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Geforce gtx260 216 sp or ati 1GB 4870

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Originally posted by: coloumb
What about the memory difference? Sure - the nVidia [896mb] is cheaper than the 4870 [1gb] - but what about "future proof" for games that need 1gb to run in hi-res?

Some say so what - but I definitely can feel the pain of having the 320mb 8800gts when playing GTA IV...
Click to expand...

I don't think the extra 100 mb of Vram on the 4870 makes an important difference in performance/future proofing, so that it should be a criteria when you buy one of them. Of course that is better to have that extra ram, but if I would find GTX 260 C216 cheaper, I would buy it with no second thoughts. If they are at the same price, my personal choice is the ATi card.

GTA 4 has issues even on 1 gb video cards, since it eats much more memory then that. That game has some serious problems with memory management. The producers call it "for future generation cards" but I think it's more of an issue with their coding.
 
unless the ATI card is significantly cheaper (like, 25% cheaper), i'd go with nvidia.

I actually have both here (a BFG gtx260 and an xfx radeon 4870 1GB), and the gtx260 runs much quieter and cooler than the 4870.
nvidia drivers are also better and more stable in my experience.

Unfortunately, powerstrip doesnt support the custom timing/resolution my TV needs on the newer nvidia boards, so i had to switch to the radeon, but in any other situation i'd go with the gtx260, even if it was more expensive.
 
You passed on one of those 260 deals at NCIX??!!! Forgive me but I think spending ~$40 extra isn't worth it...and this is coming from someone with the 4870....if I were in the market right now I'd definitely get one of those 260s. Oh well...it's your choice. Did you get the Sapphire one? If so can you report what your VRM temps get to (you can view them in GPUz, Everest, or even Rivatuner).
 
here's a recent review I've come across (March 8, 2009)

http://enthusiast.hardocp.com/...wzLCxoZW50aHVzaWFzdA==

it's for the 4850 X2 1GB, but the review compares the 4850 X2 against a 4870 1GB and GTX 260 216

hardocp's review criteria is a bit subjective with them comparing the cards against what they view is the combination of maximum resolution, AA, and AF

anyways, I think the review has some relevance since it uses recent driver releases
 
Originally posted by: thilan29
If so can you report what your VRM temps get to (you can view them in GPUz, Everest, or even Rivatuner).
Click to expand...
What's wrong with your VRM temps?

Mine on idle are low 40c and on load OCed ingame are low 70c. ( no furmarks test, just regular gaming ). Of course as you know I'm using underclocking on the idle and a higher autofan speed on the load which hits mid 40%.
 
Performance for both is about the same. Check your motherboard to see if it supports SLI or Crossfire. Buy 260 216 if it supports SLI and buy 4870 1GB if it supports Corssfire. Both card price is coming down, so you may consider to buy another one to SLI or Crossfire in a short future.
 
If you ever plan on hooking up your HDTV to your computer via HDMI, I would go with ATI.

I'm looking to upgrade my 2xHD4850 but I've become so addicted to the convenience of hooking up my beautiful 55" 1080p LCD, I will not look at Nvidia until they offer onboard sound via HDMI.
 
Originally posted by: KIAman
If you ever plan on hooking up your HDTV to your computer via HDMI, I would go with ATI.

I'm looking to upgrade my 2xHD4850 but I've become so addicted to the convenience of hooking up my beautiful 55" 1080p LCD, I will not look at Nvidia until they offer onboard sound via HDMI.
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nvidia cards DO support audio over HDMI...
At least, the gtx260 card i had, has a jumper for SPDIF from the MB for HDMI audio... i didnt try it, but i assume it works.
 
nVidia does not support native HDMI sound. You need to use some kind of jumper that most HTPC users do not prefer. However, when you buy mid to high end graphic cards, you usually do not use it in HTPC.
 
Originally posted by: KIAman
If you ever plan on hooking up your HDTV to your computer via HDMI, I would go with ATI.

I'm looking to upgrade my 2xHD4850 but I've become so addicted to the convenience of hooking up my beautiful 55" 1080p LCD, I will not look at Nvidia until they offer onboard sound via HDMI.
Click to expand...

I just got a 52" Samsung LCD, I am looking forward to some AoC at 1080P.
 
i got a 46 inch 1080p Sharp Im thinking I may hook it up to there and try it out as well, picked it up earlier I'll install it tomorrow and check it out
 
"Considering both video cards are near the same price, it really is a tossup in this generation as to which to game with in terms of gameplay. As we explained above, they are head to head in many games. You really can?t lose with either video card; you are simply going to have a great gameplay experience with either of them in today?s games. Five dollars is five dollars, and that difference in price is about the biggest difference between these two video cards we can pick out right now."

Finally a good review. There is no winner/faster card here. They're both the same and only the price can make a difference.
 
Anyone consider overclocking? In my experience the Nvidia cards overclock better than the ATI cards which can push performance levels up quite a bit. Both good cards, but I'd have gone with the GTX260 just because of the ease of overclocking. Also because many Nvidia manufacturers cover overclocking with a lifetime warranty.

Anyway, good luck to the OP and have fun with your new card.
 
Originally posted by: cmdrdredd
Anyone consider overclocking? In my experience the Nvidia cards overclock better than the ATI cards which can push performance levels up quite a bit. Both good cards, but I'd have gone with the GTX260 just because of the ease of overclocking. Also because many Nvidia manufacturers cover overclocking with a lifetime warranty.

Anyway, good luck to the OP and have fun with your new card.
Click to expand...

ya, from the review above, 260 overclocked insane amounts and the prices are oh so tempting..
 
Originally posted by: Rassilon
just to add to my previous comment, ATI drivers are crap.
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Maybe three ago. These days, however, ATI & Nvidia both put out good quality drivers. I have a 3870 and a 4850 and haven't run into any issues.
 
Originally posted by: Creig
Originally posted by: Rassilon
just to add to my previous comment, ATI drivers are crap.
Click to expand...

Maybe three ago. These days, however, ATI & Nvidia both put out good quality drivers. I have a 3870 and a 4850 and haven't run into any issues.
Click to expand...

I just switched to a 4870, and the drivers are junk. im having several problems that have been an issue since catalyst version 5 and are STILL an issue in 9.2
 
Originally posted by: Rassilon
Originally posted by: Creig
Originally posted by: Rassilon
just to add to my previous comment, ATI drivers are crap.
Click to expand...

Maybe three ago. These days, however, ATI & Nvidia both put out good quality drivers. I have a 3870 and a 4850 and haven't run into any issues.
Click to expand...

I just switched to a 4870, and the drivers are junk. im having several problems that have been an issue since catalyst version 5 and are STILL an issue in 9.2
Click to expand...

What might these several problems be?
 
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