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HD 6870 1GB vs. HD 6950 1GB - which one is worth the money

Discussion in 'Audio and Video' started by Atham, Jul 30, 2011.

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  1. Atham TechSpot Enthusiast Posts: 517

    Hello,
    I would like to know which of the cards mentioned in the title are worth the money. Is there any significant difference performance-wise?

    Thanks
    Atham, Jul 30, 2011
    #1

  2. Leeky TechSpot Moderator Posts: 4,344   +59

    Whether they're worth the money is relative to what you are asking of them.

    So rather than your question, the one you want to ask is "If I game at this resolution, which one would be more suitable in terms of price?"

    Your answer:

    Both are worthy if your gaming at 1080p, but the HD6950 is stronger due to being better performing. Seriously, a HD6870 will be fine for gaming at 1920x1080/1200 at high settings. If you have the money spare on top of that get a HD6950.

    If your happy to spend the extra money a 2GB HD6950 is the better of the 3.
    Leeky, Jul 30, 2011
    #2

  3. Atham TechSpot Enthusiast Posts: 517

    I will be gaming at 1920x1080. Are there any benchmarks of the 6870 and the 6950 1GB?
    Atham, Jul 30, 2011
    #3

  4. Mizzou TechSpot Enthusiast Posts: 930

    Mizzou, Jul 30, 2011
    #4

  5. Leeky TechSpot Moderator Posts: 4,344   +59

    Leeky, Jul 30, 2011
    #5

  6. Atham TechSpot Enthusiast Posts: 517

    @ Mizzou isn't the hd 6950 in the AndTech a 2GB one?

    BTW, in my current case there are no fans. The 6950 and the 6950 2GB had similar FPS in games, and even had a lower score with 3D mark.

    So the 6950 2GB would be good for future proof right, new games getting better graphics needs more power. Are there any reviews or benchmarks with the 6950 1GB in Crossfire and 6950 2Gb in Crossfire mode?
    Atham, Jul 30, 2011
    #6
     

  7. Leeky TechSpot Moderator Posts: 4,344   +59

    Again search on Google, there will be plenty if you have a look.
    Leeky, Jul 30, 2011
    #7

  8. klepto12 TechSpot Paladin Posts: 1,360   +9

    imo you want the higher frame buffer of the 2 Gb model vs the 1Gb better for high resolutions and cranking up the eye candy.
    klepto12, Jul 30, 2011
    #8

  9. Leeky TechSpot Moderator Posts: 4,344   +59

    I agree, but the extra 1GB is largely redundant when gaming at lower resolutions sub 1080p. It only really comes into play when your pushing gaming resolutions at 2560x1200 or above (in the case of multi-display setups).

    It is of course more future proof when you intend to play at 1920x1080/1200 though.
    Leeky, Jul 30, 2011
    #9

  10. Atham TechSpot Enthusiast Posts: 517

    You mean the 6950 2GB, right? Can't find any reviews with hd 6950 1GB CF vs. 6950 2GB CF.

    Overall, is the 6950 2GB worth the extra 40-50 Euros?
    And which Hd 6950 2Gb would you recommend me from these
    • MSI R6950 Twin Frozr III Power Edition/OC
    • SAPPHIRE HD 6950 Dirt 3 Edition
    • SAPPHIRE HD 6950 FLEX
    Atham, Jul 30, 2011
    #10

  11. Leeky TechSpot Moderator Posts: 4,344   +59

    Yes, for $40 more you get double the GDDR5 memory, so yes, its worth the additional spend.

    Assuming the MSI throws the heat out the rear of the case (where the connectors are) then that one. You do not want a GPU that throws the heat produced by the processor inside the case unless you have bloody good cooling as they get toasty when pushed.

    Two of them running on top of each other further complicates matters when they blow hot air around inside the case too - not mentioning that once GPU would be blown non-stop like a hair-drier by the other one. So make so they expel the hot air they generate out the back of the case, and not over your internals.
    Leeky, Jul 30, 2011
    #11

  12. Atham TechSpot Enthusiast Posts: 517

    No fans in my case like I said, so that throws away the MSI Frozr III, right? What about the dirt 3 edtion?
    Atham, Jul 30, 2011
    #12

  13. Leeky TechSpot Moderator Posts: 4,344   +59

    I thought the MSI vented to the rear, hence recommending it. You'll have to do some research to confirm it.

    Also, on the topic of CF..

    Performance is in this order (slowest first) Hd6870 > 1GB HD6950 > 2xCF HD6870 > 2GB HD6950 > 2xCF 1GB HD6950 > 2xCF 2GB HD6950 (being fastest). Or at least something alone them lines.
    Leeky, Jul 30, 2011
    #13

  14. Atham TechSpot Enthusiast Posts: 517

    So the MSI one is good?
    Atham, Jul 30, 2011
    #14

  15. Leeky TechSpot Moderator Posts: 4,344   +59

    I believe so, but I'm not 100% on the design, so do some research to confirm it is suitable, or wait for others to confirm on here.
    Leeky, Jul 30, 2011
    #15

  16. Atham TechSpot Enthusiast Posts: 517

    I'd rather wait, as I am not that good with this technical stuff.
    Atham, Jul 30, 2011
    #16

  17. Leeky TechSpot Moderator Posts: 4,344   +59

    Well you'll do no harm looking in the meantime... There is only one way to learn mate, we all did the same when we started out like you are now. :)
    Leeky, Jul 30, 2011
    #17

  18. Atham TechSpot Enthusiast Posts: 517

    Hehe. I will give it a try. Should I find a review of the card?
    Atham, Jul 30, 2011
    #18

  19. Leeky TechSpot Moderator Posts: 4,344   +59

    Yes, I would google the name of it, and then check each link, you can try review on the end of the product name too. You'll likely find a review will tell you exactly how it works.

    Others on here may know just by looking as well, but your doing no harm looking for it yourself to confirm in the meantime.
    Leeky, Jul 30, 2011
    #19

  20. Atham TechSpot Enthusiast Posts: 517

    Yeah, no harm done when looking for facts.
    Atham, Jul 30, 2011
    #20
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