6950 Reference Cooling Question

[m33pm33p]

Im about to try and pick up a 6950 reference model. Im wondering if its a good idea or not with an air cooled setup. Ive got a haf 922 thats fairly decently managed inside, all stock fans with a 200mm side fan as well. Would I have any problem unlocking just the shaders on one of these cards and using it without any further O/C?

I dont want to spend the money on the card just to fry it because I didnt know what I was talking about. I've read quite a bit about people only really using these type of cards if watercooled.

EDIT: Also, any recomendations on aftermarket coolers for the 6950?

Thanks for any help.

 

[cjbee]

FWIW, I've got a Powercolor 6950 2GB (which I believe is a reference design) with a slight overclock (880/1325), shaders unlocked, and power at +20% in CCC and it doesn't exceed 75 degrees while playing BF3 or Crysis 2 completely maxed out at 1680. Stock fan profiles and only 1 x 120mm case fan.

I'd say you have nothing to worry about if all you're planning is a shader unlock.