what is your view on this 4870 card? Update

[thilanliyan]

Originally posted by: Just learning
I just looked up the power consumption of HD4830 and it is 110 watts. So if the power consumption was strictly due to the new 40nm process would that be close to proportional? (ie, 680 55nm stream processors @ 575 MHz using 110 watts (including DDR3 memory) ----> 680 40nm stream processors @750 Mhz using 80 watts (including DDR5 memory)

I think it's difficult to tell...power savings can be due to not only GPU but memory, as well as other components on the card.

Happily though, if RV770 consumes 80w and performs better than the 4830 then that's progress.

 

[cbn]

Originally posted by: SSChevy2001
The Sapphire Vapor-X is supposed to be very silent compared to other 4870s.
http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=AT-487VP1G

I notice these guys also have good deals on HD4890s ($216 with free shipping without having to fuss with Rebates like we have to do at New Egg)

http://www.ewiz.com/query.php?categry=0&s=4890&x=0&y=0

Maybe with Free shipping that top HD4890 is a better deal? Or is the Vapor-X cooling on the HD4870 good enough to compensate for the difference in price?

 

[cbn]

Originally posted by: thilan29

Originally posted by: Just learning
I just looked up the power consumption of HD4830 and it is 110 watts. So if the power consumption was strictly due to the new 40nm process would that be close to proportional? (ie, 680 55nm stream processors @ 575 MHz using 110 watts (including DDR3 memory) ----> 680 40nm stream processors @750 Mhz using 80 watts (including DDR5 memory)

I think it's difficult to tell...power savings can be due to not only GPU but memory, as well as other components on the card.

Happily though, if RV770 consumes 80w and performs better than the 4830 then that's progress.

I hope the HD4770 works out because on a cheap budget mobo like P45 together in crossfire two HD4770s could breathe new life into systems with smaller PSUs.

I am hoping Anantech does tests very soon in future to see if this will be the new budget Gamers "sweet spot".

 

[SSChevy2001]

Originally posted by: Just learning
I notice these guys also have good deals on HD4890s ($216 with free shipping without having to fuss with Rebates like we have to do at New Egg)

http://www.ewiz.com/query.php?categry=0&s=4890&x=0&y=0

Maybe with Free shipping that top HD4890 is a better deal? Or is the Vapor-X cooling on the HD4870 good enough to compensate for the difference in price?

Honestly I have a stock reference 4870, and I'm not exactly happy with the noise on load. Also there's no aftermarket cooling for 4870 or 4890 that can properly cool the VRMs.

If I was in the market for a 4890, I would just wait for the non reference sapphire vapor editions.

 

[error8]

Originally posted by: SSChevy2001


Also there's no aftermarket cooling for 4870 or 4890 that can properly cool the VRMs.

There is a heatsink zalman produces, made only for the VRMs that cools them fairly good. A friend of mine has it on his 4870 and it costs something like 3$ or so.

 

[SSChevy2001]

Originally posted by: error8

Originally posted by: SSChevy2001
Also there's no aftermarket cooling for 4870 or 4890 that can properly cool the VRMs.

There is a heatsink zalman produces, made only for the VRMs that cools them fairly good. A friend of mine has it on his 4870 and it costs something like 3$ or so.

It's more like $8 then plus shipping, and then you still need more $ for GPU HS/F kit. After all that it's fairly good, which I assume means it's worst than the stock cooler?

The problem is these kits aren't designed for just the 4870/90, so they just don't cut it. Thermalright is supposed to making a cooler just for the 4870/90.
http://en.expreview.com/2009/0...0-gets-reviewed.html/4

 

[kipliq]

Originally posted by: SlowSpyder

Originally posted by: kipliq
should i purchase the card now or should I wait till prices drop? or will it drop in a month?

Go for it and be happy that you can enjoy it now instead of maybe saving $15 in a month or so. Happy gaming..!

That is a nice price, I usually purchase from newegg. Is that store trusted? If it is I'll be ordering my new card asap.

That site is charging me 45, next day shipping to hawaii or 35 for ground lol.

 

[kipliq]

.

 

[error8]

Originally posted by: kipliq


I figure this should last me 5 years like my old x850xt lol I hope.

No card should last that much, considering how fast the technology evolves today. In 2014 you'll be playing your games at 320X240 on this card, that if they even run at all.

 

[saiga6360]

Thumbs up to the OP for getting the Vapour-X. I'm not regretting this card so far and I've been abusing the hell out of it. My machine needs more airflow however as it is starting to get warmer here back east.