Which card to get?

[SyaoranLi]

So I can't really decide from reviews which card I should get.

I currently have a ATi 4850 and was looking at the ATi 4870 or the EVGA GTX260 (216 Core) Superclocked.

Difference in price for me is about $20-30 between the cards. There is a slim chance I could afford a 4870 X2 since you can get some for $400(about $160 more than a GTX 260). But I don't know if the X2 is worth $160 more.

I could also just get another 4850 and Crossfire them since my board is a Gigabyte GA-X48-DQ6 and supports CrossfireX.

Any suggestions?

 

[ther00kie16]

single card: definitely 260 (216 or 192) because new drivers seem to push it past the 4870 and 4870 1gb is more expensive.
if you want multi-gpu, then by all means get a 2nd 4850.

 

[manimal]

+1 get 2nd 4850 and be happy with it. If you wanna go crazy put a better cooler on em.

 

[dguy6789]

Neither the 4870 nor the GTX260 Core 216 are decent upgrades from a 4850. Getting another 4850 and running Crossfire would be a much better upgrade.

 

[Tempered81]

4850 crossfire

you can buy a New 4850 on ebay for about $100 after Cashback

 

[Spike]

Originally posted by: ther00kie16
single card: definitely 260 (216 or 192) because new drivers seem to push it past the 4870 and 4870 1gb is more expensive.
if you want multi-gpu, then by all means get a 2nd 4850.

I have to agree with this. For a single card the GTX 260 216 seems to edge out the 4870 1G and for a little less $. But since you have a 4850 neither is a great upgrade when compared to going crossfire. Just remember that not all games will scale perfectly but those that do (and that seems to be most) will be wonderful to play.

 

[nRollo]

Originally posted by: dguy6789
Neither the 4870 nor the GTX260 Core 216 are decent upgrades from a 4850. Getting another 4850 and running Crossfire would be a much better upgrade.

Disagree.

If he wants Crossfire, he needs 4870X2. A 512MB card is not the way to go these days when even 4X AA will run over 512MB RAM use at 16X10 for many modern games.

Also, both the 1GB 4870 and GTX260Core216 are a BIG step up from the HD4850. (and yes I've used a 4850 and Core216, besides reading the reviews)

 

[error8]

Originally posted by: nRollo

Also, both the 1GB 4870 and GTX260Core216 are a BIG step up from the HD4850. (and yes I've used a 4850 and Core216, besides reading the reviews)

Usually, they're not a big step up from the 4850, if he plays games at bellow 1920X1200.

 

[dug777]

Originally posted by: nRollo

Originally posted by: dguy6789
Neither the 4870 nor the GTX260 Core 216 are decent upgrades from a 4850. Getting another 4850 and running Crossfire would be a much better upgrade.

Disagree.

If he wants Crossfire, he needs 4870X2. A 512MB card is not the way to go these days when even 4X AA will run over 512MB RAM use at 16X10 for many modern games.

Also, both the 1GB 4870 and GTX260Core216 are a BIG step up from the HD4850. (and yes I've used a 4850 and Core216, besides reading the reviews)

Our of honest curiousity, how does a 4850 CF stack up against a 260 216?

In response to your 4xAA comment, I do argue that it's note quite that simple. I can report considerable gains from my 4850 at 790/1028 over stock at 16x12 using over 4xAA, even in COD4, which means my mem isn't closing me out, I think...

http://forums.anandtech.com/me...242119&highlight_key=y

That's with my slow-poke Q6600 at stock

 

[SniperWulf]

another vote for 4850 Crossfire. You could also get an aftermarket cooler (if yours doesn't already) and OC the GPU a bit. I put a pair of these on my 4850s and the temps dropped like 40C

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16835106112

 

[nemesismk2]

The 4870 and GTX260 offer very similar performance so buy the cheapest!

 

[chizow]

What resolution are you running and what games are giving you an urge to upgrade? That would give us a better indication whether or not a single card would be enough to satisfy you or not.

Anyways, I would strongly recommend against 4850CF and I would ignore any input from those recommending it unless they specifically run CF or have experience with it. People here love to blindly give advice but if problems pop up, they're more likely to blame you than the product itself:

4850 CF Problems
There's a massive thread over on AMD's forums about it as well.

I'd also highly recommend against spending a penny more on after-market cooling on something like the 4850. Not only is there evidence that the after-market cooling is insufficient to properly cool the PWMs, spending more money will largely negate any cost-savings over a more expensive card that runs faster and has better cooling by default.

I'd spend more on a single 4870 1GB or GTX 260 c216 and sell your HD4850 for $100 or so.

 

[Creig]

Originally posted by: chizow
Anyways, I would strongly recommend against 4850CF and I would ignore any input from those recommending it unless they specifically run CF or have experience with it. People here love to blindly give advice but if problems pop up, they're more likely to blame you than the product itself

Are you currently running (or have experience with) 4850CF? If not, then you're just as blindly giving advice against it.


SyaoranLi, what resolutuion do you intend to game at? Also, do you have a power supply that can handle a 2nd 4850? These are two important questions that can help us determine if upgrading to a faster single card or picking up a 2nd 4850 for CF would be the best option for you.

 

[chizow]

Originally posted by: Creig
Are you currently running (or have experience with) 4850CF? If not, then you're just as blindly giving advice against it.

Nope, I don't need to run it to link to a problem that is pervasive with 4850CF + Vista 64 + 8.11 drivers. Do I need to link to the ATI thread or list the myriad disadvantages multi-GPU over single-GPU or are you going to acknowledge them as largely accepted reality?

 

[SlowSpyder]

Originally posted by: chizow

Originally posted by: Creig
Are you currently running (or have experience with) 4850CF? If not, then you're just as blindly giving advice against it.

Nope, I don't need to run it to link to a problem that is pervasive with 4850CF + Vista 64 + 8.11 drivers. Do I need to link to the ATI thread or list the myriad disadvantages multi-GPU over single-GPU or are you going to acknowledge them as largely accepted reality?

So it's not ok for people to suggest buying another 4850 for CF (seeing as he already has one) that don't have experience with CF? But it's ok for you to, without any first hand experience, tell him to stay away from CF because there are known problems with Vista 64 and WoW/FC2 with Cat. 8.11's? I see two people in this thread that have 4850 CF setup that both recommended it to the OP.

For the record I prefer a single GPU myself, but seeing as actual CF 4850 users are recommending it as well as the OP is thinking about a 4870x2 so he's obviously open to multi-GPU solutions I don't see what the problem is here with suggesting a second 4850.

 

[OCNewbie]

Originally posted by: chizow
I'd also highly recommend against spending a penny more on after-market cooling on something like the 4850. Not only is there evidence that the after-market cooling is insufficient to properly cool the PWMs, spending more money will largely negate any cost-savings over a more expensive card that runs faster and has better cooling by default.

I'd spend more on a single 4870 1GB or GTX 260 c216 and sell your HD4850 for $100 or so.

Seconded

 

[chizow]

Originally posted by: SlowSpyder
So it's not ok for people to suggest buying another 4850 for CF (seeing as he already has one) that don't have experience with CF? But it's ok for you to, without any first hand experience, tell him to stay away from CF because there are known problems with Vista 64 and WoW/FC2 with Cat. 8.11's? I see two people in this thread that have 4850 CF setup that both recommended it to the OP.

For the record I prefer a single GPU myself, but seeing as actual CF 4850 users are recommending it as well as the OP is thinking about a 4870x2 so he's obviously open to multi-GPU solutions I don't see what the problem is here with suggesting a second 4850.

Yep, I'm making him aware of well-known issues that aren't going to do him much good if he finds out on his own later. I'd never make a recommendation on these forums if I wouldn't do the same with my own money. Knowing there are well-known issues with CF and current drivers, I could never make a recommendation for CF right now in good conscience, which is more than I can say for others here.....

 

[SyaoranLi]

Thanks for all of the responses so far

I've had a X1950XTX Crossfire setup and it didn't show any improvement in games. Although I think that was more because games were not even trying to use Crossfire like they are now. The stock heatsink for my Asus 4850 works perfectly fine. Card is around 45-60C under load with fan speed at 50%. I was also planning on selling the card for $100 after anyway

Current games would be Frycry 2, Warhammer Online, Left 4 Dead, Call of Duty: World at War, Tomb Raider Underworld, and eventually Mirror's Edge. I run all games at 1680x1050.

I got a bit extra cash flow than I thought I did so I could get a 4870 X2 but some people seem to be having problems with that and WAR. I could also just get a GTX260 and get another 260 down the road. I do have access to a decent SLI board (ASUS Striker II).

System is:
C2Q 9550 @ 3.3GHZ, 4GB PC8500 G-Skill, 2 x 150GB WD Raptor, 1.5TB 7200 RPM Seagate, Gigabyte GA-X48-DQ6, Vista Business 32-bit (might put on the 64-bit soon), Thermaltake Toughpower 700W (Don't know if this is good enough for a 4870 X2).

 

[Creig]

Originally posted by: SyaoranLi
Thanks for all of the responses so far

I've had a X1950XTX Crossfire setup and it didn't show any improvement in games. Although I think that was more because games were not even trying to use Crossfire like they are now. The stock heatsink for my Asus 4850 works perfectly fine. Card is around 45-60C under load with fan speed at 50%. I was also planning on selling the card for $100 after anyway

Current games would be Frycry 2, Warhammer Online, Left 4 Dead, Call of Duty: World at War, Tomb Raider Underworld, and eventually Mirror's Edge. I run all games at 1680x1050.

I got a bit extra cash flow than I thought I did so I could get a 4870 X2 but some people seem to be having problems with that and WAR. I could also just get a GTX260 and get another 260 down the road. I do have access to a decent SLI board (ASUS Striker II).

System is:
C2Q 9550 @ 3.3GHZ, 4GB PC8500 G-Skill, 2 x 150GB WD Raptor, 1.5TB 7200 RPM Seagate, Gigabyte GA-X48-DQ6, Vista Business 32-bit (might put on the 64-bit soon), Thermaltake Toughpower 700W (Don't know if this is good enough for a 4870 X2).

At 1680x1050 with a 700W Thermaltake PS, I would say just go for another 4850. You have more than enough power to drive them both, and 1680x1050 isn't going to overwhelm a 512MB card unless you turn up to 8x AA. And even then it will only be on certain titles. I currently run anywhere between 1680x1050 to 1920x1200 on my single 512MB 4850 and have been perfectly happy with it.

As has been previously mentioned however, multi-GPU setups do have drawbacks compared to single-GPU setups. You may want to research some 4850 Crossfire benchmarks yourself to see if any title you're particularly interested in has troubles in CF.

I'm currently waffling on whether to pick up another 512MB 4850 and run Crossfire myself or get a 1GB card. My situation is slightly different than yours as I currently have an HTPC with a 3870 in it and my 4850 would go to replace it. Then the 3870 would replace an aging X1800XT in another computer. Thus I can upgrade three systems by purchasing only one card. Nothing like getting a good bang for your buck!

 

[Leyawiin]

If you're bent on getting rid of the HD 4850 (and think you can sell it for enough to make it worth it) I'd go for either the HD 4870 1GB or the GTX 260 (216). The real deal clincher are the titles you play (Nvidia or ATI friendly) and the price you can get. You really can't go wrong with either. I have a factory OC'd GTX 260 and I love it (especially after the release of the 180.48 drivers). The ONLY reason I have it though was ATI was being way too leisurely about introducing a 1GB model of the HD 4870. If they had them for sale in this country in August I would have been just as thrilled with one of those.

 

[chizow]

Originally posted by: SyaoranLi
Thanks for all of the responses so far

I've had a X1950XTX Crossfire setup and it didn't show any improvement in games. Although I think that was more because games were not even trying to use Crossfire like they are now. The stock heatsink for my Asus 4850 works perfectly fine. Card is around 45-60C under load with fan speed at 50%. I was also planning on selling the card for $100 after anyway

Current games would be Frycry 2, Warhammer Online, Left 4 Dead, Call of Duty: World at War, Tomb Raider Underworld, and eventually Mirror's Edge. I run all games at 1680x1050.

I got a bit extra cash flow than I thought I did so I could get a 4870 X2 but some people seem to be having problems with that and WAR. I could also just get a GTX260 and get another 260 down the road. I do have access to a decent SLI board (ASUS Striker II).

System is:
C2Q 9550 @ 3.3GHZ, 4GB PC8500 G-Skill, 2 x 150GB WD Raptor, 1.5TB 7200 RPM Seagate, Gigabyte GA-X48-DQ6, Vista Business 32-bit (might put on the 64-bit soon), Thermaltake Toughpower 700W (Don't know if this is good enough for a 4870 X2).

At 1680 with the rest of your components and the games you listed, I'd definitely go with a single card over CF, especially since those 4850 only have 512MB. Here's a recent review with both parts you're considering with many of the games you listed:

GTX 260 c216 vs 4870 1GB (both overclocked)

Benefits of more VRAM even at 1680

A single GTX 280 also runs WAR great at 1920 with 4xAA, so a single 260 or 4870 1GB should work there too for you at 1680.

 

[SyaoranLi]

Thanks Chizow and everyone else.

Think I'll go with the GTX 260+ for now. Then switch up to a 24in monitor a few months later.

 

[OCNewbie]

If you have the money now, you can get a brand new MSI GTX 260 for $158.88 final cost.

Here

 

[zerocool84]

Originally posted by: chizow

Originally posted by: SyaoranLi
Thanks for all of the responses so far

I've had a X1950XTX Crossfire setup and it didn't show any improvement in games. Although I think that was more because games were not even trying to use Crossfire like they are now. The stock heatsink for my Asus 4850 works perfectly fine. Card is around 45-60C under load with fan speed at 50%. I was also planning on selling the card for $100 after anyway

Current games would be Frycry 2, Warhammer Online, Left 4 Dead, Call of Duty: World at War, Tomb Raider Underworld, and eventually Mirror's Edge. I run all games at 1680x1050.

I got a bit extra cash flow than I thought I did so I could get a 4870 X2 but some people seem to be having problems with that and WAR. I could also just get a GTX260 and get another 260 down the road. I do have access to a decent SLI board (ASUS Striker II).

System is:
C2Q 9550 @ 3.3GHZ, 4GB PC8500 G-Skill, 2 x 150GB WD Raptor, 1.5TB 7200 RPM Seagate, Gigabyte GA-X48-DQ6, Vista Business 32-bit (might put on the 64-bit soon), Thermaltake Toughpower 700W (Don't know if this is good enough for a 4870 X2).

At 1680 with the rest of your components and the games you listed, I'd definitely go with a single card over CF, especially since those 4850 only have 512MB. Here's a recent review with both parts you're considering with many of the games you listed:

GTX 260 c216 vs 4870 1GB (both overclocked)

Benefits of more VRAM even at 1680

A single GTX 280 also runs WAR great at 1920 with 4xAA, so a single 260 or 4870 1GB should work there too for you at 1680.

Damn the 9800GT is almost on par with a 4950.