Where to go if considering replacing 4870 1gb

[Cisco Kid]

Currently running a HIS 4870 1GB, card runs well with my X4 955 at 3.6 w 8gb ram on MSI GD70 790FX Xfire board. 1900x1200 is my res prefer detail if possible. Using a Coolermaster HAF 932 case temps are all good

Don't want to break the bank on a new card, have thought about. I could always go with another 4870 for xfire but increased heat,power .. not sure if thats a good route

5770
5850
4890

Is the 4890 the best route to go as I plan to buy some of the newer games out currently and don't think the 4870 will cut it too much longer, unsure if DX11 is that imp now, on the Nvidia side only card I have considered is gtx275, is there really anything else without breaking bank or should I just hold out? I have not been paying too much attention as of late to whats happening

[Gwiggles]

The 5850 is a great card. One of my friend plays with a similar system, but he has a 5850 and he's able to run anything he wants at 1920x1080.

If I were you, I wouldn't buy a 4 series card now that the 5 series out because, as I understand it, ATI has essentially re-branded all the 4 series cards as 5 series with DX11 and some other new features.

[CharlieCS]

The 5850 is a great card. One of my friend plays with a similar system, but he has a 5850 and he's able to run anything he wants at 1920x1080.

If I were you, I wouldn't buy a 4 series card now that the 5 series out because, as I understand it, ATI has essentially re-branded all the 4 series cards as 5 series with DX11 and some other new features.

You understand it very wrong , ati 5xxx series are all new chips fresh from TSMC oven .

That sad sisco , if you have the dough and want to stick with a single card go for the 5850 anything else you listed will not be a significant upgrade.And considering 4870 is now EOL , most places sell them at 170$ , which is not a good price.4870 CF will match 5850 , but like you sad using likely 2 or more times the power , and when we are talking 160-200 watts it actually does make a difference .

[Gwiggles]

You understand it very wrong , ati 5xxx series are all new chips fresh from TSMC oven .

I worded that horribly. The 5 series are all new chips, but the lower end ones have the same specs as some of the 4 series cards, essentially being a re-branding with new features? Is that more or less correct or should I just stop talking.

[CharlieCS]

I worded that horribly. The 5 series are all new chips, but the lower end ones have the same specs as some of the 4 series cards, essentially being a re-branding with new features? Is that more or less correct or should I just stop talking.

nope not even remotely re-branding , lower end cards are just maxed out for what they are , for example there is no reason to increase number of shaders on lower end cards like 5350 , most people who buy these use them for HTPC and they do great job as it is and when produced on new node they consume less power which is another bonus for the same market.But 4xxx and 5xxx series are the same architecture , with minor tweaks .

srry for jacking the thread:p

[Gwiggles]

nope not even remotely re-branding , lower end cards are just maxed out for what they are , for example there is no reason to increase number of shaders on lower end cards like 5350 , most people who buy these use them for HTPC and they do great job as it is and when produced on new node they consume less power which is another bonus for the same market.But 4xxx and 5xxx series are the same architecture , with minor tweaks .

srry for jacking the thread:p

I think I'm using "Re-branding" incorrectly then. :santa:

[bda1967]

I think you should grab a 5850. The price won't break the bank and the performance will be fine at 1920 x 1200. DX11 too.

[EarthDog]

I second the 5850 notion. If not for DX11, just for its raw speed in general.

[Cisco Kid]

replies guys. A second 4870 is enticing finding one used for about 120ca but with the added heat, increased power consumption and hassle of Xfire with performance equal to a 5850 without dx 11 I guess the 5850 is the only route to go.

I am working on a guy selling a 2 mth old one locally trying to get him to consider my $250 offer , it is gigabyte bought at newegg.com for 310US with receipt for warranty as well, would be relatively cheap upgrade after selling my 4870 and then I can leave my box alone for a while. I am just finding that a few games I want to buy will not work to great at 1900x1200 w detail with the 4870

So I will wait a while if no bite on my offer for something to pop up sooner or later as I always prefer to buy used over new for the savings ...

[vixro]

I just went from a 4870 1GB to a 5870 and I love the performance, I did lay out $400 though. I haven't listed my Sapphire 4870 yet in the classifieds, but I plan to since it's just been sitting here on my desk for 2 weeks.

[ratbuddy]

5770
5850
4890

Is the 4890 the best route to go as I plan to buy some of the newer games out currently and don't think the 4870 will cut it too much longer

5770 or 4890 are only marginally faster than the 4870. Don't bother unless you go to at least a 5850 or crossfired 4870s. Another good option is selling your 4870 and getting crossfired 5770s. Should end up costing about the same as a 5850 but perform better.

[vixro]

5770 or 4890 are only marginally faster than the 4870. Don't bother unless you go to at least a 5850 or crossfired 4870s. Another good option is selling your 4870 and getting crossfired 5770s. Should end up costing about the same as a 5850 but perform better.

Yes, do not forget that your 4870 still has good resale value as it plays pretty much everything new just great!

[Cisco Kid]

5770 or 4890 are only marginally faster than the 4870. Don't bother unless you go to at least a 5850 or crossfired 4870s. Another good option is selling your 4870 and getting crossfired 5770s. Should end up costing about the same as a 5850 but perform better.

Well I ended up getting a used Gigabyte 5850 from local seller, card was bought Jan 29-2010 from newegg.com, he decided it was way more than what he needed & he downgraded to a used used 260 9yeah we have all downgraded at some time and I learn't my lesson, lol). I snagged it for $260CA and have sold my 4870 pending for $130 shipped, roughly $140 to upgrade which I think is fair for what is pretty much a new retail box 5850 w receipt and warranty. Good savings since locally the card is $330 plus tax here in Vancouver at ncix.com

I much rather would prefer the single card solution... Installed it and wow is all I can say big jump!