HIS 6950: Unveiling the Powerhouse of AMD ATI

HIS 6950: Unveiling the Powerhouse of AMD ATI

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Overview of the Baby 6900 Series Cars
3. Close-up Look at the H 6950
4. Removing the Heatsink for a Better Look
5. PCB and Other Components
6. BIOS Flipping and Customization
7. Performance Benchmarks and Overclocking
8. Comparison with Other Graphics Cards
9. Gameplay Footage: Alien vs Predator
10. Gameplay Footage: Crysis
11. Gameplay Footage: Metro
12. Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Introduction

Welcome back, ladies and gentlemen! In today's video, we'll be taking a closer look at the highly anticipated Baby 6900 series cars. Specifically, we'll be focusing on the H 6950 reference design. This card boasts an impressive clock speed of 800MHz on the core and 5GHz on the memory. But that's just scratching the surface! Join me as we dive deep into the features and performance of this graphics card.

Overview of the Baby 6900 Series Cars

Before we get into the nitty-gritty details, let's talk about the Baby 6900 series cars as a whole. These cards have generated a lot of buzz in the gaming community, and for good reason. With features like support for 3D technology and the ability to drive up to four screens, they have certainly caught the attention of gamers worldwide. But what really sets them apart is their price point. At around £220, the Baby 6900 series cars offer a mid-range option that is neither too expensive nor too cheap. Now, let's take a closer look at the H 6950 and see how it stacks up against the competition.

Close-up Look at the H 6950

Alright, folks, it's time to get up close and personal with the H 6950. This card is the reference design, which means it represents the standard configuration that other manufacturers will use as a starting point for their own versions. One of the first things you'll Notice is that the H 6950 is the same size as its counterparts in the series. The main difference lies in the power connectors, with this card sporting an 8-Pin and a 6-pin connector. But enough talking, let's dive right into the card itself and see what it has to offer.

[Image: H 6950 reference design]

Removing the Heatsink for a Better Look

To truly appreciate the inner workings of the H 6950, we need to remove the heatsink and take a peek under the hood. Brace yourselves, folks, because this card is about to go completely naked! As we carefully remove the heatsink, we reveal a vapor chamber heatsink, similar to what we find in Nvidia cards. This little beauty is accompanied by a substantial lump of aluminum fin, further enhancing the card's cooling capabilities. But that's not all! Flip the card over, and you'll see the backplate, which serves more as a shield than an actual cooling component. Now that we've seen the card in all its naked glory, let's move on and explore some of its other noteworthy components.

PCB and Other Components

While we have the H 6950 stripped down, let's take a closer look at its PCB (printed circuit board) and other components. One interesting feature that caught my eye is a little dip switch located on the card. This handy switch serves as a BIOS switch, allowing users to easily switch between factory settings and custom profiles. For those looking to experiment with different BIOS setups, this feature is a godsend. Moving on, let's explore some other highlights of this impressive card.

BIOS Flipping and Customization

The ability to customize and tweak your graphics card's performance is essential for many enthusiasts. With the H 6950, BIOS flipping is a breeze. Simply flick the switch to the desired position and you're good to go. This feature allows users to easily flash the BIOS with custom profiles, giving them unparalleled control over their card's performance. Whether you're a seasoned overclocker or a curious beginner, the H 6950 offers flexibility and options for everyone.

Performance Benchmarks and Overclocking

Now it's time to put the H 6950 to the test! With a 4GHz CPU as our testing rig, we push the card to its limits and measure its performance using various benchmarks. In peaceful mode, the card scores an impressive 19,800 3DMark points. But that's just the beginning! We also tried overclocking the card and managed to squeeze out a score of 20,680 points. This performance showcases the H 6950's capabilities and makes it a formidable contender in its price range.

Comparison with Other Graphics Cards

To truly gauge the H 6950's performance, we need to compare it to other graphics cards on the market. In terms of pricing, the H 6950 sits comfortably in the mid-range category. It offers a balance between affordability and performance, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers. However, it's essential to compare it to other cards, such as the B 570, the F 80, and the F 70, to understand its true value. Let's explore how the H 6950 stacks up against its competitors in terms of performance and price.

Gameplay Footage: Alien vs Predator

Enough with the benchmarks and comparisons, let's dive into some gameplay! In this section, we'll be looking at Alien vs Predator, an action-packed game that pushes the limits of any graphics card. We've recorded gameplay footage to showcase how the H 6950 performs in real-world gaming scenarios. With an average frame rate of 50-60 frames per Second, the H 6950 proves its worth in delivering a smooth and immersive gaming experience.

Gameplay Footage: Crysis

Moving on to Crysis, a Game known for its stunning visuals and demanding graphics requirements. We'll be showcasing gameplay footage captured using the H 6950. With the game settings maxed out and running at 1080p, the H 6950 maintains a steady frame rate of 30-40 frames per second. While not the highest frame rate we've seen from a graphics card, it's important to note that Crysis is notorious for pushing even the best hardware to its limits. The H 6950 handles it admirably and provides an enjoyable gaming experience.

Gameplay Footage: Metro

Finally, let's explore Metro, a game that truly puts any graphics card through its paces. With stunning visuals and demanding performance requirements, Metro is the ultimate test for the H 6950. Even at maximum settings, the H 6950 manages to maintain a frame rate of around 30 frames per second. This showcases the card's capability to handle graphically intensive games without sacrificing gameplay quality. While certain scenes may cause the frame rate to drop slightly, overall, the H 6950 proves itself as a reliable and capable gaming companion.

Final Thoughts and Conclusion

After spending some quality time with the H 6950, it's time for my final thoughts. In terms of its physical attributes, the H 6950 shares a striking similarity to its counterparts in the 6900 series. However, its speed bins suggest that it may not overclock as well as some of the other cards in the lineup. That being said, for £200, it offers a fantastic gaming experience and packs a punch in terms of performance. When compared to other graphics cards in its price range, the H 6950 stands out as a solid option for gamers looking to upgrade this Christmas.

FAQ

Q: Can I tweak the voltage of the H 6950?

A: Unfortunately, the H 6950 does not support voltage tweaking out of the box. However, there are workarounds available for those looking to push their card's performance to the max.

Resources:

1. Overclocked 3D Review