Starting with the build quality and design of the 7970 we have a card which very clearly improves on the 6970 and AMD's last generation architecture. This is the case with more obvious aspects such as the cooler down to the more technical aspects such as the overall core design which is better suited to future performance. Of course while all of these combine with a card which uses quality components such as Hynix memory and has an overall feel of being solid and well built. We also get a nice evolution of features on the 7970 including advanced audio streaming.
In terms of performance we have a card which, as with many releases, is designed to perform well now and into the future. As such features like PCIe 3.0 and DirectX 11.1 won't be fully taken advantage of until other software and components are available. In today's games the 7970 is without doubt the performance leader in single GPU products and while it doesn't always beat the GTX 580 convincingly it does have the ability to power 5760x1080 resolution gaming in all of the latest titles, something which single GPU NVIDIA cards cannot do.
There are however a few areas where the 7970 does not compare as well as it could. Firstly it doesn't offer a hugely desirable alternative for those already on a 6900 series, GTX 580 or GTX590/Radeon 6990... this is more an upgrade for those on the 400/5800 series models. Secondly we still have issues with the cooling used by AMD. Yes improvements have been made since the 6900 series (in power use too) but the noise generated by the 7970 is still more than we get on a GTX 580 and in Crossfire the noise level generated is very noticeable. AMD's aim should have been to match or exceed what NVIDIA are doing... not beat what the 6970 does. Essentially AMD need to completely redesign their cooling, not enhance older versions.
In terms of those cooler comments we fully expect HIS to release an enhanced model, which may even feature a factory overclock, in the coming months, if not weeks.
In terms of value, the prices listed for 7970 cards today are fluctuating by the minute very much to extremes. Cards can be found for as little as £420 on pre-order though which beats the £560 we have seen elsewhere by some way. Keep your eyes peeled for good deals now and in the coming days.
Summary
For those looking for an upgrade today the HIS card offers an identical experience to the AMD reference design which is no bad thing. Great performance now and future proof features make it a wise investment for enthusiast gamers.
