9800GT or HD4850 for guest gaming system?

[kage69]

Have both on hand for a spare rig I'm putting together. Plan to use it as a file server, maybe a backup gaming platform for when friends visit. The 9800GT is a 512MB card, while the ATi has 1GB.

Onboard memory isn't the end all be all trait that is for gaming, so this call is hard for me as I'm unsure how to compare the two different architecture.

Any suggestions on which to use? The ATi/AMD offerings have better drivers these days, but I know the 9800GT has reduced power needs compared to earlier GT cards I have owned. Anyone know which of these cards draws the most juice?

Can't decide! I think I need some feedback from vid card fanatics, which should I use?



tia!

 

[ZipSpeed]

Personally, I would suck up the few extra dollars you will be spending on power for the 4850.

 

[ExcaliburMM]

A 4850 has been known to match with a 9800GTX/+, I think there should be no question that it is a better card. As for power consumption, I think the 9800GT might win, especially if its one of the low power editions.

 

[happy medium]

4850 draws more juice runs hotter and is faster.

 

[dflynchimp]

the HD5670 performs almost identical to 9800GT (check AT review), supports DX11, is lower power and lower heat and comes at around the same price (or lower). Of course neither the 9800 or the 5670 is as fast as 4850 but it would help to know what games and resolutions you are considering with this rig.

 

[NoQuarter]

He already owns the 9800GT and 4850, so I don't think purchasing a new card for this backup rig is something he's looking to do

Use the 4850 for gaming, or use onboard if it has it if you end up only using it for fileserver..

 

[GodisanAtheist]

As has been mentioned before, the 4850 is hotter, hungrier and faster. If you have both on hand you really might as well use the 4850. Power savings between the two cards would be cents a year really.

 

[bryanW1995]

use onboard when using as a fileserver, when gaming 4850 is significantly faster. here's a good chart to use as a rule of thumb for gpu comparison: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-gaming-graphics-card,2544-7.html

from looking at that, 9800gtx>8800gtx>9800gt. 4850 is slightly faster than 9800gtx but they're in the same ballpark, you're talking about it being a LOT faster than 9800gt.

alternatively, depending on what games you play you could put up 9800gt and 4850 in fs/ft with a note that the first unit sold is gone but the other goes off the market.

 

[Lonyo]

Sell both and get an HD5750.

 

[kage69]

Gaming res will be a hum drum 1280x1024 most likely. Not at all concerned about the cost of extra juice, what worries me more is taking it easy on the existing PSU, which although a quality part has been in service for a number of years and I'd liek to see it stick around awhile longer.

Thanks for all the input guys, I appreciate it. Going to build it with the 4850 within the next few days, maybe sell the 9800GT.