New build at 16x10: 4850 or 4870/GTX260?

[Playmaker]

I'm about to build a new computer and I'm hoping to get 18-24 months out of it. I'm not a big gamer, but I would like to be able to try a new game here and there if it looks interesting. At 1680x1050, is the 4850 at $140 the obvious choice? Or would you recommend the extra cash to spend $230-$250 on a 4870/GTX260?

 

[OCGuy]

If you arent a big synthetic benchmark-whore like some of us, you can get a away with a 4850 or 9800GTX+.

The 4850 is cheaper. The 9800GTX+ has better cooling and board partners.

It will come down to a matter of preference.

 

[Sylvanas]

4850 is the best choice for your rez.

 

[OCGuy]

Originally posted by: Sylvanas
4850 is the best choice for your rez.

Do you have that binded? Or do you ever think that maybe its not always the right choice?

 

[zod96]

I've been messing around trying to find the best video card for my system for like 2 weeks now I too also game at 1680x1050. I tried the 4850, GTX260 and the 4870. And I've decided to keep the 4870. Out of all the bench marking I did the 4870 got the best fps on both avg, max and minimum. And I think the IQ on both Ati cards was better than the GTX260. The GTX is one massive card very big and very long. The only thing is the heat on the 4870, idle and load are quite high. But you can fix that with the S1 from artic cooling like I did My temps are like 44 idle and 56 load with no fan

 

[Sylvanas]

Originally posted by: Ocguy31

Originally posted by: Sylvanas
4850 is the best choice for your rez.

Do you have that binded? Or do you ever think that maybe its not always the right choice?

Well it is. For $150 AR you won't find anything that is a better deal at 1680x1050. Here is a recent and good example of how it compares to other cards on the market at varying resolutions. I know you won't agree because it doesn't have Nvidia written in front of it but that is your loss.

 

[bryanW1995]

4850 owns at 16x10, even if you're a die-hard gamer. for casual gaming the 4850 for ~ $140 is a no brainer, especially if you want it to last 18-24 mos. I wouldn't even consider a g92 based card for a system that needed to last that long.

 

[octopus41092]

4850 is the best at 16x10. I bought one and it can run everything no problem. In 18-24 months all these cards are going to be struggling a little bit. So, either way I'd get just get what suits you best now which would be the HD4850. Especially at $140

 

[Tempered81]

4850 now, and hopefully you put it on a crossfire intel board.

You can pickup a 2nd 4850 later, do some mild overclocking, and have a beastly system for any resolution.

 

[MarcVenice]

Since you're not such a big gamer I'd say the HD4850, save yourself the extra money that a gtx260 or Hd4870 would cost. It will be more then enough power for your at 1680*1050.

 

[CKent]

4850's a great price-performance compromise. I'd suggest picking one up and making sure you get a crossfire motherboard, that way if it's getting a bit long in the tooth in a year or so you can pick up a second one, which by that time will probably run $75-100.

 

[Playmaker]

I went with the MSI 4850 with a non-reference cooler (load at ~50C according to newegg reviewers) for ~$165 along with an Asus P5Q Pro.

Thanks for the advice