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buying new card. can't decide
- Thread starter coreyb
- Start date
Insomniator
Diamond Member
If you are only spending 200 then you aren't going to get a huge bump in performance. A GTX260 for ~230 AR would be nice though.
Dominato3r
Diamond Member
9800GTX, GTX260, HD 4850. All very good cards and fits your $200 threshold.
GTX260 or 4870 all other cheaper cards will be more of a sidegrade.
4870 is faster than an 8800gtx but overall its not a night and day difference.
From personal experiance though nvidia cards seem to handle oblivion and mass effect better. I got a 4870 and guess what games I'm currently playing 😛
Besides that some older titles work better with ATI cards. San Andreas has lag areas (i'm talking complete lag in one part no matter what) with 8800gtx, 4870 is completely smooth.
4870 is faster than an 8800gtx but overall its not a night and day difference.
From personal experiance though nvidia cards seem to handle oblivion and mass effect better. I got a 4870 and guess what games I'm currently playing 😛
Besides that some older titles work better with ATI cards. San Andreas has lag areas (i'm talking complete lag in one part no matter what) with 8800gtx, 4870 is completely smooth.
I was in the same situation but I got the 280 GTX. I simply can't accept all the drawbacks of multi-GPU solutions, including potential microstuttering, power consumption, increased noise, etc. The 4870X2 is a beastly card but:
- according to most reviewers, it's significantly louder under load than 280 GTX;
- it draws more power both idle and under load;
- it runs even hotter than the GeForce;
- it's still prone to old AFR issues like microstuttering, mouse lag, reliance on driver support, sudden FPS drops, etc.;
- it has its own issues like flickering in some games, BSODs, alt-tab errors, etc.;
- the 280 GTX runs pretty much all games smoothly in 19*12*4*16, except for Crysis, which the X2 can't handle either (in eye candy, VH), and STALKER Clear Sky, which is crap IMO anyway.
That's why I got the 280 GTX. If something significantly faster, quieter and cooler comes out next year, I'm gonna upgrade. The X2 is just too unpredictable and unreliable for my taste. Besides, its power really only shines on 30" monitors. On lower resolutions, there is hardly any functional difference between the top cards.
Edit: BTW, if you're willing to choose an only slightly slower but cheaper card, you can go for the new 216-core 260 GTX or the 1GB version of 4870. I'd personally choose the BFG 260 GTX MaxCore, OCX version. It's damn close to 280 GTX in terms of performance, cheaper and it also draws less power.
- according to most reviewers, it's significantly louder under load than 280 GTX;
- it draws more power both idle and under load;
- it runs even hotter than the GeForce;
- it's still prone to old AFR issues like microstuttering, mouse lag, reliance on driver support, sudden FPS drops, etc.;
- it has its own issues like flickering in some games, BSODs, alt-tab errors, etc.;
- the 280 GTX runs pretty much all games smoothly in 19*12*4*16, except for Crysis, which the X2 can't handle either (in eye candy, VH), and STALKER Clear Sky, which is crap IMO anyway.
That's why I got the 280 GTX. If something significantly faster, quieter and cooler comes out next year, I'm gonna upgrade. The X2 is just too unpredictable and unreliable for my taste. Besides, its power really only shines on 30" monitors. On lower resolutions, there is hardly any functional difference between the top cards.
Edit: BTW, if you're willing to choose an only slightly slower but cheaper card, you can go for the new 216-core 260 GTX or the 1GB version of 4870. I'd personally choose the BFG 260 GTX MaxCore, OCX version. It's damn close to 280 GTX in terms of performance, cheaper and it also draws less power.
- according to most reviewers, it's significantly louder under load than 280 GTX;
- it draws more power both idle and under load;
- it runs even hotter than the GeForce;
- it's still prone to old AFR issues like microstuttering, mouse lag, reliance on driver support, sudden FPS drops, etc.;
- it has its own issues like flickering in some games, BSODs, alt-tab errors, etc.;
- the 280 GTX runs pretty much all games smoothly in 19*12*4*16, except for Crysis, which the X2 can't handle either (in eye candy, VH), and STALKER Clear Sky, which is crap IMO anyway.
No. 1 (noise) seems to be true. I can't really compare, just ask apoppin. He has both cards, currently using X2. However, most reviews claim the X2 is louder by around 5 db under load, which is a lot (+2 db = roughly double noise). Its noise is not GF FX-like intrusive or annoying but it's there.
No. 2 and 3 are true for sure, that's just a fact no one can deny.
No. 4 is also true - it's still "good", old AFR so it still has uneven frame distribution and the like. However, this entire argument IS subjective to a certain extent and can be contested. Most users notice zero microstutter on the X2, and driver reliance doesn't seem so bad since in the worst case, you fall back to a single 4870-1GB level of performance, which is usually reasonably close to GTX 280. However, sudden FPS drops and lack of smooth feeling in terms of FPS have been reported by users in games like GRID, Bioshock, DIRT, and others. Seems random enough but a thing to consider.
No. 5 is something I can't verify by myself but it's based on user reports. Regarding GTX 280, you only find reports on overheating cards and some very rare issues. As for 4870X2, you can find a ton of posts on different forums concerning various problems with the card - from BSoDs during driver installation on Vista 64 to flickering issues or crashes in games. There are also users who claim there are NO problems whatsoever, but by definition, a dual GPU solution won't be as solid and stable as a single GPU one. I've also seen people return their X2s and switch to 280 GTX or another single GPU card, due to problems.
No. 6 is a mixed bag. In most games, the 280 is good enough for smooth eye candy gameplay in 19*12. In Crysis, it's IMO better than the X2 thanks to higher min fps and pretty much the same avg fps. In some games like GRID, it's stomped by the X2 but still delivers great gameplay experience in 19*12. STALKER CS, Call of Juarez or AoC favor the X2 and could herald a performance shift and 280 GTX running out of steam. However, (a) I don't think so because it really depends on engine, (b) none of the aforementioned games is worth playing IMHO (AoC = wasted potential), (c) by the time it happens, something new will hit the market anyway.
- it draws more power both idle and under load;
- it runs even hotter than the GeForce;
- it's still prone to old AFR issues like microstuttering, mouse lag, reliance on driver support, sudden FPS drops, etc.;
- it has its own issues like flickering in some games, BSODs, alt-tab errors, etc.;
- the 280 GTX runs pretty much all games smoothly in 19*12*4*16, except for Crysis, which the X2 can't handle either (in eye candy, VH), and STALKER Clear Sky, which is crap IMO anyway.
No. 1 (noise) seems to be true. I can't really compare, just ask apoppin. He has both cards, currently using X2. However, most reviews claim the X2 is louder by around 5 db under load, which is a lot (+2 db = roughly double noise). Its noise is not GF FX-like intrusive or annoying but it's there.
No. 2 and 3 are true for sure, that's just a fact no one can deny.
No. 4 is also true - it's still "good", old AFR so it still has uneven frame distribution and the like. However, this entire argument IS subjective to a certain extent and can be contested. Most users notice zero microstutter on the X2, and driver reliance doesn't seem so bad since in the worst case, you fall back to a single 4870-1GB level of performance, which is usually reasonably close to GTX 280. However, sudden FPS drops and lack of smooth feeling in terms of FPS have been reported by users in games like GRID, Bioshock, DIRT, and others. Seems random enough but a thing to consider.
No. 5 is something I can't verify by myself but it's based on user reports. Regarding GTX 280, you only find reports on overheating cards and some very rare issues. As for 4870X2, you can find a ton of posts on different forums concerning various problems with the card - from BSoDs during driver installation on Vista 64 to flickering issues or crashes in games. There are also users who claim there are NO problems whatsoever, but by definition, a dual GPU solution won't be as solid and stable as a single GPU one. I've also seen people return their X2s and switch to 280 GTX or another single GPU card, due to problems.
No. 6 is a mixed bag. In most games, the 280 is good enough for smooth eye candy gameplay in 19*12. In Crysis, it's IMO better than the X2 thanks to higher min fps and pretty much the same avg fps. In some games like GRID, it's stomped by the X2 but still delivers great gameplay experience in 19*12. STALKER CS, Call of Juarez or AoC favor the X2 and could herald a performance shift and 280 GTX running out of steam. However, (a) I don't think so because it really depends on engine, (b) none of the aforementioned games is worth playing IMHO (AoC = wasted potential), (c) by the time it happens, something new will hit the market anyway.
BTRY B 529th FA BN
Lifer
Seems like ATI was like, "which game are alot of people playing" ...decided COD4 was the big hit these days. As far as I know, current 48xx series cards do real well against nVidia cards in COD4 but then again, card to game specific sucks but that's what's what.
Tempered81
Diamond Member
Crossfire HD4850's are faster, cheaper and use less power than a GTX280. Future driver updates should help increase that lead. However, you will still need to do the "Fan Fix".
now I'm wondering which model I should go for. I was thinking just the basic evga one
http://www.directcanada.com/pr...80-AR&manufacture=EVGA
But there are also superclocked models and the FTW model. What do you guys recommend?
http://www.directcanada.com/pr...80-AR&manufacture=EVGA
But there are also superclocked models and the FTW model. What do you guys recommend?
BTRY B 529th FA BN
Lifer
ATI then crossfire
bryanW1995
Lifer
just get a basic model gtx 260 and oc the hell out of it. it'll only cost you a few $$ after rebate. just check out hot deals and see what the best deal is on the 260's right now. heck, sometimes the cheaper ones have a free game with them, you could sell that and get the gtx 260 for free!
harley hellboy
Member
I have researched this topic and this is what I suggest.....as a matter of fact this is what I did.....the GeForce GTX 260 Core 216 is the latest of the GTX 260 lineup...they went from 192 to 216 stream processors. In most of the tests this came close or was the same as the GTX 280. It cost's less than the GTX 280.
I must say that the new GTX 260 cards were slightly overclocked but this is a very simple thing to do with the EVGA precision tool.
I would recommend getting the EVGA or the XFX card. They have the best customer support and the best warranty.
EVGA gives you the trade up program ( in 90 days you can trade up to a better card and pay the difference ) plus a lifetime warranty
XFX doesn't have the trade up program but it gives you a double lifetime warranty.....this is very important if you think you might sell the card. It's easier to sell when the person buying it also has a lifetime warranty.
I hope this helps you....I had to learn all this on my own but I'm glad to share it with you.
I must say that the new GTX 260 cards were slightly overclocked but this is a very simple thing to do with the EVGA precision tool.
I would recommend getting the EVGA or the XFX card. They have the best customer support and the best warranty.
EVGA gives you the trade up program ( in 90 days you can trade up to a better card and pay the difference ) plus a lifetime warranty
XFX doesn't have the trade up program but it gives you a double lifetime warranty.....this is very important if you think you might sell the card. It's easier to sell when the person buying it also has a lifetime warranty.
I hope this helps you....I had to learn all this on my own but I'm glad to share it with you.
I got the FTW but usually, the best idea is to get the base version and OC it. I simply got the FTW to avoid any disappointments concering overclocking, plus if the card can do 670/2430/1458, there should be a good chance it was cherry-picked = lower chance of getting an overheating PoS 😉
harley hellboy
Member
1) Lifetime Warrenty
From XFX: ?Proper Usage? is defined as normal wear and tear. Should the Product be modified or damaged as the result of overclocking, tampering, alteration, misuse, abuse, power supply, power application, or repair by other than XFX the warranty is VOID. http://www.xfxforce.com/web/support/...rationId=11979
From eVGA: There is no physical damage to the PCB, GPU/chipset, or components. We will repair or replace the defective parts free of charge (no refunds). http://www.evga.com/support/lifetime/default.asp
You can overclock, add watercooling, add new aircooling... as long as you don't physically damage the card, you are covered by eVGA. You overclock by 1MHz and the XFX warranty is gone. So much for lifetime! This is especially important with the G71 GPUs where 25% core OC and 30% memory OC is common.
This will help you out decicing on the warranty. It all depends what you are going to do with the card.
From XFX: ?Proper Usage? is defined as normal wear and tear. Should the Product be modified or damaged as the result of overclocking, tampering, alteration, misuse, abuse, power supply, power application, or repair by other than XFX the warranty is VOID. http://www.xfxforce.com/web/support/...rationId=11979
From eVGA: There is no physical damage to the PCB, GPU/chipset, or components. We will repair or replace the defective parts free of charge (no refunds). http://www.evga.com/support/lifetime/default.asp
You can overclock, add watercooling, add new aircooling... as long as you don't physically damage the card, you are covered by eVGA. You overclock by 1MHz and the XFX warranty is gone. So much for lifetime! This is especially important with the G71 GPUs where 25% core OC and 30% memory OC is common.
This will help you out decicing on the warranty. It all depends what you are going to do with the card.
harley hellboy
Member
The FTW does rock. I'm a biker and you know what FTW means when a biker says it. That is one cool name for a card. The name fits...WICKED GRIN
cmdrdredd
Lifer
I'd get a 1GB 4870 and be done. It will play everything really well at 1920x???? resolutions. It's also $150 cheaper before rebate on newegg right now.
I can't see paying more for a card that doesn't outperform the cheaper card across the board. Look at recent reviews for example, the gtx280 is sometimes slower than the 4870.
Noise is a non issue when you throttle the fan. Becides when you're gaming and the fan spins up you should have sound on so you can't even hear it, I can't hear mine. The heat is a non issue when you throttle the fan. Rivatuner works really well for this if you learn how to use it. Nvidia isn't the only option unless you need physix which personally I can't see being a reason to buy a card.
I can't see paying more for a card that doesn't outperform the cheaper card across the board. Look at recent reviews for example, the gtx280 is sometimes slower than the 4870.
Noise is a non issue when you throttle the fan. Becides when you're gaming and the fan spins up you should have sound on so you can't even hear it, I can't hear mine. The heat is a non issue when you throttle the fan. Rivatuner works really well for this if you learn how to use it. Nvidia isn't the only option unless you need physix which personally I can't see being a reason to buy a card.
Will you ever post something else than what the "-> Nvidia <- Focus Group" would say?
I have been watching these forums recently, because I decided to get my first ATi (4870 1GB) after a streak of 7800GT, 8800GTS 640MB, 8800GT, 9800GTX... and I haven't seen anything else in this section from you except for bashing ATi and only saying positive stuff about nVidia which you rarely support with a link or anything.
I don't think I will ever go back to nVidia, unles they just blast ATi away like the 8800GTS/8800GTX did on their release. Multiple graphic cards has been receiving more support for last 2 years which makes Intel chipsets the way to go.
About that reply of yours;
http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=3415&p=1
4870 1GB:
Age of Conan, Crysis, ET: Quake Wars, Race Driver GRID, Assasin's Creed
GTX260 216:
Oblivion, The Witcher
The 4870 1GB beats the GTX 280 in Assasin's Creed & Race Driver and that for more than
65% less in Euros, 250 euro vs 380 euro (I live in the Netherlands).
And you can avoid crappy nVidia chipsets if you want to get another card later on (which actually lets you use dual monitor with it), but I think nVidia has a driver update for that soon.
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