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The tests were performed in a controlled air conditioned room with temperatures maintained at a constant 24c – a comfortable environment for the majority of people reading this.
Idle temperatures were measured after sitting at the desktop for 30 minutes. Load measurements were acquired by playing Crysis Warhead for 30 minutes and measuring the peak temperature. We also have included Furmark results, recording maximum temperatures throughout a 30 minute stress test. All fan settings were left on automatic.
When we first tested the XFX HD7870 Black Edition we recorded 84c under Furmark load, which seemed excessively high. I reported this to XFX who then informed me that I must have a pre-production bios on the review sample. They sent me an updated bios with a DOS flashing tool.
XFX have assured me that this ‘updated' bios is the final retail bios which will be shipped to customers. I felt it was worth including this information, so we are being completely transparent with our readership. It will be worth checking your temperatures if you buy one of these cards.
With the updated bios the temperatures dropped significantly, however the Black Edition didn't run any cooler than the reference solution, which is a little disappointing.
those cards are pure sex. Id probably want the 7950 though if I was getting an XFX DD card. seems to make more sense, especially when overclocked to the limit.
Good cards, but far too many to choose from in the last 2 weeks. hard to know what to buy (if I was in the market).
HD6850 is the better value card IMO, its under £200 now in the UK, 6870 is too closely priced to 6950 IMO