4890 or 4870

conorvansmack

Diamond Member
Feb 24, 2004
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Here's my specs:

22" monitor (1680 x 1050)
Asus P5Q-E (P45)
E8400 (3.0 GHz stock cooler)
MSI 8800GT 512MB
OCZ ModXStream 780W power supply

My max resolution is going to be 1680 x 1050. I've been reading reviews for a couple of weeks and still can't determine if the 4890 is going to be overkill for my system.

I'd like to be able to play games (HL2 series, Crysis, FarCry2, Prince of Persia, GoW) with all the eye candy on and not have any performance issues. That has me leaning toward a 4890.

On the other hand, a 4870 might be able to do the same tricks at a slightly lower frame rate and for about $10 - $40 less.

A third, more humorous factor is that my wife will likely freak out if I upgrade my video card again. She doesn't get that people spend money on their hobbies.

What do you advise?
 

SirJangly

Senior member
Apr 9, 2008
680
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I would say get the 4890 if there is no significant price difference. It would allow you to wait longer for your next upgrade, so that would make your wife happy. Win win :).
 

nitromullet

Diamond Member
Jan 7, 2004
9,031
36
91
The 4890 will not make any game playable that is not on the 4870, but faster is always better. So, if you can find a 4890 for a decent price go for it. If not, get the 4870. Make sure you get a 1GB card though.
 

PJABBER

Diamond Member
Feb 8, 2001
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I just posted a price update on the MSI 4890 OC on Hot Deals. The current deal is $155.24 after MSI rebate and Bing.com cash back, includes free shipping and a game.

If you are gong to do an upgrade today, this is the best deal out there. Tomorrow, who knows?

Hot Deals - 4890 Thread
 

deputc26

Senior member
Nov 7, 2008
548
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Originally posted by: PJABBER
I just posted a price update on the MSI 4890 OC on Hot Deals. The current deal is $155.24 after MSI rebate and Bing.com cash back, includes free shipping and a game.

If you are gong to do an upgrade today, this is the best deal out there. Tomorrow, who knows?

Hot Deals - 4890 Thread

That's a good deal, the 1gb 4870 model is less than 4% faster on your res so I wouldn't worry much about that. The cheapest 4870 is $110 right now at newegg, there is also a $120 gtx 260 216 here.