AMD Revising Radeon HD 6900 Series PCB

[btarunr]

AMD is planning a revised Radeon HD 6900 series reference-design PCB. It is reported that the delays which short-supply of TI-made driver-MOSFETs caused have been tided over with, giving AMD the opportunity to redesign the PCB to make use of the more cost-effective yet high-performance VRM circuitry. AMD is reported to have used expensive Volterra-made digital PWM chippery in a last-ditch effort to release the Radeon HD 6900 series in time for the X'mas shopping season, after TI-made VRM components couldn't make it to foundry-partners in time (which caused the launch delay in November, 2010). The redesigned PCB with its new TI-made driver-MOSFETs (DrMOS) could also present an opportunity for AMD to patch the Radeon HD 6950, making stream processor unlocking using BIOS flash impossible, notes the source. This development surfaced after water-cooling major Swiftech announced that it delayed the launch of its Radeon HD 6900 series full-coverage water block because AMD is revising its PCB design.



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[shiny_red_cobra]

I wonder if there will be any naming changes as a result of this change.

 

[Loosenut]

The redesigned PCB with its new TI-made direct-MOSFETs (DrMOS) could also present an opportunity for AMD to patch the Radeon HD 6950, making stream processor unlocking using BIOS flashing impossible, notes the source.

I knew it was too good to last...

 

[btarunr]

I wonder if there will be any naming changes as a result of this change.

No, it's totally a consumer-transparent change.

 

[Swamp Monster]

That is what I was hoping to hear (about Dr.Mos). At least current 6950 owners have option to unlock bios, or else they would be upset. On the other side new 6950 owners will probably have stronger VRM, but no Bios hack.
Maybe power slider in CCC was only result of Volterra ninja-edit revision changes, that happened before christmas

 

[jlewis02]

It might be better for clocking but it also means they will fix the bios flashable 6950s.

 

[afw]

Price drops ... ???

 

[KainXS]

usually after a release the price goes up T.T

 

[Swamp Monster]

No, it's totally a consumer-transparent change.

In that case it can be a problem, because we will not be able to tell which is new version and which is old one.

 

[Neo4]

I knew it was too good to last...

Yeah, that's going to be a big problem after they start selling the new boards. We will probably have a few more weeks (hopefully longer) before that happens. I now know what my next purchase is going to be for my Game Box.

 

[FreedomEclipse]

Oh well there goes the oppotunity to unlock it into a 6970

 

[Drac]

I think they will make much money doing this, people now will buy the 6950 before they release the new one.

 

[LAN_deRf_HA]

I always felt the mosfet thing was covering for some other issue. I don't mean to say I don't think it's an issue, just that it was taking the heat for something more embarrassing. If it turns out the new reference cards can't be unlocked... well nothing I guess, won't prove squat. Unless you're a conspiracy theorist, then it proves EVERYTHING.

 

[btarunr]

In that case it can be a problem, because we will not be able to tell which is new version and which is old one.

You can look at the back of the card. The PCB should look different.

 

[blu3flannel]

I knew this would happen, they did it with the GTX 465 as well. I think it's a bit humorous that they lose money on things that they thought would save them money.

 

[DanishDevil]

Good thing I already grabbed a 6950 for myself. This will be just like wanting reference 58x0 cards vs. non reference.

 

[63jax]

so, the actual 6900 series have a better build quality than those to follow. buy one fast!

 

[hrvoje]

With all that 69x0 circus I think I'll skip this series.
5850 co'ed to 5870 clocks will last till 7xx0 for me.

 

[Scyphe]

With all that 69x0 circus I think I'll skip this series.
5850 co'ed to 5870 clocks will last till 7xx0 for me.

The unlocked/original 6950'ies will go down in history as amazing bargains since most people basically buy 6970'ies for the price of 6950'ies.

 

[Neo4]

The unlocked/original 6950'ies will go down in history as amazing bargains since most people basically buy 6970'ies for the price of 6950'ies.

Of all the Big Three, AMD still has the best bang for the buck. Man I want one of those cards!

 

[Swamp Monster]

so, the actual 6900 series have a better build quality than those to follow. buy one fast!

If Dr.Mos will run colder, then no. Only downside is bios unlocking, but we don't know for sure yet.

 

[daggeronebravo]

any word on when this revision will take place? I plan on buying all my parts for a build on jan 5 (for sandy bridge) and i plan on buying a 6950 and unlocking. Hopefully newegg will still have the original stock still

 

[my_name_is_earl]

Glad I got my hd6950 right after the unlocking news was out. It's like a x1800gto unlocking into an x1800XL. Good times.

 

[siqueirah]

For how long do you think the stocks of the older model will last? When do you think the new revision will be released?

 

[Swamp Monster]

If you planning to shop in jan 5, then there is good chance it will be old stock. I think when new revision cards will come out, btarunr will let us know.