Bitcoin Forum

Im building a gaming pc because Ive just got Rome 2. Do you think its a good idea to get a 7950 previously used for mining, or are they just gonna die on me?

Depends on the card.  Some have better VRM cooling than others.  Some have better fans than others.

It's not really a good idea to buy a video card for mining right now anyways...

It depends on how cheap the card is. I probably wouldn't risk it if the card was used for mining for longer than 6 months since there are plenty of other used cards for sale.

He said he needs the GPU for gaming

On a related note, I have a Sapphire 7950 that I've been using from April-end of July if you're interested  :)

From what I've seen the 7900 series are amazingly resilient. Out of more than 100 GPUs that I mined with, I only had 1 7970 die on me, while I had around 5 5870's and nearly 10 5970's. I ran the 7970's at 1100MHz as well (non GHz editions)

Hmmm,think so. If you have plenty space for cooling, then you shall consider as lowering the temperature the safer it is. I used to purchase a new 7970 for the run, but out of order due to temperature, I think, at this moment, Better not to trust anything vapor-X related as vapor-X may be the B.S after I have found a passage, Intel proven seriously. I think if you dip 7950 into oil rig (using vegetable oil), should last longer.

I agree with ChronoX5 on this. I probably would look askance at anything used longer then 4 months.

Another thing to consider: you have no idea how hard they pushed the card; you could be getting their rotten eggs, so to speak. If possible, try and ask these types of questions:

- Did they overclock? If so, how much & how long?
- What's the ambient temps like in their region? I'd say GPUs used in colder temps during the winter have gone thru less abuse to a similar card running in the tropics (fans will be working like a mofo in warm climates). If possible, I'd rec. GPUs from colder climates used in the winter if you had a choice.

Good points, thanks!

What u looking to get out of it?

Also, what is the cond.?

Trust me, I wouldnt mine with gpu's unless it was for LTC.

I figured people would be willing to sell their GPU's at lower rates as the GPU minning biz is over u see.

no

Truly, it's still in pretty good shape. It's got some dust on it, but the fans still spin really well, and the card still performs like brand new. It was run in Michigan over May-June-July, never pushed over 80C, the fans rarely hit >75%. It overclocks very well also, past 1150MHz engine with zero problems (I've seen several people going to 1200 bumping up the voltage and going for a different cooler).

As far as price goes, whatever you're willing to pay really; I understand that the card's been used for mining and not for regular everyday usage. PM me and we can discuss further.

It would depend on how badly the previous owner abused it. How hard was it OC? Did it run @ 85ºC 24x7 for 6 months?

It might be fine, or it might give you trouble down the road. I would think that if the card was used in mining and worked well at full stress and didn't crash, then it's a good card. The prev owner just did some aggressive burn-in testing on it :)

As long as it wasn't chronically overheating or stressed too hard and the electronics are all intact and the price is right, go for it.