Advice on GPU purchase
#1
Hi, I'm looking to upgrade my current computer for some hashcat fun.

I appologize in advance for my horrible knowledge.

Currently I run an ATI 6990 and I'm looking to upgrade it.

1) Is ATI the prefered card for using hashcat?

2) Is a 7970 a worthy upgrade, as in worth the money?

3)Is the difference between 7970 and 7990 worth the money or is more an enthusiast thing?

4) I tested hashcat on my 6990 and it almost sounded like it was about to explode with an 81 temp. Are there any steps to take to prevent this or lower the temperature other than installing more fans which im looking to do?

Thanks in advance for any answers and for your patience.
#2
(10-09-2013, 12:49 PM)erikholder Wrote: Currently I run an ATI 6990 and I'm looking to upgrade it.

not really much you could upgrade to, 6990 is already one of the fastest gpus available. maybe get a second 6990?

(10-09-2013, 12:49 PM)erikholder Wrote: 1) Is ATI the prefered card for using hashcat?

absolutely.

(10-09-2013, 12:49 PM)erikholder Wrote: 2) Is a 7970 a worthy upgrade, as in worth the money?

7970 isn't really an upgrade from the 6990. there are definitely aspects of the 7970 that makes it more desirable than the 6990, but speed isn't one of them.

(10-09-2013, 12:49 PM)erikholder Wrote: 3)Is the difference between 7970 and 7990 worth the money or is more an enthusiast thing?

7990 is 2x 7970 on a single card. so yes, it's worth the money. and a 7990 would be faster than your 6990. it will be equally hard to cool, however.

(10-09-2013, 12:49 PM)erikholder Wrote: 4) I tested hashcat on my 6990 and it almost sounded like it was about to explode with an 81 temp. Are there any steps to take to prevent this or lower the temperature other than installing more fans which im looking to do?

81C is a fine temp for the 6990.
#3
(10-09-2013, 12:59 PM)epixoip Wrote:
(10-09-2013, 12:49 PM)erikholder Wrote: Currently I run an ATI 6990 and I'm looking to upgrade it.

not really much you could upgrade to, 6990 is already one of the fastest gpus available. maybe get a second 6990?

(10-09-2013, 12:49 PM)erikholder Wrote: 1) Is ATI the prefered card for using hashcat?

absolutely.

(10-09-2013, 12:49 PM)erikholder Wrote: 2) Is a 7970 a worthy upgrade, as in worth the money?

7970 isn't really an upgrade from the 6990. there are definitely aspects of the 7970 that makes it more desirable than the 6990, but speed isn't one of them.

(10-09-2013, 12:49 PM)erikholder Wrote: 3)Is the difference between 7970 and 7990 worth the money or is more an enthusiast thing?

7990 is 2x 7970 on a single card. so yes, it's worth the money. and a 7990 would be faster than your 6990. it will be equally hard to cool, however.

(10-09-2013, 12:49 PM)erikholder Wrote: 4) I tested hashcat on my 6990 and it almost sounded like it was about to explode with an 81 temp. Are there any steps to take to prevent this or lower the temperature other than installing more fans which im looking to do?

81C is a fine temp for the 6990.

Thanks for your answer also I was wrong my current GPU is 6970, sorry.

Is my best upgrade still to get a 2nd card of that version? Also is a 2nd card much of an upgrade?

Would I have to go to 7990 to make it worth the cash if i go by single card?

Plus is there any benchmark site for different cards?

Alright good to hear about the temp. However the noise is unbearable, i guess get more fans?

Thanks again for the quick answers!
#4
if you have a 6970 then a 7970 would definitely be a good upgrade. a second 6970 would be a good upgrade as well, especially since used prices are cheap. no, you definitely don't have to go with a 7990 to make it worth the cash. a 7970 would be just fine.

if the noise is unbearable, then more fans won't help your situation. if noise is an issue, then look into buying an Asus 7970 DirectCU II. it is very quiet.
#5
(10-09-2013, 01:29 PM)epixoip Wrote: if you have a 6970 then a 7970 would definitely be a good upgrade. a second 6970 would be a good upgrade as well, especially since used prices are cheap. no, you definitely don't have to go with a 7990 to make it worth the cash. a 7970 would be just fine.

if the noise is unbearable, then more fans won't help your situation. if noise is an issue, then look into buying an Asus 7970 DirectCU II. it is very quiet.

Great, thanks for the suggestion, i'll look into that card and upgrade to x2 of them in the future if needed. You've been very helpful thanks again Smile