Windows 7 - Is this a reference radeon HD 6970?

1strail · 06-25-2011

Looking to watercool a couple of new graphics cards (haven't purchased yet), but most of the water blocks are designed for reference cards. From all indications, this PowerColor board seems to be that, but I would like another opinion before I plop down the cash.

I would prefer XFX, but from other posts I've read, it seems like they may have some deptive designs that look like reference, but are not exact.

Thanks

PowerColor AX6970 2GBD5-M2DH Radeon HD 6970

Newegg.com - PowerColor AX6970 2GBD5-M2DH Radeon HD 6970 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity

Maguscreed · 06-25-2011

ugh really need to see the board side of the card to make a visual comparison.

stormy13 · 06-25-2011

It's in the image gallery link on Newegg.

Maguscreed · 06-25-2011

The bracket placement appears right.
http://www.ixbt.com/video3/images/re...-scan-back.jpg

sygnus21 · 06-25-2011

Quote: Originally Posted by 1strail

Looking to watercool a couple of new graphics cards (haven't purchased yet), but most of the water blocks are designed for reference cards. From all indications, this PowerColor board seems to be that, but I would like another opinion before I plop down the cash.

I would prefer XFX, but from other posts I've read, it seems like they may have some deptive designs that look like reference, but are not exact.

Thanks

PowerColor AX6970 2GBD5-M2DH Radeon HD 6970

Newegg.com - PowerColor AX6970 2GBD5-M2DH Radeon HD 6970 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity

That card is the reference design; the non-reference designs usually have a custom fan setup. However some "reference" design cards might be overclocked a tad.

But yeah that card looks like the reference design.

And though I've never done any water anything to my system, I'm pretty sure that even the non-reference design cards have the same attachment points for water cooling.

My two cents.

Maguscreed · 06-25-2011

I believe the MSI and ASUS will not work with items requiring reference specs

1strail · 06-25-2011

Thanks guys