• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

How much better the HD 5870 over GTX 460?

Page 2 - Seeking answers? Join the AnandTech community: where nearly half-a-million members share solutions and discuss the latest tech.
What are you doing in Linux that would make use of the graphics card?

I moved my ATi 4890 to my Linux rig and have no problems with their drivers. Previously, there was a 4670 and then a 4770 in that system and I never had any issues with those either.

Don't know what the gaming performance is like. I use the Linux rig mainly for GIMP and as a personal file and web server.
 
You may also consider the 5850 for ~$260. It's about 10-15% faster than the GTX460 and OC's pretty well for most people.
 
What resolution will you be playing at?

A 470 performs well, but the heat and noise issues are to be considered before pulling the plug.

AMD cards are OK in Linux. The drivers provided for Linux are good for 2D use only. If you use Linux and 3D applications, Nvidia is the way to go.
 
Last edited:
GaiaHunter said:
You might want to take in consideration (or not if that isn't a concern for you) that the GTX 470 consumes much more power than than the 5850/5870/GTX 460.
Click to expand...
Thanks,

I looked into the power consumption different between the 5870 vs. 470 is 65W according to some green site, and with my usage of 56 hours a week would translate to a different of $11 a year in hydro for my area.
 
iGas said:
Thanks,

I looked into the power consumption different between the 5870 vs. 470 is 65W according to some green site, and with my usage of 56 hours a week would translate to a different of $11 a year in hydro for my area.
Click to expand...

56 hours a week at load? That likely includes idle and load usage. Idle usage difference between 470 and 5870 is what 15w? So probably going to cost you $6-7 more per year.
 
Keysplayr said:
Definitely closer to a better price/performance ratio. A good alternative. If the OP was using Windows primarily I'd say take your pick, but his Linux use needs to be considered.
Click to expand...

Opps didn't see the Linux part! :awe:

Edit: I mean how bad is ATI's Linux drivers?
 
MegaWorks said:
Gaming for windows, get the 5850.
Click to expand...

Or, he can just get the card that is as good as gaming in Windows, and better in Linux. I don't know why you would recommend a 5850 over a GTX460/470 if the OP is using both Windows and Linux. AMD is "OK" in Linux. Nvidia is better in Linux. If we were just exclusively talking about Windows here, would you suggest the card that has OK drivers for windows or better?
 
iGas, knowing your gaming resolution would make it easier to recommend something. Also knowing the rest of your system's specs (especially what CPU and PSU you're using), would also help.
 
For 1920x1200 I would look more at a 5870 or 470 right now, rather than a 460.

How urgently do you need the card ?

AMD's new 6 series starts launching next month with the 6770, good chance it will be faster than a 5850 so thereby faster than a GTX 460 and may possibly be as fast as the 5870 and then some.

Pricing is of course unknown but going on their current pricing model, for the hole it's filling, it will be somewhere around $200 +/- $50.

If you're looking at mid range cards like the 460, this is a good time to wait for a month and see the new stuff AMD is launching next month.

edit: To actually answer your question, a 5870 is about 25-35% faster than the 460, depending on the game and settings.
 
Last edited:
Yeah, for Linux I prefer NVIDIA over AMD.

Also, if you're going to compare cards, you should compare cards that are in the same price/performance bracket. A 5870 will destroy a GTX 460 in Windows gaming, but they aren't really in direct competition.
 
Grooveriding said:
For 1920x1200 I would look more at a 5870 or 470 right now, rather than a 460.

How urgently do you need the card ?

AMD's new 6 series starts launching next month with the 6770, good chance it will be faster than a 5850 so thereby faster than a GTX 460 and may possibly be as fast as the 5870 and then some.

Pricing is of course unknown but going on their current pricing model, for the hole it's filling, it will be somewhere around $200 +/- $50.

If you're looking at mid range cards like the 460, this is a good time to wait for a month and see the new stuff AMD is launching next month.

edit: To actually answer your question, a 5870 is about 25-35% faster than the 460, depending on the game and settings.
Click to expand...

If the GTX 470 performance roughly equal the HD 5870, then it is more than justify the 25% premium of the 470 over the 460.

Thanks
 
Keysplayr said:
If you're considering paying 350 for a 5870 you may as well also consider the GTX470 for 300. Trades blows with the 5870 for less money.
Click to expand...

We can only assume the OP is perfectly aware of the 470 and 480, since they've been out and their well documented, but doesn't want one.

FalseChristian said:
I'd go with the GTX 460 1GB (don't go with the 768MB version). It overclocks like a madman and when done so trades blows with the HD 5870 for $220.
Click to expand...

Sure, but if you overclock cards up to 5870 levels, even 5850, they then use power at ~480 levels. Relative to other cards out there the 5870 offers it's performance while sipping electricity. You O/C a 460 to 900 clocks, assuming you get one that can do that, and the power usage will go through the roof. Seems like the OP wants an efficient card, from the options he listed.
 
3DVagabond said:
We can only assume the OP is perfectly aware of the 470 and 480, since they've been out and their well documented, but doesn't want one.



Sure, but if you overclock cards up to 5870 levels, even 5850, they then use power at ~480 levels. Relative to other cards out there the 5870 offers it's performance while sipping electricity. You O/C a 460 to 900 clocks, assuming you get one that can do that, and the power usage will go through the roof. Seems like the OP wants an efficient card, from the options he listed.
Click to expand...
Energy consumption is far from being a concern for me.
 
Just get the 460 already and call it a day. No first hand experience here, but it does look like a good card and the AMD need to start considering it as such and lower the rates on their 5800 series, at least on the 5850.

Hell, if I were you I'd get the 470, especially since you mentioned the power stuff not being important, The performance is on par with the 5870.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top