Looking to get a new graphics card and recommendations....is the 7950 worth it?

[Mathus]

Hi all,

I have been debating this for a while and am thinking about getting a new graphics card. I currently have a HD4870 512mb but it's starting to feel it's age. I have been toying with the idea of getting the new HD7950 but wanted get some opinions on if it's worth $500 or if I should go for a cheaper 6950 or 6970.

I do lots of gaming, F@H folding, video streaming, photo/video editing and am just starting to get into 3D editing/rendering. My 4870 has lasted me 4 years and I would like my new graphics card to do the same. I don't mind spending the money as long as it's actually worth it.

I have thought about getting an Nvidia card but I will be keeping the 4870 in my system for extra folding power and worry about driver conflicts. I have also always had ATI/AMD cards and have never had a problem.


I have a Silencer 750 quad power supply, a core i7 920 @2.8Ghz, 16 gigs ram if anyone is looking my system specs.

Thanks!

[stoanee]

ATI is the king of the hill ATM, I would think it would do you well for some time...................

[great_big_abyss]

Seems like the 7950 is the way to go...most of the power of the 7970 for $100 less and lower power consumption. I'm jumping on it!!!

[SugarJ]

Depends on how serious you are about folding. My GTX580 pulls down 17k PPD. I believe the 7950/7970's don't have a folding client that works yet.

Other than that, they look like great cards for gaming. 4% better than a GTX580 at stock, with lots of OC headroom.

[Soultribunal]

At this point why not, they are new and very powerful.

Worth a shot.

-ST

[Mathus]

Originally Posted by SugarJ

Depends on how serious you are about folding. My GTX580 pulls down 17k PPD. I believe the 7950/7970's don't have a folding client that works yet.

Other than that, they look like great cards for gaming. 4% better than a GTX580 at stock, with lots of OC headroom.

Nvidia's Folding bonus would be nice but I am thinking that once the new FAH core 16 comes out that AMD's performance will get better. I also think that the cheaper price,more ram and less power/heat are certainly leaning in HD7950's direction.

[Mathus]

Seems like there aren't really any recommendations for the 6950 or 6970 so it looks like they are off the table.

[great_big_abyss]

Originally Posted by Mathus

Seems like there aren't really any recommendations for the 6950 or 6970 so it looks like they are off the table.

Oh, definately not. They are worlds behind the 7950/7970. Only go for the 6970 if you only have $369 to spend on a card. And at that point, why wouldn't you just go for a GTX570?

No, I think the way to go at this point is definately the 7950. Try to get one that has a custom cooler like the Sapphire or the XFX.

I know that personally, I'm waiting to see what solution ASUS comes out with.

[Eluder]

Asus is doing their DCUII solution on their 7900 series. They're nice, but I'm not a fan of the triple slot solution, too immense.

[Mathus]

I was never a fan of the ASUS cards, I found that they were already really expensive in relation to the other brands.