4850 CF or 280?

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Cymera

Member
Oct 25, 2008
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Hello, first time poster, long time reader here.

My computer specs are as follows:

CPU: Q6600 G0 @ 3.00 Ghz
RAM: 4GB DDR2 800 (OCZ Gold)
HD: 3 x SATA
PSU: PC Power & Cooling SLI ready 650w
MB: Asus P5K
Monitor: Dell 20" 2009W Ultrasharp (1650x1050)

The video card I have is a BFG 8800 GTS 640mb OC'd to 630 Core, 1466 Shader, and 980 Memory. I can play Far Cry 2 (all maxed out, 4x AA), Crysis & Crysis Warhead (CUDATs custom configs, level 4, probably in between Gamer and Enthusiast) with no lag.

My question is, with my current PSU, what video card(s) should I purchased when I start to see bad performance in games? A 4850 Crossfire setup, or a single Nvidia 280?

I am very happy with Nvidia cards, the drivers are stable, the performance seems consistent, and I have had several people (who stay on top of video hardware) recommend I stick with Nvidia citing driver consistency and stability as a reason.

I am also concerned with several heat issues surrounding the 4850, something about a single slot design? Also the high temperature doesn't seem to leave much room for OCing in the future, whereas the Nvidia 280 might leave more room for that.

However, I am no expert, which is why I've come here for some advice :)

Thank you in advance for your replies.
 
BFG10K

BFG10K

Lifer
Aug 14, 2000
22,709
3,003
126
I'd go with the GTX280 as you'll get more consistent performance over a multi-card solution like 4850 CF.
 
Zebo

Zebo

Elite Member
Jul 29, 2001
39,398
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GTX 280 but it's wildly overpriced still. I would opt for 4870 1GB or a Core 216 variant of the GTX 260 for less than $300 both are close for much less.
 
GaiaHunter

GaiaHunter

Diamond Member
Jul 13, 2008
3,699
401
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Well as everything crossfire or sli, when it works you will get awesome results. Sometimes it doesn't and you'll be pwned. Things are getting better for sli and crossfire, but aren't perfect still.

Its hard though, but its very tempting to go with 2x 4850 that will kill a GTX 280. If you end going this way, look for 1gb versions with improved coolers.
 
Sylvanas

Sylvanas

Diamond Member
Jan 20, 2004
3,752
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I'd prob go 1gb 4870, cheaper than a 280 and they trade blows in most games.
 
T

Tempered81

Diamond Member
Jan 29, 2007
6,374
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since your motherboard is a p35, you won't get the best possible experience out of 4850 crossfire. I'd take 280 or 4870 1gb.
 
H

Hugh H

Senior member
Jul 11, 2008
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I would avoid Crossfire and go for the GTX280. Try searching for a deal on ebay.
 
C

Cymera

Member
Oct 25, 2008
114
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76
I have seen GTX280's for as low as 450 - 470. I suppose the alternative is a 4870 1GB, but if it were between the two, which is a better overclocker?

Thanks again guys.
 
GaiaHunter

GaiaHunter

Diamond Member
Jul 13, 2008
3,699
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Well the GTX 280 is faster than the 4870 1GB, no doubts.

Its probably not worth money wise, but if you don't have a problem in the wallet department get the GTX 280.
 
sgrinavi

sgrinavi

Diamond Member
Jul 31, 2007
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With the games you cite you will be far happier with the GTX280, but it comes at a price; the pair of 4850's can be had for $300..


 
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Cymera

Member
Oct 25, 2008
114
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76
I have not found a 4850 for anything less than 180 (with rebate) in Canada. I don't plan to upgrade until I find real lag in games on the settings that I am using. I was just wondering what the general consensus was around here between these two cards.
 
Wuzup101

Wuzup101

Platinum Member
Feb 20, 2002
2,334
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Given your motherboard/chipset, and the fact that you would be buying both cards for CF (as opposed to "adding one later"), I would suggest you look at a 1GB 4870 or a 216 core GTX260 as Zebo suggested above. Both should cost a bit less than running a pair of 4850's in crossfire, and both should give you very decent performance at your monitor's native resolution. Furthermore, you won't have to worry about taking a hit by running CF on a P35 board (as opposed to X38/48 - not that it's a huge hit... especially at 1680x1050).

Would you be going wrong with either? Probably not. If you have the money, the GTX280 is great (I'm just not a fan of cards that cost quite that much - I'd rather buy cheaper and upgrade more frequently).
 
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Cymera

Member
Oct 25, 2008
114
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76
Cost does factor into the equation, but it seems to be quite different in Canada, at least where I'm looking. I've looked at NCIX, Tiger.ca, and Newegg.ca, I have not found (in the last few months) a 4850 below $180. The 4870 1GB and 216 Core are around $400 and not less, so while the GTX280 can be had for $430 after rebate from Tiger, that seems (at the moment, rebates come and go) to be worthwhile. I would not get a 280 from anything more than 450-470. I've observed that most of them hover around 550-600 without any rebates, and that is just a bit too much.
 
apoppin

apoppin

Lifer
Mar 9, 2000
34,890
1
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alienbabeltech.com
Originally posted by: Cymera
I have seen GTX280's for as low as 450 - 470. I suppose the alternative is a 4870 1GB, but if it were between the two, which is a better overclocker?

Thanks again guys.
Click to expand...

excuse me?
:p

i paid $380 for my GTX280 BFGTech months ago

another vote for the 280
- it is *perfect* for 16x10 with maxed out settings
 
Dadofamunky

Dadofamunky

Platinum Member
Jan 4, 2005
2,184
0
0
Another vote for the 280. It's still the fastest single card out there. By the time you want to upgrade prices may have dropped again. As a note, I saw 8800GTX cards at Fry's for $179, which is the direct equivalent performancewise to a 4850 single card. OF course, you won't wait that long. Nothing wrong at all with that computer of yours either.

Originally posted by: james1701
Has anyone tried the 4850 2gb in crossfire yet at high resolutions?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814131127
Click to expand...

OMG, that is one sick card...
 
P

pcslookout

Lifer
Mar 18, 2007
11,959
157
106
Originally posted by: Cymera
I have seen GTX280's for as low as 450 - 470. I suppose the alternative is a 4870 1GB, but if it were between the two, which is a better overclocker?

Thanks again guys.
Click to expand...

There one for $349 right now.
 
C

Cymera

Member
Oct 25, 2008
114
0
76
I just saw that the XFX 9800GX2 XXX edition (w/ COD4) is ~430. That's about $100 cheaper than what the 280s are selling for in Canada (that I have seen) I have also noted that the 9800GX2 outperforms the GTX280 in most games. Is this as good a card for say the next 2 years as the 280 would be? Does the 280 have some technologies that will make it perform better in future games than the 9800GX2?
 
Cookie Monster

Cookie Monster

Diamond Member
May 7, 2005
5,161
32
86
Dont get the GX2. It relies on SLi, i.e has similiar issues tied with the 4850CF.

Id get the GTX280.
 
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