4870 1GB > 512MB?

[mdamda]

I'm moving this 86GT to my spare computer, and I'm planning to get a GPU somewhere in the range of a 4870 or a GTX260. I'm hoping for a big difference and I really want this card to last.

I'm also willing to consider the 4850 CF (but only dualslot versions) and the NV GTX260, 'cause they're at the same price point anyway.

I'm considering picking up a powercolor 4870 PCS+ 1GB, above all the other 4870/4850 models. Reviews seem to say that the extra memory really isn't needed, but I game at 1680x1050, and if it will help future games, I'll get it.

I don't intend to upgrade anytime soon with this setup and will probably wait out nehalem, and with that this GPU will be the finishing piece.

Would anyone have any advice for me on what to get?

[deathman20]

Hmmm yes 1Gig is good, definatly better but at 1680x1050 your on the line if its worth it or not in some cases.

One thing to note the difference between ATI and nVidia with memory management is when ATI's memory gets filled it purges stuff its not needed, or something along that line and takes a small hit. nVidia try's retaining as much as possible and slow down considerably. At least thats what I've seen between the 2 card architectures. So having more memory is nice it won't be nearly as helpful as nVidia with mroe memory.

The 4870 is as well better over the 4850 due to the memory bandwidth increase. Giving it much needed performance which is in the end what is holding the 4850 back the most IMO. Otherwise I love my 4850's in CF, though as mentioned, dual slot cooler would be nice. I know my stock powercolor coolers does a decent job, but I know myself I'm going to get some aftermarket coolers on the puppy and increase the clocks.

For your setup you'll see the most benifit, from 1 card I have a feeling, non-CF/SLI. With a quad at just 3.2Ghz it will partially limit the ability of performance out of the CF'ed cards. So if you can score a nice 4870 1Gig I'd probably recommened it which will give future game options that added memory for more performance, if not a 512 will do just as nice. And later upgrading to 2 cards would be an option still since a 9800GX2 getting 2 won't be to much of an option since Quad-SLI sucks, Quad CF isn't much better either though.

[mdamda]

The CPU is running 3.6 stable at the moment (prime + crysis warhead), so I think I can rule out any CPU bottlenecks at this point.

The (old) GTX260 looks like its trading blows with the 4870 at the moment - seeing as they're in the same price point kinda baffles me on which to get. The 216 isn't looking so hot - it's a tad more expensive.

Maybe a 4870 512 isn't so bad, but I'd like something that will hold me at the monitor's native 1680x1050 for a while. If the 4870 won't see a decent performance gain from doubling the memory, maybe the 512mb version is the better buy over the 1gb.

[deathman20]

In Crysis, we'll its a memory hog, so if anything you might see the most benifit to the memory out there from that game. You'd really have to check the reviews to see which is truely the best.

1680x1050, though is a nice rez, and a 4870 I'd say will hold its ground for a while there. At 1920x1200 the 4870 holds its ground in most games with just a single card so it should be golden at that res for the price point.

[CGR]

Some games fare better than others with the 1gb.

http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=3415&p=1

[Zurvan]

Not a bad investment to get 1GB version, considering you want it to last some time. Its not only 1 GB memory, but more importantly its an extra 512MB GDDR5
Games will be increasingly more demanding, why not the 1GB for just a few more bucks

[WorshipMe]

Only if you're running 1920x1200 or above is the 1GB of VRAM on the HD 4870 models worth it. Since you're running 1680x1050, just save your money and go with the standard 512MB card. Heck, even a HD 4850 would be fine for that res. I run 1600x1200 on a HD 4850 and the only game I can't play on max is Crysis (did I say game?)

[xtkxhom3r]

if you can afford it bro do it

if your going to starve your self till the next paycheck because you spent all your lunch money on the card then get the regular one...

[Dapman02]

Only if you're running 1920x1200 or above is the 1GB of VRAM on the HD 4870 models worth it. Since you're running 1680x1050, just save your money and go with the standard 512MB card. Heck, even a HD 4850 would be fine for that res. I run 1600x1200 on a HD 4850 and the only game I can't play on max is Crysis (did I say game?)

I wouldn't go that far, I run at 1680 x 1050 and I noticed a fairly big difference between the 4850 and 4870 on the same system. I am able to play crysis max with not too much of a problem.

[mdamda]

Hey all. Just to update.

Pulled the trigger on the Palit Sonic Dual 4870 1GB.

Was deciding between that and the Powercolor PCS+ 4870 1GB.

The powercolor was about 25 USD more expensive, so I took the cheaper card since both are much better than the stock cooler anyway.

Card will be arriving in three days.

Thanks for all your inputs!

[Dapman02]

Hey all. Just to update.

Pulled the trigger on the Palit Sonic Dual 4870 1GB.

Was deciding between that and the Powercolor PCS+ 4870 1GB.

The powercolor was about 25 USD more expensive, so I took the cheaper card since both are much better than the stock cooler anyway.

Card will be arriving in three days.

Thanks for all your inputs!

Actually, the stock cooler is good after you crank the fan to 50 percent. keeps my overclocked 4870 at 50 degrees all day.

[mdamda]

What's funny is that the palit was actually the cheapest 4870 1GB available at the store.

I suppose that the cooler won't matter then.