Closer Look: HIS Radeon HD7950

The HIS HD7950 IceQ Turbo is packed in a relatively large package, accessories wise there is only a DVI to VGA adapter included and a single crossfire bridge. No power adapter cables are included but I never use them any way. There was a new accessory bundled with the HIS HD 7870 IceQ Turbo 2GB video card that I had expected to see return, I am referring to the "Weight Lifter" video card support system, but unfortunately it was not bundled with this model.

The HIS Radeon HD7950 IceQ Turbo video card has two CrossFire connections which means 2/3-way CrossFire and also QuadFire (four GPU) configurations are supported. On the right we spy two 6-pin power connectors, HIS recommend using at least a 500W power supply. The HD7950 IceQ Turbo uses two 8mm and two 6mm copper heatpipes to transfer the heat from the GPU to the main heatsink fin array. We have become accustomed to having these heatpipes either nickel plated or well polished, and this finish does not disappoint.

The HIS HD7950 IceQ Turbo video card cooling design calls upon what HIS call a "Black Hole Impeller". What this means to us end users is that regardless of whether this video card is in single or dual configuration, it will not be starved of airflow because it can take in air from both sides of the fan. The shroud doesn't completely cover the heatsink so that means some warm air will exhaust inside your case, but most of it will exhaust out the rear. When we look at the HIS HD7950 IceQ Turbo video card it's easy to see why it might need a bit of support, measuring just a little less than 12" long and it is also a double slot design.

The IceQ HSF assembly features an 57mm single blower fan that cools the 28nm Tahiti HD7950 GPU really well while remaining virtually silent (on auto).

For output we have two mini display port connectors, a full size HDMI port and one dual-link DVI-I connector. Bundled with the card you get a DVI to D-SUB adapter, so as far as connectors go HIS have really covered all the bases here.

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