MSI 6950 2gb Twin-Frozr 3...worth it?

[Socrates_Johnston]

hey all. I'm in the market for a video card and I am pretty set on the 6950 2gb model. I understand that the MSI 6950 2gb Twin-Frozr 3 is a non-reference card so it cannot flash to a 6970, but I'm not exactly a power-user so bios flashing isn't something I would try (I can't afford to brick a brand new video card either).

The MSI model costs 299.99 at newegg.ca, and from what I understand MSI's cooling design is second to none, but if I am willing to shell out ~300$ + ~15$ shipping for the MSI card, would my money be better spent elsewhere? for example, I can get a gtx 570 at the local Canada Computers for around $350... and that is about the max I would be willing to spend atm ($350 before taxes).

I game at 1920x1080, and do not plan on getting a multi-monitor set up in the near future, but may upgrade to a 30" monitor.

What kind of warranty does MSI offer?

EDIT: is it just me, or is that a WICKED price for the MSI 6950 2gb?

Newegg.ca - MSI R6950 Twin Frozr III PE/OC Radeon HD 6950 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity

[dma0991]

It is a good price for the HD6950 Twin Frozr III but if you do not mind a bit more noise and heat get the MSI HD6970 instead with the reference cooler. If I am not mistaken HD6970 > GTX570 > HD6950 in terms of performance.

Newegg.ca - MSI R6970-2PM2D2GD5 Radeon HD 6970 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity

[JJThomp]

HD 6970 and gtx 570 trade benchmarks they are pretty even. If you are playing above 1080p go with the HD 6970 but if you are only playing at 1080 or 1200 the gtx 570 will probably win.

[_dangtx_]

i would actually get reference, for more than just the ability to flash it :)

[Eluder]

Originally Posted by _dangtx_

i would actually get reference, for more than just the ability to flash it :)

Care to clarify why? If it can't be flashed, what would be the advantage of the ref board?

[_dangtx_]

the ref board is made in many many numbers, thus anything that goes with it ,including waterblocks and failures
numbers will be easier to check out :)

and ,but thats just me,a 6950 begs to be unlocked. i wouldnt be able to sleep at night if i bought one unit that i knew for sure
it didnt unlock.

[Eluder]

I have a ref board that I unlocked, but if all the new ref boards are no longer unlockable, I see no reason to pick one up. The stock cooling, though works well, is unbearably loud under anything other than when gaming with loud enough audio, but I'm a stickler for noise.
I'm just waiting on Gelid to release their modified VRM addon for their ICY Vision to support the 6900 series and I'll be replacing the stock cooling on my 6950.

[_dangtx_]

cool, then this card is for you then. gl with it :)

[Socrates_Johnston]

does unlocking void the warranty?

[dma0991]

Originally Posted by Socrates_Johnston

does unlocking void the warranty?

You do not 'void' your warranty only if you can return your card in 1 piece and they do not find out that you're responsible for the damage done to the GC by means of unlocking which you're not supposed to do.