Radeon HD 7950 Owner's Thread

[Belkov]

Also, I'm having trouble flashing the BIOS to F43. I downloaded the f43 bios from the website, but I can't get it to flash with either VGA @BIOS or Easyboost. What switch position am I supposed to be using? I'm on #2 right now.

Also, my BIOS version is FX0, not FZ1.

Can you post the ID of your bios, because there is a chance F43 bios version not to be compatible.

 

[Face2Face]

I found that my higher overclock isn't stable in Crysis 3... I got it to stabilize around 1100/1500.

In any case, trying to optimize my perf and IQ in Crysis 3. Just playing through the first sequence now (with the ships). High default settings, 1920x1200, 2x SMAA, no blur, no HUD movement. Still dropping to around 30s in certain areas, but 60s in others.

What's the best settings to play at? I don't mind being around 30 FPS as long as it never dips below, but right now the 7950 can't guarantee that.

In the first level of Crysis 3 it's typical for our 7950's to see low to high 30's in frames. As you start progressing you should be seeing 55-60FPS most of the time.

I run mine @ 1080P VH textures - High settings for everything else, 2XSMAA - Not MSAA - 16X AF and I get the frames stated above.

I think there is a slight IQ difference for SMAA vs. MSAA - But not much. Running this game in VHQ mode is pointless to me. I see very little if any IQ difference over High quality. Plus running in VHQ will destroy your frame-rates.

 

[Eureka]

Can you post the ID of your bios, because there is a chance F43 bios version not to be compatible.

015.029.000.003.000000

Yeah, I got past the first section, everything seems to run smoother now.

 

[GrantMeThePower]

Sure you sent email to the right address? Check your spam folder?

Yes and yes

 

[Belkov]

015.029.000.003.000000

Yeah, I got past the first section, everything seems to run smoother now.

Yes, F43 will be alright for your card.

F3/F2 has 1.6V for MVDDC. BIOS Version (015.01X.XXX.XXX.XXXXXX)
FZ1/F43 has 1.5V for MVDDC. BIOS Version (015.02X.XXX.XXX.XXXXXX)

 

[Belkov]

Well i think you'll appreciate these results:
1200/1800MHz@ ~1.3V.

1200/1750MHz@ ~ 1.3V.

However this clock is only for benchmarking. I would not use so high voltage for 24/7 clock.

 

[psolord]

Wow Valley scoring 48fps on a single 7950, that's great.

 

[Eureka]

I use HWiNFO64 to monitor VRM temps.

Yep HWiNFO64 is where it's at!

http://www.hwinfo.com/download64.html

I have a version of HWiNFO64, and it doesn't show my VRM temps (it's not that old, I downloaded it maybe 2 months ago).

 

[Dravonic]

Can you see the VRM temps with other programs? HWiNFO64 does show my 7970's VRM temps.

 

[Belkov]

Try with Aida64.

 

[Face2Face]

Great Valley score Belkov

I guess this score benifits from a higher memory clock?

This is my score @ 1225/1450 1.210v on core and 1.6v on memory

For some reason my chip runs really hot, I replaced the TIM and no difference - In the 90c's running this benchmark.

I will have jack up the memory and see if it makes a difference..?

 

[Belkov]

Great Valley score Belkov

I guess this score benifits from a higher memory clock?

This is my score @ 1225/1450 1.210v on core and 1.6v on memory

For some reason my chip runs really hot, I replaced the TIM and no difference - In the 90c's running this benchmark.

I will have jack up the memory and see if it makes a difference..?

One of the benefits of the low asics quality is that the chip deals very nice with the voltage and the temps remain lower - with 1.3V. For the core and 1.7V. For the memory with 70% fans max temps for the core are 70 degrees and only 66 for VRM. With auto fan profile and 1.2V. For the core and stock voltage for the memory(1.5V.) max temps for the core are 65degrees and 65-66 for VRM. And may be my core can't be clocked a lot but my memory is very good.

 

[Face2Face]

Nice temps. I may need to go with a better cooler if I want 1200 core for games. Now I run @ 1025/1500 and my temps get in the low to mid 70's when gaming. Not great but still within a safe spec.

 

[Belkov]

Well, WF3 cooler is the best there is. but gb chips usualy are with low asics quality. Just see mine - 58.4%.

 

[Face2Face]

Well, WF3 cooler is the best there is. but gb chips usualy are with low asics quality. Just see mine - 58.4%.

I think the arctic 7970 cooler is better (100% fan speed, it's dead quiet). And since my TF3 is on a 7970 PCB it will fit no problem. The TF3 has a thermal plate that covers the vrms and memory so I wouldn't install the aluminum heat-sinks that come with the kit. Also keeps my warranty intact, all I would need to do is switch out coolers. I am think about getting it to see if it fixes my temp issues. Not cheap though, maybe still cheaper than getting another card.

http://www.arctic.ac/en/p/cooling/vga/502/accelero-xtreme-7970.html?c=2182

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835186064

 

[Daxwax]

I have a version of HWiNFO64, and it doesn't show my VRM temps (it's not that old, I downloaded it maybe 2 months ago).

I'm in the same situation.
I've tried several programs, to no avail.
Tried both the stock bios and F43, but no VRM temps to be found.

It's a gigabyte WF3 as well, bought two weeks ago (January ed. perhaps?).

 

[GrantMeThePower]

Couple things, guys:
1. FINALLY got my codes from AMD. Apparently they had a "problem" with the system. They have figured out what was going on and all is well.
2. I'm building on Saturday. Which drivers should I install? What other software do I need?
3. What should be the first steps with the new card? Check the BIOS? (how?) Update the BIOS? (how?)

I realize these are all extremely newbie questions...thanks a lot for your help and patience.

(ps gigabyte wf3)

 

[Belkov]

I think the arctic 7970 cooler is better (100% fan speed, it's dead quiet). And since my TF3 is on a 7970 PCB it will fit no problem. The TF3 has a thermal plate that covers the vrms and memory so I wouldn't install the aluminum heat-sinks that come with the kit. Also keeps my warranty intact, all I would need to do is switch out coolers. I am think about getting it to see if it fixes my temp issues. Not cheap though, maybe still cheaper than getting another card.

http://www.arctic.ac/en/p/cooling/vga/502/accelero-xtreme-7970.html?c=2182

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835186064

I was talking about stock coolers.

 

[Zargon]

Couple things, guys:
1. FINALLY got my codes from AMD. Apparently they had a "problem" with the system. They have figured out what was going on and all is well.2. I'm building on Saturday. Which drivers should I install? What other software do I need?
3. What should be the first steps with the new card? Check the BIOS? (how?) Update the BIOS? (how?)

I realize these are all extremely newbie questions...thanks a lot for your help and patience.

(ps gigabyte wf3)

yeah I got codes for EVERYTHING as an apology...

Crysis 3, Tomb Raider, Far Cry 3, Bioshock Infinite, Tomb Raider, Sleeping Dogs

Im only interested in like 3 of them too.....and I have no time :biggrin:

 

[GrantMeThePower]

yeah I got codes for EVERYTHING as an apology...

Crysis 3, Tomb Raider, Far Cry 3, Bioshock Infinite, Tomb Raider, Sleeping Dogs

Im only interested in like 3 of them too.....and I have no time :biggrin:

Whoa! Seriously????? You lucky dog! I want Tomb Raider and Far Cry 3! lol....they only sent me the Crysis 3 (i guess i get bioshock when it comes out).

That is way cool...

 

[Belkov]

yeah I got codes for EVERYTHING as an apology...

Crysis 3, Tomb Raider, Far Cry 3, Bioshock Infinite, Tomb Raider, Sleeping Dogs

Im only interested in like 3 of them too.....and I have no time :biggrin:

The luck is strong in you... you can sell some of them or just givie them to me for free... just kiddin'. Mine came with no games - the retailer didn't give me anything.

 

[Rhezuss]

Only got Crysis 3 codes for now.
Email says i'll receive Bioshock Infinite when codes are available on release or near release date...

Do you guys already received Bioshock code?

 

[GrantMeThePower]

Only got Crysis 3 codes for now.
Email says i'll receive Bioshock Infinite when codes are available on release or near release date...

Do you guys already received Bioshock code?

No. They'll send them on the release date.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

Got my 7950 today. Running at 1122mhz and 1500 memory at 1.1v. Don't really feel like seeing what the limit is as 1122 seems plenty fast. If Crysis needs more I'll probably push it and see what it can do.

Is 1122 @ 1.1v considered a good overclocker?

 

[MTDEW]

I personally haven't really pushed my memory, since i didn't really see any benefits in benchmarks vs OC'ing the core.

Is there really any indication in any game that pushing the memory past like 1350 really improves performance that much?
If so, i'll find my card's limits and stay a notch or two below that.