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The Sapphire HD7950 Overclock Edition is a striking card, both technically and aesthetically. Our review samples could be overclocked to 1,200mhz+ via the core. This translates to an almost 35 percent increase, a figure which proves difficult to dismiss, even for the most cynical of enthusiast user. Obviously we can't guarantee all cards in this series will hit the same levels, but it looks promising for a potential customer.
These specific cards may not be classed as VaporX or Toxic Editions, however Sapphire have not cut any corners in regards to cooling efficiency and build quality, as some might expect. The Sapphire ‘overclock' Editions are the quietest solutions on test today, very closely matched to the XFX Black Edition in regards to noise emissions and ultimate levels of performance.
So do you really need to buy two of these cards?
There is no doubt that a single HD7950 will offer more power than many people will need, especially when gaming with a single 24 or 30 inch screen. (Well, for the foreseeable future anyway). That said, when moving to a three screen configuration at 5760×1080 resolution or higher then two cards in Crossfire make a lot of sense.
Splitting the load across two GPU's can help enhance and smooth out the frame rate, especially with the latest, demanding Direct X 11 titles.
Sapphire have said that these cards should hit the retail channel around £360 this week, and at that price they offer great value for money. If you are able and willing to use TriXX software, then these cards can easily reach the same performance level as the flagship HD7970, costing around £100-£120 less.
We really do see no reason to opt for the more expensive HD7970 in Crossfire, unless you are chasing benchmarks or running Direct X 11 titles across three 30 inch screens. Otherwise we advise you to buy two HD7950′s and spend the left over money on other upgrades.
Pros:
- Great heatpipe based cooling system.
- Quiet.
- Tons of headroom on the core.
- Supplied overclocked ‘out of the box'.
- Works great with Trixx software.
Cons:
- XFX HD7950 Black Edition is a very close competitor.
Kitguru says: Another fantastic card from Sapphire. HIS should take note on how to release a launch day product.
You can buy various HD 7950's from Aria in the United Kingdom.
Awesome, if its £360 thats £130 less than their 7970….
1,200mhz? thats insane. worth the money for that alone!
Looks like this is the new ‘to buy’ card, like the previous 6950 which could be unlocked.
Why are all the companies supplying them in such low states of clock? 1000mhz seems easy and would get them sales.
ARIA Dont sell this one. just the 800mhz version. Its 360. I think this will be closer to 400. Are they any different, better batch or hand picked maybe?
XFX cooler looks better, this is very plastickly. I would wait on the better Toxic edition which will probably be out in a month, with even higher clocks and premium capacitors etc.