1GB 6950 OC unlocked to 6970 vs. 2GB 6950

[XJLanzaro]

I want to upgrade my video card. I have come down to two options in the $170 range on ebay, either an overclocked and unlocked Gigabyte 6950 with only 1GB of ram, or a normal 2GB 6950. The card will mainly be for playing Battlefield 3 and any games I get in the future. Which card would perform better?

 

[Pgooch]

I don't know much on the topic but if the 1gb 6950 can be unlocked to a 6970 wouldn't the 2gb be able to also. ?

 

[XJLanzaro]

Some cards can and some cards can't, they are different models.

 

[djangoringo]

Are you sure that the 1GB is unlocked for an 6970 (it's 2GB) ?
Cause i remember that only will work with 6950 with 2GB versions with dual bios switch.

 

[coozie7]

If the 2Gb card has a reference design and the dual BIOS switch it's likely, but not certain, it will unlock, AFAIK, the 1Gb cards will not unlock at all.
What part of the world are you in, Xjlanzaro? If you're in the USA, Newegg has these:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007709%204017%20600286767%20600298542&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&Order=PRICE&PageSize=20

Brand new, full warranty as as fast as the HD6950 any day.

 

[djangoringo]

True, even better performance than the 6950 : http://tpucdn.com/reviews/Club_3D/HD_7850_RoyalQueen/images/perfrel_1920.gif

That is the 1GB card, and it's way less power demanding.
If possible buy the sapphire 7850 1GB.

 

[XJLanzaro]

The add on ebay for the 1GB 6950 says it has already been unlocked to a 6970, if it's true that only the 2GB version can unlock, than why would he lie about it on the ebay add. A 1gb 7850 is also an option. would it be better than the 2GB 6950 (power consumption in no concern to me).

 

[djangoringo]

Didn't cross your mind that he's lying to sell the card at a higher price ?
I'd go for an 7850 1GB as already been said and for a trusted vendor with warranties (3 years) than some used card 6950 at the same price.

 

[kingnoobe]

If this site is correct http://www.legitreviews.com/article/1608/1/ then coozie is wrong.


Also I would go with the 2gb version.

 

[Embra]

I believe only the 2gb version can be unlocked.
List the specific 2gb card if you can.

I agree with the 7850 recommendation.

 

[XJLanzaro]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gigabyte-AMD-Radeon-HD-6950-6970-GV-R695OC-1GD-1-GB-GDDR5-PCI-Express-2-1-/321035423667?pt=PCC_Video_TV_Cards&hash=item4abf33cfb3
This is card I'm talking about.

 

[XJLanzaro]

Here's the 2gb card I just fount which is overclocked but not unlocked.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MSI-AMD-Radeon-HD-6950-R6950-TWIN-FROZR-III-OC-2-GB-GDDR5-SDRAM-PCI-Express-/121035674099?pt=PCC_Video_TV_Cards&hash=item1c2e49d1f3

 

[Embra]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gigabyte-AMD-Radeon-HD-6950-6970-GV-R695OC-1GD-1-GB-GDDR5-PCI-Express-2-1-/321035423667?pt=PCC_Video_TV_Cards&hash=item4abf33cfb3
This is card I'm talking about.

A little info:

Gigabyte 6950 1gb

 

[coozie7]

Never tried to unlock a 1Gb card, although my own 2Gb XFX reference card unlocked very nicely .
To my mind the point is moot anyway. With new, warranted cards available for the same money from a well respected vendor it would be unwise to buy a modded card off E-bay, would it not?
And the 7850 is also known as a good overclocker.