Which 5870 is the one for me?

[looper]

Some folks here like the PowerColor. I'm leaning to that one, as it is basically the same length as my current EVGA nVidia 280. I have mid-tower case size restrictions (10 1/2").

Do I have other choices? I need the shorter length 5870. I will probably not OC the card. I want the best warranty/customer service, as opposed to the fastest. Specific card recommendations will be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[solofly]

If you 're limited with space I would consider a new case if I were you...

 

[Ares202]

if you dont have room by a 5850 and overlock it above 5870 clocks

even if you get identical clocks the 5870 is a mere 5% faster

 

[SlowSpyder]

If you're not overclocking, you might like the card I have. The Sapphire VaporX cards are very quiet, but because they are non-reference you cannot tweak the voltage to get those 1GHz+ overclocks. I still was able to get a decent overclock, though.

But it'll fit in your case, and I believe it has a 2 year warranty (maybe 3 year? I forget)... not the best, but pretty average among the different AIB's. Anyway, Visiontek and XFX offer the best warranties, lifetime for Visiontek and double lifetime for XFX. But, I don't know if they have any models that will fit in your case, I don't know if the reference card is longer than 10.5"... it might not be, but I just don't know off the top of my head.

Anyway, the VaporX card is shorter than the reference, is very, very quiet, and comes with a pretty average warranty. I'm just throwing it out there as another option since it may fit your needs. Good luck with whatever you get!

*edit

Card I have: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102872 (it is a 2 year warranty)

As someone else said above, an overclocked 5850 would give you 5870 performance and fit in your case. XFX's warranty covers overclocking I believe, so you could get that, it'll fit and have a great warranty, overclock it and save a few bucks while having no fitment issues and have a great warranty. Just a thought.

 

[ayabe]

I second the Vapo-X recommendation, I really love mine, it's whisper quiet. Right now Egg is selling them for like $60 more than I paid for mine, which sucks.

For reference, the card is almost exactly the same size as my outgoing 260 GTX which will fit in most cases I believe with no issues.