Sapphire 11196-02-40G Radeon HD 7950 3GB DDR5 HDMI / DVI-I / Dual Mini DP PCI-Express OC Version Graphics Card

 (10 customer reviews)

PROS:
- Sapphire and it's dual-extractor cooling technology with multiple heat pipes
- Double fans for better airflow
- 28nm architecture
- Runs very cool under loads (between 45-48 degrees c)
- Smooth gameplay and blu-ray viewing

CONS:
- Drivers, but they will of course get better in time
- Tad on the spendy side, but worth it

OTHER THOUGHTS:
Thus far I am very happy with the new 7950. Runs very quiet when idle and under loads (manual fan control settings at 48%). Even with AMD's RC11 drivers, the card has never crashed for me shown any artifacts with any games I have tested (Crysis 2, BF3, RE5 just to name some). I would also game for extensive periods of time and card still stays cool and is stable. I run my card in a Cooler Master HAF932 full tower. I use ArcSoft TMT5 for blu-ray viewing and it's smooth with great quality (tested James Bond opening credits scenes, Star Wars, & Avatar just to name a few). I would...Read more

This card is simply amazing. Its a tad bit big so if you don't have a decent sized mid-tower it might not fit, but other than that it is a great card. Its not as loud as my old card, XFX 6950, and makes it look like a little kid in comparison. The temps aren't fantastically low but then again they aren't through the roof either. All in all if you are looking for a great graphics card update will last a long time before you need a new card go with this card....Unless you want to spend $100+ more for the 7970.

I had it for a few days now and must admit - this card is fast. Runs all my games with no problems. Unfortunately, my unit was not as silent as other people describe. I had a high pitch noise if my fan was set to FIXED 54-65% and above 76% the noise was unbearable - I could hear it all the way from the different room on the DIFFERENT floor. Returning it for a replacement and hoping that another card will be more silent. Update to follow.

****UPDATE****
Got a replacement card and it has the same loud fan deal (on 60%+). Only this time it also makes some kind of vibrating/rattling noise. Not sure yet what to do about it.