MSI R6970 2GB Lightning Review

👤by Sahil Mannick Comments 📅21-04-11
Packaging and Content


The front of the box

When first presented with the MSI HD6970 Lightning box, the most remarkable observation is its sheer size. It is by far the biggest graphics card box I have come across measuring a mighty 46cm x 31cm x 8cm, hinting at the beast that resides inside. The packaging is certainly very striking and attractive, using a red (for AMD) and grey colour scheme with illustrations of a fighter jet and Lightning in allusion to its name. The Lightning series of graphics cards represent MSI’s most innovative and feature rich rendition of high end cards and the features displayed are testament to their quality. The HD6970 Lightning, as boldly printed across the base, uses MSI’s newly designed Twin Frozr III cooler and features an 18 phase PWM VRM circuitry along with triple overvoltage to make the most of it. As standard, MSI also advertises their use of military class components which altogether aims to target serious overclockers.



The back of the box

The back of the box carries on the same theme and background as the front. This is also where the features, minimum system requirements and product specifications are listed. More impressively, MSI have listed some of the key specifications in 30 different languages.


The features and system requirements

A closer look at the features and we can see that the card supports a range of AMD specific features such as AVIVO HD, Eyefinity and HD3D technology, accelerated video transcoding which programs such as Cyberlink’s Mediaespresso supports, and of course CrossfireX. The graphics card uses demands a 650W power supply minimum, 100W more than what a reference HD6970 demands.


Window into the box

The box uses a front Velcro attached flap which when opened, reveals more of the features specific to the MSI card. Here, we can see a plastic covered cut out that showcases the graphics card below. Surrounding the cut out are the Twin Frozr III cooler’s key features. The custom MSI cooler, which has become revered amongst enthusiasts, uses dual 9cm PWM fans for 40% more airflow and the unique propeller blades are contributory factors. The heatsink uses a high density fin array and nickel plated copper base for optimal heat transfer and dissipation. And to aid the process, the cooler uses 2 8mm and 3 6mm heat pipes to transfer heat more efficiently. The end result is 26C cooler and 12dB quieter operation compared to the reference cooler.


MSI unique features

The flap displays more information on the highly engineered power circuitry that the Lightning card boasts. Unlike many other manufacturers, MSI are not simply adding a custom cooler in the bid of attracting potential buyers, but instead they have gone to the length of arming their card with some of the best components available to ensure stability and durability, or as an enthusiast would see it; more room for overclocking. Building the foundations of the card is the Power 4 Architecture, Military Class II Components, improved PCB design and Triple Over-Voltage.


Military Class II components

As well as the inclusion of MSI afterburner, the card comes with military class components in the form of highly conductive capacitors (Hi-c Caps), solid ferite chokes (SFCs) with super permeable ferrite cores, and solid capacitors with aluminium cores. These aim to deliver cleaner power delivery, a longer lifespan and better overclocking headroom. Lightning Power Layer is a unique MSI PCB design for the GPU, memory and power circuitry to reduce noise and increase stability.


MSI Power 4 Architecture

The Power 4 Architecture incorporates an 18 phase PWM design instead of the 8 phase design found on the reference card. The Lightning also uses NEC Proadlizers which were first featured on Gigabyte’s SOC cards. The capacitors provide current capacity of up to 5000microFarads and extremely low ESL/ESR for super overclocking ability and the Lightning features 4 of those chips in place of regular capacitors. The CopperMOS feature refers to the small built in heatspreaders present on the high current MOSFETs for additional cooling. And finally, the Lightning has dedicated memory power for superior overclocking and as such features dual 8 pin power connectors rather than 1 6 pin and 1 8 pin connectors.


Opening the box

Finally going inside packaging is another box covered by a tough plastic shroud. The box houses the graphics card and all the accessories within a foam enclosure for additional protection. The card itself is wrapped in an anti-static bag but the sheer size of the card is apparent since it spans nearly the whole length of the box. Below the foam are the utility CDs and leaflets.


The bundle

The bundle is fairly healthy with some unique additions. Included in the package are:
-1x Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort adapter
-2x 6pin to 8pin connectors
-2x voltage probe cables
-1x 10cm CrossFireX bridge
-1x DVI to VGA adapter
-1x Driver Disc
-1x Quick User guide
-1x Lightning information leaflet
-1x HD6970

Very interestingly, the 8 pin cable adapters don’t require 2 6 pin cables making it very unique. The voltage probe cables allows enthusiast to use their voltmeter to easily take voltage readings off the board at the specified check points. The Lightning user guide provides further information of the AMD reference features and specifications. More importantly, it provides a diagram of the PCB and illustrates the card’s specific features.


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