought my 7950 in April 2012 and a week ago went crossfire. I'm very happy.

 

[Jonny Chee]

Love my 7950 (Ice Q Boost).

I would love to get a second, but don't think my motherboard is good enough (Gigabyte Z68 AP-D3). It has two expansions, but one doesn't run as fast as the other from what I recall.

Also, I only have a 550w PSU (Seasonic G Series 550w Gold).

 

[DJ_Bucho]

You won't be disappointed mate, you'll have to post back with your thoughts once you get the card installed and have a chance to test it out on some games