GTX 460 / GTX 470 / ATI 5850 / ATI 5870... Which one?

[ladybastilla]

Time to choose a graphics card. A few quick facts:

1. 95% sure I'm going with an AMD setup using a GIGABYTE GP-890GPA-UD3H motherboard. (Meaning: Crossfire yes, SLI no)

2. Currently using a 720p TV but am planning to upgrade that eventually.

3. Crap vision usually causes me to decide to play on less demanding resolutions. I could easily get away with the GTX 460 from what I have been told. However will I gain more longevity by going with one of the more expensive cards? Since I don't drive and getting upgrades done to my machine is a hassle this is important.

4. The computer's design must be finalized in the next ten days so waiting for ATI's new cards is not a factor for me.

5. The computer is being designed to play Final Fantasy XIV.

Thanks for your time.

 

[happy medium]

edit: 5850 because you have a crossfire board. I didn't know the game needed all that power.

http://www.ffxivinfo.com/systemreqs.php

 

[tviceman]

Speaking strictly from a value/performance standpoint, the gtx470 is the best deal for what you want. When you factor in power draw, heat, and fan noise then the hd5850 might be more attractive.

Your call.

 

[RussianSensation]

Not sure how accurate these benchmarks are but here you go:
http://www.techreaction.net/2010/07/18/the-he-said-she-said-shootout-480-vs-5870/

5870 = 4,508 points
GTX480 = 3,743 points

Based on this, 5850 > GTX470.

5870 is not worth the $120-140 price premium over the 5850 imo. So my vote goes for the 5850.

 

[Skurge]

Not sure how accurate these benchmarks are but here you go:
http://www.techreaction.net/2010/07/18/the-he-said-she-said-shootout-480-vs-5870/

5870 = 4,508 points
GTX480 = 3,743 points

Based on this, 5850 > GTX470.

5870 is not worth the $120-140 price premium over the 5850 imo. So my vote goes for the 5850.

What do those points even mean?

 

[ViRGE]

What do those points even mean?

There wasn't anything in the documentation. It's either an arbitrary scoring system, or a total of frames rendered.

 

[Skurge]

There wasn't anything in the documentation. It's either an arbitrary scoring system, or a total of frames rendered.

It's pretty useless then IMO, it could mean the card averaged 250fps and you could get away with a cheaper one or it did 30fps and your right on the limit.

 

[MrK6]

FWIW, my 5850 got ~4,800 on the FFIV benchmark (set to 1080p). I think the 5850 is going to be your best bet here.

 

[RussianSensation]

I found the actual framerates here:
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/video/display/nvidia-geforce-gtx-460_15.html#sect2

Once again 5850 just nudges the 470. If all you are going to be playing if FF, then 5850 takes the cake since it's cooler, quieter and consumes less power. 5850 is able to get above 60fps with 4AA/16AF, so no need for the 5870.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Speaking strictly from a value/performance standpoint, the gtx470 is the best deal for what you want. When you factor in power draw, heat, and fan noise then the hd5850 might be more attractive.

Your call.

If you can find the GTX 470 for under $250, I would agree.