Building budget secondary computer used Video card question

[GoStumpy]

Hello!

I currently have an XFX HD6850 Black Edition, and I am happy with the performance. The only demanding game I currently play is BF3, or Diablo3. I run a 1200p monitor.

I am building a second computer for when friends come over, or for my wife to play on, with a Q6600 as the CPU.

I found two used video cards from the same person, a XFX HD6850, and a XFX HD6870.

He is asking $50 for the 6850, and $70 for the 6870. If he will negotiate, I can naturally get them for $40/$60 respectively.

Should I just buy another 6850 for the second computer for $40, or spend the extra $20 and upgrade mine to a 6870 and put my 6850 in the spare?

Thanks for any advice!!

 

[VirtualLarry]

I would go with whatever card had the better condition fan. It they're both good, maybe get the 6870?

 

[GoStumpy]

Good point!

I had a GT240 in there before and it was a bit slow for BF3

 

[Zardnok]

I used to own both and the 6870 is not worth a $20 premium over a 6850, especially for a rarely used alt box. Save your money.

 

[GoStumpy]

Well I will be putting the 6870 in my main PC with 1200p resolution, and the alt box will get my 6850.

Other reason is he already sold the 6850 so the 6870 is all he has left and will sell it to me for $50

 

[MeldarthX]

for 50 that's not bad....snag it 6870 is nice card and you can oc it some

 

[GoStumpy]

I was playing some BF3 last night testing temps, and I noticed I was only at ~85% utilization on the GPU, and ~80% on the CPU...

Realized I had all settings to LOW. Changed that to MEDIUM and GPU was now pinned at 99% Stayed just above the ~45fps. Hopefully the 6870 can get me over 50fps!

 

[GoStumpy]

Got the 6870 tonight, and it has the oldschool reference 'blower' type cooler! Ack!