XFX DD Radeon HD7950 Did I blow it?

[OCCrisisMaker]

When I began buiding my newest rig, I had no intention of water cooling - so I got a non-spec graphics cards (not thinking of all contingencies). I got the (awesome in it's own right) XFX DD (Double Dissipation) HD 7950 card. I know it is not a spec card but it does have good cooling ability (currently OC'd at 975/1330 with lots of head-room).

I have put in a water loop and I am going to want to crossfire this card later (when prices are more in my favor)

My question is...
Can I crossfire a water cooled 7950 later and drop the DD card into the 2nd slot (which would allow adequate air to the fan intakes) or, did I totally blow this build? I mean, would it mess up gpu temp sensors or something if I did that? Or will both graphics cards have to be water cooled?
Oops, that's five - er, uh... three questions.

I run BOINC projects so my overclocks run 100% or near to, 24/7

 

[Russia14]

No you can crossfire a watercooled videocard with a stock videocard of the same make no problem. The stock card will naturally run hotter then watercooled card but it will jive just fine. Temps for either card will be shown separately in programs such as GPUz. Just dont expect clock speeds/temps anywhere near as good from the stock as from the blocked if you decide to OC.

 

[dillinja666]

I dont know about crossfiring a non referance and a referance card though, that might cause some issues. I just tried it, granted with 5770's and had issues. You might want to read up on that before you purchase your second or first card.

 

[OCCrisisMaker]

I dont know about crossfiring a non referance and a referance card though, that might cause some issues. I just tried it, granted with 5770's and had issues. You might want to read up on that before you purchase your second or first card.

Part of my fears... looks like I've got some research ahead of me - but then I do have time...

Did you find a work around on your 5770's? or...

 

[Russia14]

5 series were really bad with crossfire of any kind. If you crossfire different cards now they'll scale to the lowest of the 2 clock speeds by default. I currently have a 6990 crossfired with a non-reference 6950 and haven't experienced any problems at all.

 

[Russia14]

Just posted a thread about it actually--was amazed that the blocks on the cards lined up

http://www.overclockers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=703268