New PC Build

Sean1082 · 28 Apr 2011

This is my first build. It's more of an upgrade, just on a large scale. I would really appreciate some replies from experienced builders who have knowledge with compatibility, performance, etc. Thanks!

CPU:
Newegg.ca - AMD Phenom II X6 1100T Black Edition Thuban 3.3GHz, 3.7GHz Turbo 6 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 125W Six-Core Desktop Processor HDE00ZFBGRBOX

Mobo:
Newegg.ca - GIGABYTE GA-890FXA-UD5 AM3 AMD 890FX SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard

RAM:
Newegg.ca - CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9

Graphics:
Newegg.ca - XFX HD-697A-CNDC Radeon HD 6970 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity

EDIT: I have a 650W PSU. I should be good, ya?

DocBrown · 28 Apr 2011

Great choice of MB & CPU

I used the same ones to build one in Jan 2011

I think the PSU should be okay :)

https://www.sevenforums.com/overclock...ml#post1157908

Sean1082 · 28 Apr 2011

DocBrown said:

Great choice of MB & CPU

I used the same ones to build one in Jan 2011

I think the PSU should be okay :)

https://www.sevenforums.com/overclock...ml#post1157908

Yes, I remember seeing this. You've posted on my previous thread. These parts are my finalization for my build this summer.

Thanks a lot for the reply!

Emcee · 29 Apr 2011

Just read this the other day:

XFX has silently released a new revision for their "reference" 6970 model, the HD697ACNFC. They're calling it v1.1

There is no way to know this by simply looking at the shroud design or model number. You must either inspect the PCB under the stock cooler or look at the sticker on the back of the PCB.

Upon further inspection of the PCB, I noticed several things:
-The use of cheaper SMT components
-The speaker is missing
-A memory power phase is missing
-There is a ceramique cap and a few inductors near the PCIe power plugs

Furthermore, full cover blocks, such as the EK 6970 Reference Design block I had ordered, will not fit this card. I have written to EK about this, but judging by their own cooling configurator, they did not know about the revisions either.

XFX's new silent revision for the 6970 - Overclockers Forums

Might just make sure you're getting the right version of that card.

Sean1082 · 29 Apr 2011

A little confused on what I am reading here. Should I be looking into a different card?

I found these two:
Newegg.ca - MSI R6970 Lightning Radeon HD 6970 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card
Newegg.ca - GIGABYTE GV-R697OC-2GD Radeon HD 6970 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity

Opinions? Suggestions for getting one over the other?

DarkXeno · 29 Apr 2011

Sean1082 said:

A little confused on what I am reading here. Should I be looking into a different card?

I found these two:
Newegg.ca - MSI R6970 Lightning Radeon HD 6970 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card
Newegg.ca - GIGABYTE GV-R697OC-2GD Radeon HD 6970 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity

Opinions? Suggestions for getting one over the other?

I myself have had a lot of luck with MSI products. I just bought a R6950 2g. I really didn't see a need for myself to jump to the OC version of the R6970. Im thinking of unlocking the extra shaders in my 6950 to the 6970 I have already tested the overclocking of the chip to 900mhz without a major heat increase. You might want to look around at the 6950 and save a few bucks first.

Also you can take a look at this post where we have been comparing some of the cards out there.
hd 6870 Unigine Heaven Post your score !

Sean1082 · 29 Apr 2011

DarkXeno said:

Sean1082 said:

A little confused on what I am reading here. Should I be looking into a different card?

I found these two:
Newegg.ca - MSI R6970 Lightning Radeon HD 6970 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card
Newegg.ca - GIGABYTE GV-R697OC-2GD Radeon HD 6970 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity

Opinions? Suggestions for getting one over the other?

I myself have had a lot of luck with MSI products. I just bought a R6950 2g. I really didn't see a need for myself to jump to the OC version of the R6970. Im thinking of unlocking the extra shaders in my 6950 to the 6970 I have already tested the overclocking of the chip to 900mhz without a major heat increase. You might want to look around at the 6950 and save a few bucks first.

Money isn't too much of an issue and I like the extra performance the 6970 can offer. I might go ahead with it if MSI proves to be reliable after some research.

Thanks for your input!