I've read that too but doesn't the 6870 reference get more shaders through a bios mod or something that get it similar if not more than the 5850?
That's the 6950 with it's 1408 shaders, flashable to be a 6970 with 1536 shaders.
Except it's a huge gamble whether or not the shaders will be unlockable or function, even on a reference board. I have 4 XFX 1GB 6950's and not a single one opened up locked shaders for me.
Don't go for the 6950 counting on making it a 6970, the odds are well against you.
ah ok thank you for the clarification.
If I get a 5850 and put it in the same rig as my 6990, would my 1kw PSU support them both mining? I know with the setup I have the 6990 the max load would be around 800W give or take. If the 5850 uses 150w at full, it'd be around 950w load on my PSU which should work but is it safe?