AMD has this week launched a new graphics card to its range in the form of the AMD Radeon HD 7950 based on the same 28nm Graphics Core Next GPU as the AMD Radeon HD 7970, code-named Tahiti.
In comparison, the Radeon HD 7950 is a slightly cut-down version clocked at 800MHz compared to the HD 7970’s 925MHz. Even though it is clocked under 1 GHz, there have been rumors that Taiwanese graphics card manufacturers may very soon be launching overclocked Radeon HD 7950 cards for sale. This potential for overclocking could make the HD 7950 an attractive option for gamers and professionals looking for a balance between performance and cost.
Technical Specifications and Performance
The HD 7950 also has a few segments of the GPU disabled, resulting in a total of 1,792 active stream processors, with 112 texture units and 32 ROPs. This configuration is slightly less powerful than the HD 7970, which boasts 2,048 stream processors and 128 texture units. However, the HD 7950 still offers robust performance for most modern gaming and professional applications.
Overclockers who are thinking whether the second BIOS on the Radeon HD 7950 can be used to flash the card into a full-fat HD 7970 by activating these missing compute units and raising clocks, similar to what was done on select HD 6950 cards, are going to be disappointed. AMD is hardware-disabling their HD 7950 cards so that they cannot be BIOS-upgraded to a full complement of 32 compute units, unfortunately for some. This hardware lock ensures that the HD 7950 remains distinct from the HD 7970, maintaining its position in the market.
You can read a few reviews of the new AMD Radeon HD 7950 graphics card over on the Hot Hardware website.
Market Position and Future Prospects
The AMD Radeon HD 7950 is positioned as a high-performance yet cost-effective solution for gamers and professionals. Its slightly reduced specifications compared to the HD 7970 make it more affordable while still delivering excellent performance. This makes it an ideal choice for users who want high-end graphics capabilities without breaking the bank.
The potential for overclocking adds another layer of appeal. Enthusiasts who enjoy tweaking their hardware for maximum performance will find the HD 7950 to be a versatile and capable card. The rumors of Taiwanese manufacturers releasing overclocked versions suggest that there will be even more options for users looking to push the card’s capabilities further.
In terms of future prospects, the HD 7950’s architecture and performance make it a solid choice for upcoming software and games. As developers continue to push the boundaries of graphics technology, having a card that can handle demanding applications is crucial. The HD 7950’s robust feature set ensures that it will remain relevant for some time.
Source: Hot Hardware
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