AMD HD7990 Malta Review

There is no margin for debate, AMD have achieved their goal of creating the world's fastest graphics card. The HD7990 Malta architecture is clearly designed to power the latest Direct X 11 engines at insanely high resolutions. Across three screens it was the clear performance leader, with the GTX690 a little distance behind.

My biggest issue with high end AMD reference cards in the past has always been the loud, ill performing cooling systems they have incorporated. In this regard Nvidia have had the edge in recent years. I don't think even the most devout AMD followers would argue this point.

That has changed today, as AMD have redressed this problem by incorporating a paired copper heatsink, triple axial fan cooling system. This time we can focus on the cooler for all the right reasons – that being class leading thermal performance, paired up with low noise levels.

With a price point around £850, there is no doubt that the AMD HD7990 Malta is superior to the GTX690. It emits less noise under load, has a superior cooling system and is markedly faster with the latest Direct X 11 titles at high resolutions. If you are using a 1080p screen then we recommend you save some money and buy a lesser solution. This card really only makes sense with a 30 inch screen, or three 24 inch or 30 inch screens running Eyefinity.

Comparing against the GTX Titan is less clear cut. While the AMD HD7990 Malta is clearly a higher performance gaming solution, it is formed around two HD7970 cores. This means it consumes a lot more power at the socket and will rely on AMD Catalyst driver profiles to operate at full efficiency.

The GTX Titan is still the fastest single GPU graphics card, and there is a possibility that the AMD HD7990 Malta could be running at half performance if AMD don't support a newly released game properly at launch. With a dual GPU card it is critical you update drivers immediately, including the latest up to the minute beta versions.

In the ‘ultra high end', the audience are less focused on getting the best deal possible. People who are interested in buying a GTX690 or HD7990 have a much higher level of disposal income, so a little extra either way isn't so critical. If Nvidia can charge £850 for the GTX690 then AMD are fully justified in charging the same for the HD7990 Malta. Where does the GTX Titan fit into this? There is no doubting it is an incredible graphics card, made even more remarkable by the fact that it is a single GPU design, but how can they justify £850 for it? I think it should be priced closer to £700 inc vat, but it seems to be selling exceptionally well so nVidia are unlikely to drop the price anytime soon.

Our testing today has highlighted the HD7990 Malta is the new performance leader. If you are contemplating one, just be sure to pair it up with a quality, capable power supply. It demands more power at the socket than the GTX690 and may bring lesser supplies to their knees.

Pros:

• The world's fastest graphics card.
• class leading cooling system.
• exceptionally quiet under load.
• same price as GTX690.
• fantastic thermal performance.

Cons:

• high power drain.
• you will still need deep pockets for pride of ownership.

Kitguru says: AMD have created the world's fastest graphics card and the price seems good compared against  the GTX690 and GTX Titan. 

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