Hardware News

Gigabyte Radeon HD 7970 Super OverClock WindForce 5X Video Card Review

Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan

2012-08-16 14:15:00.0


Toms Hardware have reviewed the ultra rare Gigabyte Radeon HD 7970 Super OverClock WindForce 5x, which features 1080MHz base core clock and a custom triple slot cooler design.

Let's see what they had to say:

"This is more a demonstration of what Gigabyte might be able to achieve with its Windforce 5X cooler than a mass-market card. But we're at least happy to report that our initial fears of ghastly acoustics were unfounded, and that it's even possible to improve on the original sample by removing the memory's thermal pads, by re-applying thermal compound, and by setting up our own fan speed profile.

Most importantly (and more noteworthy than the benchmarks and comparisons to other cards), we see now that this type of cooling solution is a viable way to dissipate heat without recirculating warm air inside a chassis, as many aftermarket designs are guilty of doing. The only shame is that you're required to use a very particular type of chassis. Otherwise, this approach to cooling would, in fact, simply blow heat around inside."


Although it may not officially be branded a "GHz Edition" 7970, this triple slot behemoth is one impressive card! Though increased noise, increased power consumption and additional cost may turn some customers off.

Click here to read the full review.


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