Should I buy a 4850? And another question on heat

[firewolfsm]

So, considering my computer's specs (all high end and new except for the graphics card) is the 4850 the best choice for that price? Also, with overclocking, how close to 4870 performance can I get?

Does anyone have a solid number on how much power the 7900 draws and how much more this card will draw? I did search and I think that the 7900GT draws up to 80W while the 4850 draws about 115W. I care about the heat added to the system, and the fact that I have a Seasonic 430W which isn't really much.

One last thing, I have a VF700Cu with the ramsinks on my 7900GT, could I move those to this card? Would it be much better than the single slot cooler they already have installed?

I usually like to answer questions on this forum, but this time I'm really not sure what I want to do.

As I run 1680x1050 I'm considering just getting an 8800GT or 3870.

 

[octopus41092]

I was actually deciding between similar parts recently. Now, if price isn't a problem for you I'd definitely go for the HD4850. It's the best performance for the price too. It does run kind of hot though so if you have problems with that you might consider holding out for a dual slot cooler.

 

[firewolfsm]

But I have a VF700 with me so I'm wondering if that's worth using instead.

Also, I'm thinking of tying up my old K8 cooler...

 

[Wreckage]

You can get a 9800GTX+ for under $200. It does not get as hot as the 4850 and it's cooler dumps the heat outside of the case. It performs as well or better as 4850.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814130376

 

[firewolfsm]

Well it's out of stock, costs $50 more, and is actually equal in most games, if not slower.

 

[Nafets]

Seasonic is a very solid PSU and you shouldn't have any problems running an HD4850 with it.

Testing by Xbitlabs shows the 7900GT using 50W during peak 3D load and the HD4850 using 110W during peak 3D load. The HD4850 will also put out a bit more heat than your 7900GT.

You could give the VF700Cu + ramsinks a shot on the HD4850. It may be worse or better than the stock cooling....