[Prentice]

So I ordered an XFX Radeon 7970 Black Edition a couple of weeks ago and things didn't work out. I filled out my RMA with Newegg to send it back to them today. The card suffered from so many flaws that it wasn't even usable. I'll be getting a $400 refund from them and I'm willing to tack on another $100 on top of that for a card that will really excel.

Also, I want to make sure that the card I get is a reference card. In addition to the performance flaws of the XFX card, I got the model with two DVI ports that isn't reference. The desire for a reference design is based on me wanting to install a waterblock once I know that the card is stable.

Thanks.

 

[bdenpaka]

I really like the GTX 670 FTW's that I have in SLI. I picked mine up for about $350 each from Newegg during a sale they had.

 

[DaveLT]

Absolute best yes? GTX680. But it's not absolute best seeing as the 7970 GEs are beating it

Gigabytes aren't bad
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125439
Can't go wrong with a sapphire
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202001
Want a older reference ?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127652

 

[Prentice]

We're making the assumption that the AMD drivers are solid though. I can't be certain that the issues I experienced with my newly RMA'd card were fully the fault of the card or if some of it was the driver.

 

[Hatfieco]

From seeing all the clocks and unigine valley scores Id look at a diamond 7970 ghz reference for a single card setup. You could go dual 7870xt (tahiti le) for around 500 as well.

 

[DaveLT]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prentice

We're making the assumption that the AMD drivers are solid though. I can't be certain that the issues I experienced with my newly RMA'd card were fully the fault of the card or if some of it was the driver.

If there was really a problem with the drivers i wouldn't be talking a inch of AMD. And yes, this is the reason why i don't buy XFX.

 

[ChrisTahoe]

I've had good luck with Sapphire when I had reference 7970s. The MSI Twin Frozr models are pretty popular as well and I believe there are waterblocks for those ones.

 

[drBlahMan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prentice

The desire for a reference design is based on me wanting to install a waterblock once I know that the card is stable.

If you prefer to stick with AMD, the Diamond 7970 (reference) is rock solid. 5yr warranty after registering it & they provide good support

 

[Prentice]

I really have no allegiance to AMD. I'm just looking for the absolute best video card and performance in the price range.

 

[Stay Puft]

Close to micro center?

http://www.microcenter.com/product/396056/AMD_Radeon_HD_7970_White_Box_Version_3072MB_GDDR5_PCIe_30_x16_Video_Card

 

[rdr09]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stay Puft

Close to micro center?

http://www.microcenter.com/product/396056/AMD_Radeon_HD_7970_White_Box_Version_3072MB_GDDR5_PCIe_30_x16_Video_Card

^this and start your water loop early. toss that h50 in the trash.

 

[Prentice]

So I've been looking around quite a bit. I think I've picked a card that will work well and that I can get a nice waterblock for.

Card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127652
Waterblock: http://www.ekwb.com/shop/blocks/vga-blocks/ati-radeon-full-cover-blocks/ek-fc7970-nickel-qcs.html

Anyone had any issues with EK waterblocks?

 

[adridu59]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prentice

Anyone had any issues with EK waterblocks?

I didn't hear of any, IIRC it's been a while since they fixed their platting issues.

 

[Hatfieco]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814103201

Same card for 40 less. Pretty sure both are reference and both have the same connectors.

 

[Prentice]

I've had previous experiences with Diamond that deter me from purchasing their products.

 

[Hatfieco]

Thats too bad their warrany and service are leaps and bounds better than msi. As of late msi has been having month+ turn around time on rmas.

 

[Prentice]

So wait. Why are you using dual nVidia cards?

 

[Hatfieco]

Because I bought them before the 6970 (even though when first released the 570 traded blows and was 50 less) was even released and have zero reason to upgrade cards at this point. However I have no loyalty to either brand. I buy what I feel is the best bang for my buck, period. Right now AMD is on top aside from the titan. But that's not a bang for the buck kind of card IMO. Notice they are both evga lifetime warranty, 1 week turnaround cards though

 

[Stay Puft]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prentice

I've had previous experiences with Diamond that deter me from purchasing their products.

Thats a reference amd card with a diamond sticker