The Powercolor also supports a red PCB. I have no experience in PCB design, but I suspect that the different color is nothing more than a different die used in the top layer, and would be easy to change. (hopefully someone more experienced can weigh in here)Reply
maniac5999, you shouldn't have even tried. Please leave the technical talk to the big boys. I will not back up my statement with facts, as I didn't come here to teach, only to belittle.Reply
My first post. I just wanted to say thanks to everyone at AT for the excellent and extensive coverage of the 7970 release. There is a reason why everyone holds this site is such high esteem and its because of the unsurpassed attention to detail and the ability to explain the nuances of computing to neophytes like me.
In the article, you referred to the XFX 7970 BEDD as "the most expensive card here by $50". I think that phrase should be either "the most expensive card here by $10 (over the ASUS 7970)" or "$50 more expensive than the reference design".Reply
The following Graphics Cards are eligible for an extension of the standard two-year limited hardware warranty:
1. XFX Radeon HD 7000 Series Dual Fan (Double Dissipation Edition) Graphics Cards with Ghost Technology; a floating cover design that maximizes airflow by creating exceptional venting throughout the card.
2. XFX Radeon HD 7000 Series Graphics Cards with 10-digit model numbers ending in “R” (example: “FX-797A-TDFR”)
3. XFX Radeon HD 6000, HD 5000, and HD 4000 Series Graphics Cards
4. XFX GeForce GT 520, GT 430, 200, 9000, 8000, 7000, 6000 Series Graphics Cards purchased after April 17, 2007.Reply
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jeremyshaw - Monday, January 09, 2012 - link
The Gigabyte has a red PCB and no AMD logo visible, does that mean it's a nonref board? Replymaniac5999 - Tuesday, January 10, 2012 - link
The Powercolor also supports a red PCB. I have no experience in PCB design, but I suspect that the different color is nothing more than a different die used in the top layer, and would be easy to change. (hopefully someone more experienced can weigh in here) ReplyIketh - Tuesday, January 10, 2012 - link
maniac5999, you shouldn't have even tried. Please leave the technical talk to the big boys. I will not back up my statement with facts, as I didn't come here to teach, only to belittle. ReplyAnnihilatorX - Friday, January 13, 2012 - link
Well color of PCB is easily changed, as maniac saids using different dye (not die).Only way to tell whether it's a ref borad is by the layout and routings. Reply
Iketh - Friday, January 13, 2012 - link
I was being facetious, as I thought the first 2 posts were. ReplyRyan Smith - Tuesday, January 10, 2012 - link
Since these are PR photos, I wouldn't read too much into it. It's most likely an engineering sample PCB. ReplySttm - Tuesday, January 10, 2012 - link
The XFX Black Edition looks like a clear winner to me. If you really need to save the $50 then you shouldn't be buying in this price range. Replytetsuhyde - Tuesday, January 10, 2012 - link
same as MSI 7970.. that used red pcb too. ReplyNathanb - Tuesday, January 10, 2012 - link
Can this card drive all outputs together? I use a 4 monitor setup with my 6970 and can't see myself changing that setup. Replyjackstar7 - Tuesday, January 10, 2012 - link
Short answer: yes.Long answer: also yes. Reply
Kodongo - Tuesday, January 10, 2012 - link
My first post. I just wanted to say thanks to everyone at AT for the excellent and extensive coverage of the 7970 release. There is a reason why everyone holds this site is such high esteem and its because of the unsurpassed attention to detail and the ability to explain the nuances of computing to neophytes like me.In the article, you referred to the XFX 7970 BEDD as "the most expensive card here by $50". I think that phrase should be either "the most expensive card here by $10 (over the ASUS 7970)" or "$50 more expensive than the reference design". Reply
Andrew.a.cunningham - Wednesday, January 11, 2012 - link
Thanks! We always aim to educate.I've clarified the language you pointed out - sorry for the confusion! Reply
GS274 - Wednesday, January 11, 2012 - link
Should probably clarify the XFX...The following Graphics Cards are eligible for an extension of the standard two-year limited hardware warranty:
1. XFX Radeon HD 7000 Series Dual Fan (Double Dissipation Edition) Graphics Cards with Ghost Technology; a floating cover design that maximizes airflow by creating exceptional venting throughout the card.
2. XFX Radeon HD 7000 Series Graphics Cards with 10-digit model numbers ending in “R” (example: “FX-797A-TDFR”)
3. XFX Radeon HD 6000, HD 5000, and HD 4000 Series Graphics Cards
4. XFX GeForce GT 520, GT 430, 200, 9000, 8000, 7000, 6000 Series Graphics Cards purchased after April 17, 2007. Reply
Andrew.a.cunningham - Wednesday, January 11, 2012 - link
Thanks for the FYI - the article has been corrected to reflect the fine print. :-) Reply