Need help choosing between two cards

[Bryf50]

I'm ready to upgrade from my 8800gt and have it narrowed down to the 4850x2 from sapphire or a 4890. They are both priced pretty similar and but the 4850x2 performs better when crossfire scales well but this isn't always the case. Any advice to help me make the decision?

 

[dguy6789]

As long as you have the power supply to handle it, I'd get the 4850x2. Be sure to get the 2GB version though. If your choice is between the 4850x2 1GB version and the 4890, I would take the 4890.

 

[MrK6]

What resolution are you playing at? For 2560x1600, I'd go with the 4850x2, 1920x1200 and lower, I'd go with the 4890. Generally, I always try to go with a single GPU solution if at all possible, but I think a 4890 at 2560x1600 might not give the best experience.

 

[thilanliyan]

I'd go with the 4890. The 4850x2 is a LONG (longer than the 4870x2 even) and LOUD card according to reviews I've read.

 

[Bryf50]

I forgot to mention I'm playing at 1680x1050. The size of the card doesn't bother me much as my case is pretty big but I do worry about sound. Is it much louder then the 4890?

 

[yh125d]

They're both going to be fairly loud


And I'd go for the 4890 for simplicitys sake. Cheaper too, they can regularly be found at @175, its even been purchasable for as low as $125 before

 

[thilanliyan]

Originally posted by: Bryf50
I forgot to mention I'm playing at 1680x1050. The size of the card doesn't bother me much as my case is pretty big but I do worry about sound. Is it much louder then the 4890?

At 1680 the 4890 might be better all things considered.

 

[brblx]

if he has a slower proc, the 4890 won't eat the cpu power that the 4850x2 will with xfire overhead. he, of course, doesn't mention what it is, though...

 

[Bryf50]

Q6600 @ 3ghz of course

 

[Henrah]

Originally posted by: Bryf50 original poster
I'm ready to upgrade from my 8800gt and have it narrowed down to the 4850x2 from sapphire or a 4890. They are both priced pretty similar and but the 4850x2 performs better when crossfire scales well but this isn't always the case. Any advice to help me make the decision?

Originally posted by: Bryf50 original poster
I forgot to mention I'm playing at 1680x1050.

Originally posted by: yh125d
And I'd go for the 4890 for simplicitys sake. Cheaper too, they can regularly be found at @175, its even been purchasable for as low as $125 before

(You Americans are so fortunate with your rebates.)

Originally posted by: thilan29
At 1680 the 4890 might be better all things considered.

Yep. 4890, definitely. Happy shopping ^_^