Which path to take with new monitor

[cmdrdredd]

I just ordered a BenQ 24" from newegg today and I got to thinking of what to do if my 512MB 4870 is not enough to power my games at 1900x1200.

What would be the best path to take with my system. As I see it I have the following 3 options. I would overclock every option.

1) Get a 1GB 4870 to replace the 512MB version which is ~$265
2) Get a GTX260 Core 216 which is ~$260
3) Get a new PSU which would be ~$105 + A GTX280 which is ~$430 = $535

Option 1 and 2 are obviously more economical, but I'm not sure of the performance difference between the 1GB 4870 and the GTX260 Core 216. Is there a site that has a recent review that compares them in new games so it's easier to determine? Most sites don't overclock the cards and compare which makes my decision harder since I will be overclocking. Does overclocking these cards make either one stand out over the other? How close are these cards to the GTX280 when overclocked?

Forgive my numerous questions. I just want the best choice assuming I'm not satisfied with my 512MB card at 1900x1200.

 

[faxon]

a core 216 can be overclocked well up to the performance of a 280 from what i read. i dont know about the 4870. honestly the GTX280 probably isnt worth it either way, considering how easy it is to overclock a 216 with coolbits lol

 

[cmdrdredd]

Yeah, Man I wish there was a solid comparison of these cards using the same settings and games. Hardocp has one per game, but they show "highest playable settings" which means each card uses different settings. That really doesn't tell me which one is faster since they turn things down to what they consider playable for them.

Anyone else have any information?

 

[Flipped Gazelle]

Originally posted by: cmdrdredd
Yeah, Man I wish there was a solid comparison of these cards using the same settings and games. Hardocp has one per game, but they show "highest playable settings" which means each card uses different settings. That really doesn't tell me which one is faster since they turn things down to what they consider playable for them.

Anyone else have any information?

Techreport.com?

 

[cmdrdredd]

Read that article at techreport and they compared an overclocked GTX260 to a stock 4870 *shrug*

 

[Flipped Gazelle]

Originally posted by: cmdrdredd
Read that article at techreport and they compared an overclocked GTX260 to a stock 4870 *shrug*

Use your imagination... If you know how much you can OC your 4870, you can extrapolate the r4870 results from Techreport to give you an estimate of the performance.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: Flipped Gazelle

Originally posted by: cmdrdredd
Read that article at techreport and they compared an overclocked GTX260 to a stock 4870 *shrug*

Use your imagination... If you know how much you can OC your 4870, you can extrapolate the r4870 results from Techreport to give you an estimate of the performance.

Not really since the 1GB 4870 overclocks pretty poorly. The 512MB cards overclock well, but then at high rez they run out of memory and that extra power is useless.

I think I'll be going with a GTX260 Core 216 because it comes with a free copy of Far Cry 2 if for no other reason.

 

[apoppin]

Get a GTX280 and OC the hell out of it; they are going pretty cheap now too
- PSes are on sale from what i can see also

first try 280 stock with your current PS; perhaps you may not need to OC it .. 36A on the 12v rail would not be a deal-breaker for me - especially with only 2HDs and an OC'd QC

I think I'll be going with a GTX260 Core 216

i think you will be disappointed unless you are not expecting much and can sell your 4870 for little to no loss and really like FC2 [$25 value, maybe]
--it really isn't that much of an Upgrade

.. more like a side-grade notch up imo.

EDIT: PS OCZ 700w for $50 from newegg free shipping after $40 MiR

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817341002

 

[cmdrdredd]

I should just grab a new PSU anyway...so that in the future, I don't have to think about whether it's enough for a new card.

edit: ordered a new PSU...ended up ordering a Corsair 750TX from newegg. It has 4x 6+2pin PCI-E connectors and 60A on the +12v rail. $104.99 - $35 MIR = $69.99

It seemed like the best one for my needs present and future. That way I could always add in a GTX280 or 4870 x2 later and still have some headroom.

 

[themisfit610]

That's a great deal on the Corsair! I paid more than that a year ago for the 520HX!

I'd wait to see how your 4870 does. I'm happy with my 8800gt, and I too have a 24" BenQ. Then again, the only game I play seriously is WoW.

If you play a lot of Far Cry 2, a GTX280 might be a good bet I think it's a cleaner solution than a 4870x2. Also, make sure you have room for one of those monster cards. I dropped a GTX260 in my system to test it out (client bought it, I was curious). While it worked fine, it blocked 4 out of my 6 SATA port. Since I have 5 SATA devices, this really sucked

~MiSfit

~MiSfit

 

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: themisfit610
That's a great deal on the Corsair! I paid more than that a year ago for the 520HX!

I'd wait to see how your 4870 does. I'm happy with my 8800gt, and I too have a 24" BenQ. Then again, the only game I play seriously is WoW.

If you play a lot of Far Cry 2, a GTX280 might be a good bet I think it's a cleaner solution than a 4870x2. Also, make sure you have room for one of those monster cards. I dropped a GTX260 in my system to test it out (client bought it, I was curious). While it worked fine, it blocked 4 out of my 6 SATA port. Since I have 5 SATA devices, this really sucked

~MiSfit

~MiSfit

My SATA ports lay flat (point toward front of case sideways) so that's not a problem. I will however have to remove my HDD tray to make room for it, then move that HDD somewhere else. I'll have to figure that out.

I am leaning toward the GTX280 because I'm still somewhat skeptical of crossfire, SLI, and multi GPU solutions that rely on CF or SLI to function.

Then again, I am obviously going to evaluate my current card's performance and decide if its worth it. The new PSU would be good for the future anyway. Not a bad upgrade. I may be able to wait for the next line of cards and buy then.

 

[Qbah]

http://xbitlabs.com/articles/v...adeon-hd4870-1024.html

There, both Radeons and all 3 GTX cards. Each stock and OCed. Each at your resolution too (1920x1200). Happy reading

 

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: Qbah
http://xbitlabs.com/articles/v...adeon-hd4870-1024.html

There, both Radeons and all 3 GTX cards. Each stock and OCed. Each at your resolution too (1920x1200). Happy reading

Thanks for the link.

and I just measured it, the card will fit right in without moving my HDD tray at all. Just route the wires around the card to accommodate.

Thanks for all the suggestions...racking my brain trying to think of the best solution.