(1) HD 4870 512MB v.s. (2) HD 4870s 512MB v.s. (1) HD 4870 1GB

[steppinthrax]

So this is my situation.

- Foxconn BlackOps X48
- Q6600 quad core
- 4 gigs DDR3 1600

I'm trying to buy one of my freinds (2) HD 4870 512MB and put them in crossfire. However, he's having second thoughts about selling them. So I'm just planning to buy a new card some newegg or ebay. I want to play all the new games (bioshock, crysis) and pretty much anything under the sun. I'm also using a low res monitor (1280 x 1024). I will probably get another monitor soon but not just yet. Which is better and which are not worth it.

(2) HD 4870 512 crossfire - I was told there is no real benefit for this since I'm not using an ultra high res.

(1) HD 4870 1gig - Will I see any difference. I was told that the 1gig models don't overclock as much as the 512 models.

HD 4870 X2 - double the price I was also told lots of bugs....

 

[cusideabelincoln]

A single 512MB HD4870 should be fine.

 

[error8]

For 1280X1024 a single 512mb 4870 is enough. If you move to a bigger one, the 1 gb version would be a better choice.

 

[kevman]

i'm leaning toward the 1gb one to game @ 1920x1200 will full details.

 

[Tempered81]

single 512 or single 1gb

 

[Cuular]

At 1280X1024 Any of those cards are overkill. A 4850 will drive it just fine.

 

[Denithor]

Cuular +1

How soon do you think you're going to upgrade your monitor?

If within say 6 months get the 1GB 4870.

If a year-ish or so get the 4850 and upgrade GPU again when you get the new monitor (in a year something will be out much better than 1GB 4870 for about the same price).

Also note, 1280x1024 isn't very demanding on your GPU but does require more CPU power (as resolution goes up the workload shifts to the GPU). If you haven't already done so, you might consider getting a good cooler for your CPU and overclocking (q6600 usually hit 3-3.2GHz easily with good air cooling).