What brand of ATI HD4870 should I get?

[Smartazz]

Hi, I'm looking for a new video card to replace my 8800GTS 640MB(G80). I decided on the ATI Radeon HD4870, but I don't know which brands have good warranty and support other than XFX. XFX cards cost considerably more than most other brands and I'd rather not spend so much more money unless they're the only company with a good warranty/customer service.

My other specs:
Q6600@3.0Ghz
500 Watt PC Power and Cooling
4GB GSkill PC6400 RAM
Gigabyte P45 Mobo(PCI-e 2.0)
Windows XP Pro

 

[SlowSpyder]

VisionTek also has a lifetime warranty. I think the warranty for Sapphire is 3 years... but they charge $15 for a replacement/RMA fee. :disgust: I love my Sapphire card, I think the cooler is about as good as they come on the 4870's... but they only have the 'Toxic' in 512MB right now. But I guess 1GB should be here soon. What is the price difference on the XFX? I thought they were comparable.

 

[Smartazz]

The 512MB overclocked edition(I couldn't find the standard version on the egg) costs $230 with free shipping. I was leaning toward the Sapphire 512MB Toxic Edition, but the cooler doesn't let exhaust heat out the back of the case. Does that really hurt as far as case temps go though? I'm concerned because my case isn't the best cooling case and my CPU is running on stock cooling.

 

[chizow]

Originally posted by: Smartazz
The 512MB overclocked edition(I couldn't find the standard version on the egg) costs $230 with free shipping. I was leaning toward the Sapphire 512MB Toxic Edition, but the cooler doesn't let exhaust heat out the back of the case. Does that really hurt as far as case temps go though? I'm concerned because my case isn't the best cooling case and my CPU is running on stock cooling.

I'd highly recommend going with the 1GB version depending on what resolution you run. If you run 1920 or AA at lower resolutions, the extra 512MB is worth it.

Also, don't bother spending exra for the OC edition, I'm sure you can manage that 20MHz overclock on your own. The non reference coolers are great for single-GPU but get untenably hot in multi-GPU Asus Black Knight Temps Great temps in single card, crashes in CrossFire. It doesn't exhaust heat out the back but it still looks as if it cools much better than the reference cooler, 33C difference under load according to TR. You may need to add some kind of exhaust fan, maybe a cheapo slot blower or something.

 

[Smartazz]

Thanks for the advice. I found what appears to be a good deal:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814161247

Any idea how good HIS is with their warranty and customer service?

 

[SlowSpyder]

I have the Sapphire Toxic edition, the temps are great. Overclocked to 820/4600 I'm seeing mid 50C under load. Heat does exit the back of the case, but the warm air flows both ways it seems. You can feel warmth out of the back, but I think the air also flows inwards. At any rate, I've noticed no difference in temps of other components, but different setups could have different results.

 

[Quiksilver]

XFX would be first on my list just cause of their double lifetime warranty.
Next would be Visiontek, for a lifetime warranty.
Then HIS, but only the cards with the IceQ coolers (they're better than the stock coolers.)
Then the other companies.
Lastly Sapphire, I don't care how good they make their coolers; they shouldn't be charging RMA fees.

 

[CJP]

I've had the 1gb Diamond 4870 for about a month and a half with no problems. I don't overclock though. I do get a TDR crash every couple of weeks but from what I've read that is software related.

 

[Peter Trend]

I have the Powercoler 4870 1GB and it runs like a dream. And was very easy to get 790/995 with stock cooling. It's still quiet too.
I had a Sapphire 3870 before which I was very impressed with. So either of those companies get my vote.

Do not settle for 512MB!

 

[error8]

Originally posted by: Smartazz
Thanks for the advice. I found what appears to be a good deal:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814161247

Any idea how good HIS is with their warranty and customer service?

Take it! It's a winner. I don't think HIS has issues with RMA or customer service.

 

[thilanliyan]

If you can get XFX I'd go with that.

 

[THERESONATOR]

I'm getting Gigabyte 512mb 4870, just because I have a Gigabyte x58 UD5 motherboard and I like the cut of their jib. Plus it was only £169 on Play.com - £56 cheaper than RRP - bargain.

 

[THERESONATOR]

However, if I had the cash and it was available readily in the UK, I would def go for the HiS IceCool Turbo 4+

 

[Smartazz]

Thanks for everything guys, I think I'm going to jump on the HIS HD4870 1GB. I've been doing some last minute research comparing it to the 8800GTS 640MB(G80) and I think the difference between the two cards is significant enough for me to jump on the ATI card.