Unmatched Power: Power Color 6990 Crossfire Review

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Unboxing and Overview
3. Performance Test: 3D Mark 11
4. Performance Test: 3D Mark Vantage
5. Performance Test: Unigine Heaven
6. Performance Test: Alien vs. Predator
7. Performance Test: Resident Evil 5
8. Performance Test: Far Cry 2
9. Performance Test: Metro
10. Performance Test: Crysis
11. Crossfire Scaling and Issues
12. Cooling and Noise
13. Overclocking and Limitations
14. Conclusion

Unboxing and Overview

Hey guys, Tony Tom Logan here with another video for you. Today, we're going to take a look at the Power Color 6990 Crossfire setup. In this video, we'll be focusing on the performance of these powerful cards in crossfire mode. We'll also discuss their cooling capabilities, overclocking potential, and any issues we encounter along the way. So, let's dive right into it!

✨ Introduction

Now that you've unboxed these beasts, it's time to give them a closer look. The Power Color 6990 is an absolute behemoth, measuring around 31 centimeters in length. It hangs off the end of the motherboard, making it clear that this card is not meant for small cases. The build quality is excellent, and the dual vapor chambers, along with the large heatsink array, ensure efficient cooling. However, I must point out that the cooler, though effective, can be quite loud. It seems like Power Color has taken the fan design straight from the 6970, and it shows. Despite the noise, there's no denying the sheer power these cards possess.

✨ Performance Test: 3D Mark 11

To gauge the performance of the Power Color 6990 Crossfire setup, we ran the 3D Mark 11 benchmark. With no audio in this test, you can focus on the numbers. The total score we obtained was a staggering 14,202, showcasing the immense power of these cards. It's worth mentioning that this setup is currently the fastest single-card configuration available.

✨ Performance Test: 3D Mark Vantage

Moving on to the 3D Mark Vantage benchmark, we saw even higher scores. This test gave us a total score of 37,905, with a GPU score of 45,740 and a CPU score of 25,039. These numbers truly indicate the raw power packed into these cards. However, it's important to note that despite their impressive performance, there was some micro stuttering observed during gameplay.

✨ Performance Test: Unigine Heaven

Next up, we ran the Unigine Heaven benchmark to push these cards to their limits. The results were remarkable, with the cards consistently delivering exceptional performance. The frame rates hovered between 130 and 150, showcasing the raw power of this Crossfire setup. However, it's worth noting that the fans needed to be manually set at a higher speed to prevent overheating during prolonged use.

✨ Performance Test: Alien vs. Predator

In the Alien vs. Predator test, we experienced jaw-dropping frame rates, with the Game running at 140 frames per Second and occasionally peaking at 185 frames per second. The performance of this Crossfire setup truly shines in this game. However, it's essential to mention that the noise levels produced by the fans were significant. If you value a quiet gaming experience, these cards might not be the best fit.

✨ Performance Test: Resident Evil 5

Switching gears, we turned our attention to Resident Evil 5, running in DirectX 9 mode. The frames per second remained consistently high, with smooth gameplay throughout. However, the noise produced by the fans became more noticeable, indicating that these cards generate quite a bit of heat during intense gaming Sessions.

✨ Performance Test: Far Cry 2

Now, let's talk about Far Cry 2. Running the game at maximum settings showcased the exceptional performance of the Power Color 6990 Crossfire setup. The frame rates remained high, with no significant drops observed. However, the noise levels continued to be an issue, as the fans had to work at higher speeds to maintain acceptable temperatures.

✨ Performance Test: Metro

Moving on to Metro, we experienced impressive performance, with frame rates hovering between 130 and 150. However, it's worth noting that the microstuttering issue persisted, affecting the overall smoothness of gameplay. While the raw power of these cards is undeniable, the slight performance drawbacks due to crossfire scaling must be taken into consideration.

✨ Performance Test: Crysis

Last but not least, let's talk about Crysis. As expected, the Power Color 6990 Crossfire setup delivered mind-blowing performance, providing frame rates in the range of 80s and occasionally dipping into the 60s. Running this game at maximum settings truly showcases the capabilities of these cards. However, the cooling and noise issues persist, making this setup more suitable for users who prioritize power over a quiet gaming experience.

✨ Crossfire Scaling and Issues

It's important to discuss the scaling and issues associated with running a Crossfire setup. The more GPUs you add, the more diminishing returns you'll experience. While adding a second card can provide a significant performance boost, adding a third or fourth will yield diminishing returns. Additionally, driver issues and game optimization can cause further complications. It's crucial to carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks before opting for a multi-GPU setup.

✨ Cooling and Noise

Now, let's address the cooling and noise concerns. The Power Color 6990 Crossfire setup generates a substantial amount of heat, with the backplate getting noticeably hot during prolonged use. The default fan profiles can be loud, especially when the cards are under heavy load. This can be a concern for users seeking a quiet gaming experience. However, it's worth mentioning that aftermarket coolers and customizations can address these concerns to some extent.

✨ Overclocking and Limitations

When it comes to overclocking, the Power Color 6990 Crossfire setup does offer some headroom. However, due to the heat generated, reaching the maximum overclock can be challenging without the noise levels becoming unbearable. Some users have reported freezing issues when pushing the cards to their limits without manually adjusting the fan speeds. Therefore, it's essential to strike a balance between performance and noise levels.

✨ Conclusion

In conclusion, the Power Color 6990 Crossfire setup offers unparalleled performance. These cards are true powerhouses, delivering astounding frame rates and pushing boundaries in the gaming world. However, they are not without their flaws. Cooling and noise remain significant concerns, and crossfire scaling can introduce micro stuttering in some games. Nevertheless, Power Color has laid a solid foundation, and with refinements to cooling and overclocking, these cards have the potential to be even more impressive.

⭐️ Highlights

• Power Color 6990 Crossfire setup: Unmatched performance in a single-card configuration
• Raw power: Delivering impressive frame rates and smooth gameplay
• Cooling concerns: The backplate heats up significantly, and default fan profiles can be loud
• Crossfire scaling: Diminishing returns and micro stuttering may occur with additional GPUs
• Overclocking limitations: Heat and noise levels can hinder achieving maximum overclocks
• Potential for improvement: Power Color has a solid base but can address cooling and noise concerns for an even better product

FAQ:

Q: Are the Power Color 6990 cards suitable for small cases? A: No, these cards are quite large and require ample space.

Q: Can I expect quiet operation from the Power Color 6990 Crossfire setup? A: The default fan profiles can be loud, so a quiet gaming experience may not be achievable without aftermarket coolers or modifications.

Q: Do the Power Color 6990 cards suffer from overheating issues? A: These cards generate a significant amount of heat, and extended use may result in high temperatures. Proper cooling solutions are crucial.

Q: Can I achieve significant performance gains by adding additional GPUs in Crossfire? A: While adding a second card can provide a notable performance boost, the benefits diminish as more GPUs are added. Additionally, microstuttering may become an issue.

Q: Is overclocking recommended for the Power Color 6990 Crossfire setup? A: Overclocking these cards can be challenging due to the heat generated and the resulting increase in fan noise. Balancing performance and noise levels is key.