re: PC Discussion - Gaming, Performance and Enthusiasts

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What do you mean by binned?

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I THINK I DISCUSSED THIS IN MY GUIDE! WHY U NO READ MY GUIDE!


Or maybe I didn't. I don't remember. But basically, microprocessors are manufactured with a certain margin of error. As long as the chip functions within spec, it's acceptable to sell. The "better" chips of the bunch will be able to operate at higher clocks and lower voltage, so often these chips are pulled (binned) and sold for premium prices. AKA, AMD's stupid gimmick 9000 series CPUs are binned 8000-series CPUs, just like the 8350 is a binned 8320.

However, GPUs generally have a good bit of headroom as far as core/mem clocks and voltage, so the "Boost" editions or "amp" or whatever they want to call it are generally just randomly selected GPUs that they push another 100-150 MHz into, as though you couldn't do the same to a reference GPU. They aren't special, hand-selected chips that have better overclocking potential than any other GPU. The factory overclocked edition could in fact be a poorer overclocker than a regular edition, simply due to luck of the draw.

EDIT: Coyote beat me to it. But I have an example from my own "boost" edition cards.

My first 7970 is an MSI card that shipped with a reference cooler on a reference PCB, but it was still a "GHz" card, factory overclocked to 1010 MHz. The stock voltage was actually below spec (1.113v) compared to even standard reference 7970s. It's a fantastic overclocker, and it was one of the cheapest reference cards available at the time.

My second card was another MSI 7970 with the same reference PCB, but the Twin Frozr cooler. The card was also a Boost edition card, with a factory overclock of 1050 MHz. However, the "stock" voltage of this card is 1.256, significantly higher than my other card. I don't remember how much additional core speed I could get out of it at stock voltage, but it wasn't much. Since I was water cooling, I just moved the voltage sliders close to 1.3v on both cards to see what I could get out of each, and while I can get 1300+ from the first card, I can only get about 1220 from the second card at 1.3v, so I just keep both cards at 1200 for everyday gaming.

Oddly enough, the mem voltage of the poorer card was 1.5v stock, and 1.6v on the "better" card. I keep both at 1.6v, and I've been able to bench at 1900MHz mem on both cards. I keep it at 1600 for everyday gaming.

I thought about your guide but figured it would be easier to ask than look through the whole guide for one piece of info.
I didn't think I would need to change voltage but it just crossed my mind. If I am ever going to get a 760 I should jump on this. By the time I sell my 7870, factor in the cost of the games included, this isn't a big expense.

If I purchase I will just buy so I have a card. Can't stop Arkham Origins bro.

The other seller option on amazon keeps getting better. Someone is now selling it new for $210. i might need to let them finish out pricing each other

the 270x is more a replacement for the 7870. they left the 7950 out for some reason. All the 270x benchmarks I have seen have it around the 7870 also.

Also yes i would like to try nvidia. Plus if everyone on this board is getting next gen soon, i should further cement myself ahead of next gen more than i already am to celebrate.

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Then I'd save a little more and get something even faster than the 760 to stay ahead for even longer. If you're going from a 7870, you'll be disappointed in the performance gain for your dollar.

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It isn't a Tahiti 7870 though. If it was the Tahiti LE than yeah, 760 would be sort of silly. Get you that little Kepler and SLi in 1yr.

But going from a 7870 to 760/7950 isn't that big of a jump. I would only make the jump to a 7970/280x, 770, 780, etc

It's a small upgrade but the price isn't that high when it's all said and done which is why I'm considering it.

I don't "need" the money. I just don't need to spend much more than I would be if that makes sense. How is the amazon return policy? Does it have to be broken to return it?

May just do it. All their sellers are lowering their 760 prices today so I may watch it and see if there is a price drop coming that hasn't been announced. Also why are you talking me out of upgrading? Haven't you built and sold your build like 5 times this year?

I'm not there until I actually purchase, I flip flop a lot.