Radeon HD 4850 or 9800 GTX+

[delmontebanana]

Hi guys,

Just done some research into an upgrade for my dusty X1950XT (pci-e) that I use for gaming.

I've ironed it down to these 2 cards that I can afford, however I've noticed in some older reviews that the HD 4850 was prefered due to price, however I've seen that the prices of both these cards are very similar now!

So taking into account the 9800 GTX+'s better AA, which card should I buy?

 

[SlowSpyder]

The 9800GTX+ has better AA? I thought the Radeon 48x0 cards generally had very good AA performance.

Which models are you looking at? The brand can make a differnce.

I know that a lot of people have very good luck with overclocking in regards to the 4850's... not sure how the 9800GTX+ cards over clock though.

 

[delmontebanana]

I think it may have been a few graphs showing AA capabilities on both cards that I got this impression from, nevertheless they're both very similar still. Thanks for your post anyway though.

As for which model/manufacturer, I need some advice on that while I look for more reviews.

So far Sapphire's HD 4850 looks quite sound. (Get's a bit hot, but not too bad)

 

[Wreckage]

They are pretty close in terms of benchmarks. The 9800GTX+ pulls ahead in features such as PhysX, Folding@home, less heat, less noise and CUDA.

 

[AzN]

If you are buying new 4850 seems to be slightly cheaper. I think 9800gtx+ does a little better in terms of raw performance but neck and neck with 4xAA and lose at 8xAA.

It's a tough call.

 

[error8]

They are as close as it gets in terms of performance. The HIS IceQ 4850 is the best, but it's quite pricey too.

 

[SlowSpyder]

Originally posted by: error8
They are as close as it gets in terms of performance. The HIS IceQ 4850 is the best, but it's quite pricey too.

The HIS IceQ 4850's start (after rebate) around where the 9800GTX+ cards start... around $150. I would imagine those on average overclock very well.

 

[Qbah]

Flip a coin, you can't go wrong with either.

 

[will889]

Yes comes down to personal preference. For me it is about the overall compatibility with the games I run and noise, and the ability to tweak driver IQ, then linux, so for me it would be the 9800GTX, though if it was more about HD quality and legacy games (much older) I would go with the 4850. I have been with NV for 3 straight cards though and it's about time for me to go back with ATI. I never stick with NV or ATI for more than a few cards at a time - i'm a fan of both equally. Phys-X has absolutely zero consideration at this time AFAIC.

 

[imported_Asianman]

Seeing as ATI will replace the HD 4850 with something else, rather than simply rename it (GTS 250, here I come) maybe hold off the purchase or go for NV

 

[SlowSpyder]

Originally posted by: Asianman
Seeing as ATI will replace the HD 4850 with something else, rather than simply rename it (GTS 250, here I come) maybe hold off the purchase or go for NV

I don't understand what you're saying..? Becaues the 4850 will eventually be replaced instead of just rebadged you think that's a reason to not buy a card? Do I need to check my sarcasm meter?

Those two cards are very close, you can't go wrong with either. But right now I'm seeing overclocked 4850's for $125 AR (Asus 680/2100). The cheapest 9800GTX+ I see is $150 AR for a factory clocked unit.

 

[Shmee]

What is your budget? If it is around 200 dollars, consider getting a GTX 280 from Buy.com
looks like an awesome deal, may get 2 myself.

http://forums.anandtech.com/me...id=40&threadid=2265755

 

[Qbah]

Originally posted by: Qbah
Flip a coin, you can't go wrong with either.

Obviously if one is cheaper than the other, get the cheaper one. As simple as that. Yep.