AMD HD 6950 2GB with Unlockable Shaders

[sekito]

Hey guys I'm building a new rig and I'm trying to get a 6950 2GB that can be either be flashed with the 6970 bios and become a 6970 or a card that can have the shaders unlocked through the BIOS editor.

Can you guys help me find an unlockable 6950 that are being sold on TigerDirect, NewEgg, and such stores?

Thank you very much!

 

[eyefinity]

Here is a good article on unlocking the 6950 into a 6970.

http://www.techpowerup.com/articles/overclocking/vidcard/159

As you can see the vast majority of (older) 2GB cards unlock. I think you want a reference version to make sure though, one made before April.

 

[Mousemonkey]

Wasn't there something about AMD laser cutting the 'broken bits' off in an effort to stop that kind of thing?

 

[eyefinity]

They probably did that with the newest cards yes.

The easiest way to check is to take the manufacturer code ie HD-695A-CNFC and google it to see if it's unlockable.

 

[sekito]

It's really hard to find a reference model right now. Some non-reference models can be unlocked such as the Twin Frozr II OC edition and the Twin Frozr III, I was wondering if anybody know of any cheaper non-reference models that can have their shaders unlocked.

 

[bystander]

I saw this recently, using this guide: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/page-316974_33_50.html

I got my brand new 6950 today (HIS 6950 IceQ X Turbo 2GB) and I just successfully unlocked the shaders with your step-by-step instructions. Awesome! I just registered here to let you know

It's one of the few stories I have seen with recent success.

 

[sekito]

I saw this recently, using this guide: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/page-316974_33_50.html

I got my brand new 6950 today (HIS 6950 IceQ X Turbo 2GB) and I just successfully unlocked the shaders with your step-by-step instructions. Awesome! I just registered here to let you know

It's one of the few stories I have seen with recent success.

Nice! Any idea how the IceQ compares to the Twin Frozr in cooling/overclocking?

 

[eyefinity]

I like HIS cards over all others, they have better stock coolers than anything else I've used so I'd assume the IceQ's are pretty decent as well.

 

[sekito]

Best answer selected by Sekito.

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been closed by Mousemonkey