7970 Version: Sapphire Dual X vs Gigabyte Windforce 3x

[dboyd]

Hi all,

I am hoping to start buying parts today. I am trying to figure out what graphics card to get and I have settled on the 7970 since it seems to be the most future proof, yet not completely crazy priced graphics card out there. Here is my planned build:

CPU - Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor
CPU Cooler - Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus
Motherboard - ASRock Z77E-ITX
Memory - Samsung 8GB DDR3-1600
Storage – Samsung 840 Pro 128gb SSD
Storage - Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive
Video Card – 7970 – Brand TBD
Case - BitFenix Prodigy (Black) Mini ITX Tower Case
Power Supply - Antec BP550 Plus 550W
Optical Drive - Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer
Operating System - Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit)

The two reasonably priced 7970s are:

-Sapphire 7970 using Dual X - $359.99
-Gigabyte 7970 using Windforce 3x– $399.99

Comparison Link Here

I have seen reviews of both:
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/...view,3186.html

Both seem ok from reviews. But there are reports of the Sapphire making noises and the PCB bending and the card taking up 2.5 slots… Are these things I should actually care about or believe are real? Lastly, Still good on the 550W power supply (I will be overclocking the entire system) and this should fit my setup (I still have no idea how people do this sizing).

Thanks.

-Dan

 

[dboyd]

Or am I just going overboard and should get the 7950 and save 50 to 100 bucks?

 

[unksol]

I prefer sapphire...assuming it fits in that case.

I would not use that PSU. It is am outdated multi rail design, only rated 440W on the 12V rail and is,awfully expensive

 

[nna2]

their both good (and quiet, i've used the windforce cooler and it's WAY better than reference)... but with gigabyte i've had a very tough time getting over voltage to work, so i would lean towards sapphire for that reason

 

[dboyd]

I prefer sapphire...assuming it fits in that case.

I would not use that PSU. It is am outdated multi rail design, only rated 440W on the 12V rail and is,awfully expensive

A follow up regarding the PSU. What do you suggest for a card like this? I am trying to buy from microcenter today? How do I know what is outdated, etc.

Lastly, how do you determine if a card can fit a case... without just buying it and finding out that it doesn't fit.

 

[nna2]

A follow up regarding the PSU. What do you suggest for a card like this? I am trying to buy from microcenter today? How do I know what is outdated, etc.

Lastly, how do you determine if a card can fit a case... without just buying it and finding out that it doesn't fit.

http://www.bitfenix.com/global/en/products/chassis/prodigy/
http://bitfenix.img.bgcdn.net/products_images/642.png
by the looks of it you can remove the middle cage
http://www.sapphiretech.com/presentation/product/?cid=1&gid=3&sgid=1157&lid=1&pid=1463&leg=0

the card is 280MM long, and by the looks of it the case will support that

for a PSU, i would go for a 600W supply from a good brand (if you live in canada, you can get a corsair builder series 600W supply for under $50 today)

 

[dboyd]

Best answer selected by dboyd.