Question: XFX 7970: Core vs. Black Edition

[zefir]

Hi miners,

anyone out there using the XFX 7970 Core and/or Black Edition for mining?

ATI's flagship cards are still not easy to get here in Europe. I could get the XFX Core edition shipped within one week, while the Black one might take another 3-4 weeks to get.

Just curious if it is worth to wait that long. I'd prefer the BE (FX797ATDBC) for its potentially better OC capabilities and the twin-fan cooling. But if the Core edition can be over-clocked to similar values without running too hot during mining, I won't bother (will never be used for gaming).

Thanks for any feedback or experience report.


EDIT: changed title to indicate this is a question (many reads + no feedback could indicate many others are having same question)

[cmg5461]

Generally you will have a higher quality ASIC in the black edition.

Other than that, there is a lifetime warranty on the black edition, while the core edition has 2 years.

And they're water cooling friendly.

[zefir]

Generally you will have a higher quality ASIC in the black edition.

Other than that, there is a lifetime warranty on the black edition, while the core edition has 2 years.

And they're water cooling friendly.

Thanks, I just saw that the topic became meanwhile hot in another thread.

[Elmojo]

Generally you will have a higher quality ASIC in the black edition. <-- Agreed. My BE has an ASIC quality of 81.7%

Other than that, there is a lifetime warranty on the black edition, while the core edition has 2 years.  <--Not entirely true. ONLY the double fan Black Edition has the lifetime warranty. The reference design BE has a 2-yr warranty. Check that other thread, there's more info there about that.

And they're water cooling friendly. <- I've seen that mentioned before, what's it mean? Aren't all GPUs technically 'water cooling friendly' in that they REALLY like it? lol If you mean that you can water cool it without voiding the warranty...WRONG. There are little stickers on the heat sink bracket that say "void if removed". Sorry.