MSI

MSI R7970-2PMD3GD5 Radeon HD 7970 3GB Graphics Card

3.0 (3 reviews)

Power through demanding games and GPU workloads with MSI's Radeon HD 7970 and 3 GB of GDDR5 memory.

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Overview

The MSI R7970-2PMD3GD5 is built around AMD's Radeon HD 7970 GPU, a chip that debuted as a high-end performer capable of handling graphically intensive games and professional compute tasks. With 3 GB of GDDR5 memory connected through a 384-bit memory bus, the card delivers the bandwidth needed for large textures, high-resolution rendering, and multi-monitor desktop configurations. Its PCI Express 3.0 x16 interface ensures it can take full advantage of modern motherboard slots while remaining backward-compatible with PCIe 2.0 systems.

Connectivity is a strong suit: two Mini DisplayPort outputs, one DVI-I, and one HDMI port give users the flexibility to drive up to four displays from a single card. The HD 7970 architecture supports DirectX 11, OpenCL, and AMD's Eyefinity multi-display technology. While this GPU generation has been superseded by several newer architectures, the R7970-2PMD3GD5 can still serve as a capable card for older systems, budget builds, or specific compute workloads where its wide memory bus provides an advantage.

Key Features

ATI Radeon HD7970

3GB 384-bit GDDR5

Mini Display Portx2, DVI, HDMI

PCI Express 3.0 X16

CrossFire Ready

Specifications

Brand
MSI
Model
R7970-2PMD3GD5
GPU
ATI Radeon HD 7970
Memory
3 GB GDDR5
Memory Bus
384-bit
Outputs
Mini DisplayPort ×2, DVI-I, HDMI
Interface
PCI Express 3.0 x16

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • 3 GB of 384-bit GDDR5 memory handles high-resolution textures and multi-monitor gaming
  • Four display outputs including two Mini DisplayPort, DVI-I, and HDMI
  • PCI Express 3.0 x16 interface maximizes data throughput with compatible motherboards
  • Radeon HD 7970 GPU architecture supports DirectX 11 and OpenCL workloads

👎 Cons

  • Legacy GPU generation is significantly outperformed by modern graphics cards
  • High power draw demands a robust power supply and adequate case cooling
  • Card is a full-length dual-slot design that may not fit smaller cases
  • Driver and software support from AMD for this generation is limited

Frequently Asked Questions

The card offers two Mini DisplayPort outputs, one DVI-I port, and one HDMI port, supporting up to four monitors simultaneously.
Yes. The MSI R7970-2PMD3GD5 uses a PCI Express 3.0 x16 interface, and it is also backward-compatible with PCIe 2.0 motherboards.
It is equipped with 3 GB of GDDR5 memory on a 384-bit bus, which provides substantial bandwidth for high-resolution textures and multi-monitor setups.
The Radeon HD 7970 typically requires two supplemental PCIe power connectors (6-pin + 8-pin), so a sufficiently rated power supply is recommended.