[TechSpot] The Best Graphics Cards: Nvidia vs. AMD Current-Gen Comparison

[Final8y]

AMD kick-started 2012 with the release of the Radeon HD 7970, the first member of the Radeon HD 7000 GPU series. This launch marked the introduction of the first-ever graphics card to be made on a 28nm design process, representing the company's most complex GPU to date, with 4,313 million transistors in a 352mm2 die.

Following this release, through the year AMD shipped seven additional 28nm HD 7000 cards targeting price ranges from $100 through to $400, which is where the HD 7970 sits today (nearly 30% below its debut price). Most of AMD's lineup has undergone similar price cuts to address stiff competition from Nvidia's own 28nm GPU offerings.

Nvidia arrived slightly later to the party, roughly two months after the HD 7970 debut, the GeForce GTX 680 at $500 was cheaper and faster than the HD 7970, forcing AMD to make swift price cuts even though the GTX 680 remained in very limited supply for many months.

This price war of sorts continued as Nvidia dribbled out new GTX 600 parts over the next five months. Discontent with reactively slashing prices, AMD made an effort to improve margins by releasing overclocked versions of its two top models: the HD 7970 GHz Edition and the HD 7950 Boost.

By mid-September things had settled down and models had been consolidated. We finally had a better idea of where things were going to stand in terms of price and performance, and neither company seemed to have another major release in the works. And then, AMD threw us a curve ball.

http://www.techspot.com/review/603-best-graphics-cards/

 

[Uncle Petey]

Good article. I only skimmed it, but I'd like to see what happens when overclocking is thrown into the mix.

 

[Rusty0611]

Interesting read. Would also prefer to see some overclocked results because even the boost/GHz editions are really a bit underclocked. A modest overclock of 1100 and 1500 with a similar OC in percentage terms would be interesting.

 

[Gregster]

Good article and pretty decent and seemingly fair results. The trouble with overclocking is consistency. One chip will clock higher than another. Both my 680s will go to 1380Mhz on the core easy with close to 1800 on the memory. Another 680 is lucky to break 1200 and the same goes for the 7970's. Some break 1300 and some are lucky to break 1150.

 

[Rusty0611]

Good article and pretty decent and seemingly fair results. The trouble with overclocking is consistency. One chip will clock higher than another. Both my 680s will go to 1380Mhz on the core easy with close to 1800 on the memory. Another 680 is lucky to break 1200 and the same goes for the 7970's. Some break 1300 and some are lucky to break 1150.

True and the author is always open to calls of bias if one is clocked poorly like that HardOCP review.

Which was why I suggested a moderate overclock on both. My own testing shows that both nVidia 600 series and AMD 7000 series scale really nicely with an overclock. The 7950's especially are still quite underclocked out the box which is a shame because a lot of people only look at the end results and could sway them towards the worse value for money 660Ti.

The only problem with the 600 series is pricing. For people who already have them it means diddly squat. The benchmark thread proves that when overclocked each corresponding card between the two brands are pretty similar.

 

[Uncle Petey]

It wouldn't have to be extreme clocks. Just something that most users are likely to be able to achieve. No guarantees of course.
With a 7950 for example, I'd say that 1050-1150 should be easily doable unless you have a dud card.

 

[Gregster]

The 660TI is better out of the box than I realised tbh. I still feel it is over priced but quite surprised at those results. For someone who never overclocks, I could see them buying that card and being happy however for overclockers, the card of choice has to be the 7950.

 

[Rusty0611]

The 660TI is better out of the box than I realised tbh. I still feel it is over priced but quite surprised at those results. For someone who never overclocks, I could see them buying that card and being happy however for overclockers, the card of choice has to be the 7950.

You looking at 7950 or 7950 boost? AMDs lineup is a little confusing to newcomers as well . This should be the base comparison point though.

 

[LtMatt]

Good review, nice read, thanks finally.

 

[Gregster]

I have to be honest and thought this 'Boost' edition was just a bios update that could be added to any 7950? or have I got this wrong?

 

[arc@css]

Bigger difference in some games between the 660 and 660ti than I expected. In some games, it gives the 7950 more than a good run for the money. Still not good value, though.

I thought the 650ti did quite well. Seems to sit between the £100 7770 and £140 7850 1gb.

 

[Rusty0611]

I have to be honest and thought this 'Boost' edition was just a bios update that could be added to any 7950? or have I got this wrong?

Same as the Giga crap edition (GHz edition ).

A factory OC in the form of a BIOS update to make the card look nicer in reviews. It does make it a bit faster than a 660Ti out the box.

 

[Gregster]

Bigger difference in some games between the 660 and 660ti than I expected. In some games, it gives the 7950 more than a good run for the money. Still not good value, though.

I thought the 650ti did quite well. Seems to sit between the £100 7770 and £140 7850 1gb.

Agreed on the 650TI. I just looked back through that review and looked at the lower end cards. Ideal card for a low budget or inbetweener.

 

[titaniumx3]

Those benchmarks make me want to go back to the red team again - the 7970 Ghz Edition looks mighty fast here. I just hope AMD keep this up with the HD 8000 series.

 

[Gregster]

Those benchmarks make me want to go back to the red team again. I just hope AMD keep this up with the HD 8000 series.

What card do you currently have?

 

[titaniumx3]

680, so it only makes sense for me to wait for the next gen (whenever the hell that is! ). That said, nvidia driver interface is a work of art compared to AMDs.

 

[dneill2006]

That article almost makes me regret getting the GTX 670 over a 7950.

 

[Rusty0611]

That article almost makes me regret getting the GTX 670 over a 7950.

Don't. When overclocked they're pretty similar.

 

[tommybhoy]

Greg take a peek through the blinds, he should just be pulling up any minute now...

Sorry pal, couldn't resist, you can get me back next time.

 

[tommybhoy]

That article almost makes me regret getting the GTX 670 over a 7950.

There's still nothing in it in games when both at the max-same goes for the 7970 v 680 unless you game@5760.

I wouldn't worry about it especially if you change your gpu next gen.