AMD Radeon HD 7950 Review - Final Thoughts
Comparing the Radeon HD 7950
There are a number of ways to compare the Radeon HD 7950, as there are plenty of cards and combinations (single and CFX) for comparison. However, I think there are two comparisons to stand out. First, comparing the Radeon HD 7950 to the flagship Radeon HD 7970. Second, comparing the Radeon DH 7950 to the card it replaces - the Radeon HD 6950.
The Radeon HD 7950 is launching at $449. This is roughly 61% over the current price of the Radeon HD 6950. And, it is about 22% less than the Radeon HD 7970. So, is the HD 7950 a 60% faster card, than the HD 6950? And, is it a 20% slower card than the Radeon HD 7970?
| Price | 1080p Widescreen | ||||||||||
| Price | vs. HD 7950 | AVP | Dirt 3 | H.A.W.X. 2 | Heaven 2.5 | Mafia II | Metro 2033 | Shogun 2 | Total | ||
| AMD Radeon HD 7970 | $549 | 22.3% | 18.8% | 22.4% | 14.8% | 15.7% | 17.8% | 17.4% | 21.2% | 18.1% | |
| AMD Radeon HD 6950 | $279 | 60.9% | 35.6% | 25.7% | 43.8% | 46.4% | 21.7% | 31.9% | 38.9% | 34.8% | |
| Compared to the Radeon HD 7950, priced at $449. | |||||||||||
|   | Price | 1080p 3x1-L Eyefinity | |||||||||
| Price | vs. HD 7950 | AVP | Dirt 3 | H.A.W.X. 2 | Heaven 2.5 | Mafia II | Metro 2033 | Shogun 2 | Total | ||
| AMD Radeon HD 7970 | $549 | 22.3% | 18.5% | 24.6% | 12.3% | 17.7% | 16.7% | 16.1% | 22.4% | 17.5% | |
| AMD Radeon HD 6950 | $279 | 60.9% | 37.1% | 33.7% | 58.5% | 38.2% | 42.9% | 42.5% | 34.2% | 43.3% | |
| Compared to the Radeon HD 7950, priced at $449. | |||||||||||
So, what do these charts tell us? They say that while the Radeon HD 7970 is 22% more expensive than the Radeon HD 7950, it "only" provides an 18% performance improvement in widescreen and a 17.5% improvement in Eyefinity. Those numbers are pretty close, and your only paying a 5% "premium" for the biggest and best card in the 7000-series.
When looking at the card it replaces, the Radeon HD 7950 is almost 61% more expensive than the Radeon HD 6950. However, it only offers a 35% performance improvement in widescreen, and only offers a 43.5% improvement in Eyefinity. Now improvements of 35% and 43% are a sizable improvement over the previous generation, but they don't match the 61% price increase.
Now, frame rates aren't the only thing to consider in a video card, and the Radeon HD 7950 (like the HD 7970) brings a number of additional features such as the improvements in noise, heat, power draw and overclocking headroom. The question remains on whether you think those features are worth 20% of price increase, or will you wait for a price drop and/or the next card in the lineup.
Final Thoughts
The Radeon HD 7950 scorches in widescreen, offering 60fps+ at max settings in almost every game at 1080p, and offering 30fps+ at 1080p Eyefinity.
The Radeon HD 7950 is a solid release in the new 7000-series, and its price/performance ratio fits in nicely with the HD 7970. There is certainly a price premium for entry into the Radeon 7000-series, but I think the improvements in the noise, heat and power are well worth the price premium over the Radeon 6000-series.
The Radeon HD 7950 scorches in widescreen, offering 60fps+ at max settings in almost every game at 1080p. For the few that are just under 60fps, this bellwether is easily within reach. If you are a widescreen gamer I would recommend the 7950 over the 7970. Save the $100, and put it toward a couple of new games to enjoy. My opinion is that for single screen the Radeon HD 7970 is just overkill. If you're shooting for 1080p 60fps, this is your card.
The same hold true if you are satisfied with 30fps in Eyefinity. The Radeon HD 7950 will give you 30fps+ in almost every title I tested at max settings. If you're looking to join the Eyefinity ranks and are on a budget, I would recommend savings the money here and putting that $100 towards one of your monitors. The overclocking headroom will help for sure, and the CrossFire performance is excellent. You can pick up a second HD 7950 in a year when prices fall, and more demanding games are being released.
Pricing the Radeon HD at $399 would have put it right at a 43% price premium over the Radeon HD 6950 it replaces. If the launch price is a bit too steep for you, then a future price drop of $50 would get you the perfect price/performance ratio over the last generation. However, I think the environmental improvements of quieter and cooler running are well worth the $50 premium.